Certified Checklist: What a TREC-Compliant Inspection Covers

How TREC Standards Protect Your Transaction

Fewer surprises at closing start with a standardized inspection you can trust. The Texas Real Estate Commission requires licensed inspectors to follow the Standards of Practice. Those standards define the minimum, non-invasive visual scope for residential inspections.

A TREC-compliant inspection evaluates structural, electrical, HVAC, plumbing systems, and installed appliances when present and accessible. Inspectors document defective items, add clear photos, and note whether a repair or replacement is needed. We deliver photo-backed reports, often the same day, so you can move faster in negotiations.

See our guide, 10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Home Inspector for tips on picking a qualified, licensed inspector.

Exactly what a TREC‑compliant inspection will (and won’t) check

Want a simple checklist for what the inspector will evaluate on site? Under Texas rules, a licensed inspector performs a non‑invasive visual survey of major systems that are present and accessible. See the Texas Real Estate Commission for the Standards of Practice.

On a TREC‑compliant inspection we cover the core systems below when they are visible and reachable. We document observable defects, add photos, and note whether items need repair or replacement.

• Structural systems, including foundation, grading and drainage, roof coverings, roof structure and attics, walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, fireplaces, chimneys, porches, and decks.
• Electrical systems, including service entrance, panels, branch circuits, switches, outlets, and visible fixtures.
• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, including heating and cooling equipment, ducting, chases, and vents.
• Plumbing systems, including water supply, fixtures, drains, water heaters, gas distribution, and visible hydro‑therapy equipment.
• Installed appliances, such as ranges, ovens, microwaves, dishwashers, food‑waste disposers, range hoods, dryer vents, and garage door operators.

What’s typically not included unless you ask for it

Some items are optional under TREC and are not part of the standard inspection unless you request them. If you want these evaluated, we can add them to the scope before the appointment.

• Swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs.
• Private water wells.
• Private sewage disposal systems, like septic tanks.
• Landscape irrigation and sprinkler systems.
• Detached outbuildings and other accessory structures.

These optional items are listed in the TREC rules and must be agreed upon separately before inspection. See the TREC rule for optional systems to plan ahead.

Non‑invasive limits you’ll see during the walkthrough

A TREC inspection is strictly visual and non‑destructive. Inspectors will not move furniture or stored items, dismantle equipment, or perform destructive testing.

If an area is inaccessible, we note that limitation in the report and explain why it was not inspected. We include clear photos and, when requested, deliver a same‑day report so you can act quickly.

If you want optional items inspected or have special access needs, tell us before the appointment. We’ll adjust the scope and plan so the report answers your biggest concerns.

How your inspection report becomes a repair‑ready checklist

Want a report you can actually use at negotiation time? We structure TREC‑compliant reports so the most important issues are obvious and actionable.

The REI 7‑6 Property Inspection Report is the standard form Texas inspectors use. That form and our workflow make findings easy to scan, with photos and a short summary up front. REI 7-6 Property Inspection Report

How each item is labeled

• Inspected (I) means the component was present and examined during the inspection.
• Not Inspected (NI) means we did not inspect that item, and we note the reason.
• Not Present (NP) means the system or component does not exist at the property.
• Deficient (D) flags a condition that adversely and materially affects performance or that creates a hazard.

What “Deficient” really means and how safety issues are handled

TREC defines Deficient as a condition that materially affects a system’s performance or that threatens life, limb, or property. We call out those items clearly so you don’t miss them.

TREC reports list deficiencies but do not assign repair deadlines. When we see a serious fire, health, or safety risk, we explain the urgency and recommend immediate evaluation by a licensed pro.

Photos, summaries, timelines, and the punch‑list you can use

Good reports combine a concise summary page with photo‑backed narratives for each deficiency. That format gives you a quick view of major problems and the visual proof you need for negotiations or warranty claims.

We deliver same‑day highlights when possible and the full, REI 7‑6 report within about 24 hours. Industry practice supports quick delivery so buyers and agents can move confidently during the option period.

Use the report’s summary and repair checklist as your pre‑closing punch‑list. Then get contractor estimates or specialist evaluations for pricing and repairs before you finalize requests.

If you want help prioritizing findings, see our deeper guide on reading reports for negotiation at Understanding the Home Inspection Report

How we use non‑destructive tools, when we call specialists, and what to expect for phased builds

Worried a quick walkthrough will miss hidden problems? We begin with the standard visual survey, then add objective, non‑destructive testing when it helps clarify a concern. Inspectors at InterNACHI describe the common tools we use.

• Moisture meters help detect elevated moisture in drywall, wood, or masonry. They point to leaks before mold or rot become visible.
• Infrared (thermal) cameras reveal temperature differences behind surfaces. They flag missing insulation, water intrusion, and overheating electrical components.
• GFCI testers verify ground‑fault outlets trip properly. That test confirms basic life‑safety protection in kitchens, baths, and exterior receptacles.
• Electronic combustible gas detectors screen accessible gas lines and fittings. They help us spot potential leaks near heaters, ranges, and water heaters.

When a specialist is the right next step

TREC inspections are visual and non‑invasive, so certain tests are outside the standard scope unless you add them. The Texas Real Estate Commission explains those limits so clients know what to expect.

If we find issues that need invasive diagnostics or licensed repair, we recommend specialists. That often means a structural engineer for foundation movement, licensed plumbers or HVAC techs for complex system failures, pest control for suspected wood‑destroying insects, or environmental consultants for asbestos, lead, or radon.

Phased inspections on new construction and how findings are reported

For new builds we offer phased inspections: pre‑concrete, pre‑drywall, and the final walkthrough. Each phase targets work that would be hidden later, so problems get fixed before they are covered up.

When specialty tests or trades are needed, we consolidate those findings into your final report. You get a single, photo‑backed summary with actionable items and recommended specialists, so you can prioritize repairs and negotiate from a clear position. For a contingency‑period checklist that ties specialty reports to negotiation strategy, see our guide at What Buyers Must Test During the Contingency.

Turn the checklist into confident decisions

Want confidence at every stage of your transaction? A TREC‑compliant checklist standardizes what gets inspected and how findings are documented. It focuses on structural, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and installed appliances and stays non‑invasive. Reports use the REI 7‑6 format, include photos, and flag Deficient items for easy review.

That standardized report protects buyers, sellers, and agents by creating a clear repair and negotiation roadmap. Think of the inspection as a snapshot you can use to prioritize repairs, file warranty claims, or decide when to call a specialist. A licensed inspector will note limitations, recommend specialists, and can deliver same‑day highlights so you can act fast.

If you need a TREC‑compliant inspection in Weatherford or anywhere in DFW, Alert Home Inspections can help. Call us at (817) 999-4162 or email jordan.wood@woodshop.dev. We’ll turn your report into a repair‑ready punch list so you can close with confidence.