Houston Home Inspections

A TREC home inspection is a limited visual survey and basic performance evaluation of the systems and components required by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) Standards of Practice (SOP). The inspection provides information about the general condition of the property at the time of the inspection. Required systems and components are inspected to the extent they are present, visible, and accessible within the scope of the SOP.

No. A TREC home inspection is not a technically exhaustive inspection or comprehensive investigation of the property. The inspector evaluates accessible systems and components within the scope of the SOP but is not required to inspect concealed, hidden, buried, or otherwise inaccessible conditions. Destructive testing and certain specialized procedures are also outside the standard inspection scope.

Yes. The TREC Standards of Practice include the applicable roof and foundation systems within the scope of a general home inspection. The inspector evaluates accessible components and reports observed conditions and deficiencies required by the SOP. The inspection does not involve destructive testing or uncovering concealed conditions.

No. A TREC home inspection is not a code-compliance inspection. The inspection is performed according to the TREC Standards of Practice and is not intended to determine compliance with building codes, manufacturer installation instructions, or other requirements outside the scope of the inspection.

Not necessarily. A TREC home inspection is not intended to be a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause or effect of deficiencies. When an observed condition warrants additional investigation, the inspector may recommend further evaluation by an appropriately qualified specialist or contractor.

No. A standard TREC home inspection does not determine the presence or absence of termites or other wood-destroying insects or organisms. A separate Wood-Destroying Insect (WDI) inspection can be performed when requested and is conducted under the applicable Texas Department of Agriculture requirements.

No. Environmental testing for mold, asbestos, lead-based paint, or other environmental hazards is outside the scope of a standard TREC home inspection. When conditions observed during the inspection warrant additional investigation or testing, the inspector may recommend evaluation by an appropriately qualified specialist.

Yes. As an additional service to our clients, Frontline Inspections includes thermal imaging with our general home inspections. Thermal imaging can provide additional visual information about temperature differences that may warrant further evaluation. However, thermal imaging is not a substitute for the visual inspection required by TREC, is not required by the TREC Standards of Practice, and does not constitute an environmental, moisture, or infrared diagnostic inspection.

Learn more about thermal imaging.

Yes. We encourage clients to attend when practical and discuss questions with the inspector after the inspection. While attendance is not required, we encourage our clients to attend at least part of the inspection when practical. Many clients choose to meet with the inspector toward the end of the inspection to discuss general observations and questions. You are welcome to attend as much of the inspection as you would like, provided your presence does not create a safety concern or interfere with the inspection.

If you are unable to attend, your inspection report is designed to provide detailed information about the inspector's observations. You are also welcome to contact Frontline Inspections after receiving your report with questions about the findings.

If a required system or component cannot be inspected because it is inaccessible, concealed, unsafe, obstructed, or otherwise subject to a limitation under the TREC Standards of Practice, the applicable limitation will be addressed in the inspection report.

Per the TREC SOP,  “Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the client, the inspector shall:
(1) deliver the report to the client within two days of receipt of payment in full for the inspection; or
(2) if payment in full is received before the scheduled inspection, deliver the report to the client within two days of completion of the inspection.” 

At Frontline Inspections, we understand that inspection information is often needed promptly during a real estate transaction. Our goal is to provide the completed report as soon as practical.

Our supplemental inspection reports are detailed and may include photographs, videos, thermal images, and explanations of observed conditions.

View a Sample Inspection Report

No. A home inspection provides information about the condition of the property at the time of the inspection. It is not a warranty, guarantee, insurance policy, or prediction of future performance. Concealed, inaccessible, latent, or subsequently developing conditions may not be identified.

No. A general home inspection is not a substitute for specialty inspections or evaluations that may be appropriate for particular conditions or components. Depending on the property, additional services may include WDI/termite inspections, pool and spa inspections, septic inspections, water-well inspections, environmental testing, or evaluation by qualified specialists.

The TREC Property Inspection Report is the required report for a TREC-regulated inspection. Frontline Inspections may also provide a detailed supplemental report containing photographs, videos, thermal images, and additional information to help clients understand the inspector's observations.