Real estate inspectors licensed in Texas are required to follow the Standards of Practice (SOPs). These SOPs define the minimum requirements for a real estate inspection performed for a prospective buyer or seller of one to four family dwelling. Changes to the SOPs were adopted at the August TREC Commission Meeting and are effective February 1, 2022.

Changes to the general provisions now:

• Require an inspector to use reasonable and appropriate tools necessary to satisfy the requirements of the SOPs;
• Specify that an inspector that provides any services in relation to a real estate inspection beyond the scope of the SOPs must be competent to do so; and
• Prohibit an inspector from performing an inspection when the inspector routinely departs from inspecting a system or component, until the inspector notifies the client of that departure.

The SOPs also clarify requirements for specific components and systems, including:

• Specifying how an inspector reports deficiencies in 125-volt receptacles and 250-volt receptacles;
• Specifying how an inspector determines if a cooling system is operational;
• Requiring an inspector report the visible material used for water supply, drain, and gas lines;
• Requiring an inspector to report water pressure exceeding 80 PSI;
• Providing a single location under the plumbing section regarding issues and
• Requirements relating to inspecting the gas distribution system while also maintaining the requirements for reporting issues relating to specific gas components and appliances;
• Adding a definition of “gas distribution system” to provide additional clarity; and
• Adding the option to inspect “built-in appliances” under the optional systems.

New Online Version of SOPs Available

Access the SOPs more easily on your computer, tablet, or smartphone with the new online version of the SOPs.