According to TREC Standards of Practice, a real estate inspection is a non-technically exhaustive, non-invasive, limited visual survey and basic performance evaluation of the systems and components of a building using normal controls and does not require the use of specialized equipment or procedures. 

The purpose of the inspection is to provide the client with information regarding the general condition of the residence at the time of inspection. The inspector may provide a higher level of inspection performance than required by the standards of practice and may inspect components and systems in addition to those described by the standards of practice.

Building components that are defective, incorrectly installed or simply missing, can produce moisture related problems. Moisture intrusion into a building can cause major structural damage and can threaten the safety of its occupants. When you know what a properly installed building component looks like, then recognizing an installation defect is easy. A well constructed and well maintained home can protect the occupants, increase their comfort and lower their energy and repair costs. 

The inspector is only required to report upon the defects that he/she can visually observe and deem it to be material to property; or deem it to pose a safety hazard to life or limb. 

A defect is, in the reasonable judgment of the inspector, a condition that:

(A) adversely and materially affects the performance of a system, or component; or

(B) constitutes a hazard to life, limb, or property as specified by TREC standards of practice.

After a property inspection is performed, the inspector shall prepare a written inspection report noting observed deficiencies and other items required to be reported; and deliver the report to the person for whom the inspection was performed within three days (72 hours) unless otherwise agreed in writing by the client.

An inspection report is meant to provide to the client the inspector’s opinions and findings on the standard form as required, including the following systems: 

• I.Structural Systems ( foundation, grading and drainage, roof covering materials, roof structures, walls, ceiling, floors, doors, windows, stairways, fireplaces and chimneys, porches, balconies, decks, garages and carports; 
• II.Electrical Systems ( service entrance and panels, branch circuits, light fixtures) 
• III. Heating , Ventilation and Air Conditioning Systems ( Heating/ Cooling Equipment, Duct Systems and Vents)
• IV. Plumbing Systems (supply , distribution and fixtures, drains, waste and vents, Hydro-Massage Equipment), 
• V. Appliances ( Dishwashers, Food Waste Disposers, Range Hood and Exhaust, Ranges, Cooktops, and Ovens, Microwave Ovens, Mechanical Exhaust Vents, Garage Door Operators, Dryer Exhaust Systems). 

The inspector is not required to inspect:

 (ii) elevators;

 (iii) detached buildings, decks, docks, fences, or waterfront structures or equipment;

 (iv) anything buried, hidden, latent, or concealed;

 (v) sub-surface drainage systems;

 (vi) automated or programmable control systems, automatic shut-off, photoelectric sensors, timers, clocks, metering devices, signal lights, lightning arrestor system, remote controls, security or data distribution systems, solar panels or smart home automation components; 

 (vii) nor is he required to determine: 

 (viii)

 (ii) the presence or absence of pests, termites, or other wood-destroying insects or organisms;

 (iii) the presence, absence, or risk of asbestos, lead- based paint, mold, mildew, corrosive or contaminated drywall “Chinese Drywall” or any other environmental hazard, environmental pathogen, carcinogen, toxin, mycotoxin, pollutant, fungal presence or activity, or poison;

 (iv) types of wood or preservative treatment and fastener compatibility; or

 (v) the cause or source of a condition;

 (D) anticipate future events or conditions, including decay, deterioration, or damage that may occur after the inspection;

 (ii) deficiencies from abuse, misuse or lack of use;