TREC TREC Real Estate Inspections 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under TREC Standards of Practice, how must an inspector report a component that cannot be inspected?
- Leave it blank on the report
- Mark it as 'Not Inspected' and provide a reason (Correct answer)
- Write 'pass' if it appears undamaged
- Only report it if the client specifically asks about it
Correct answer: Mark it as 'Not Inspected' and provide a reason
TREC requires inspectors to note any component that was not inspected, along with the reason it could not be inspected, on the official report.
Question 2: A Texas real estate inspector is inspecting a home with a pool. Which of the following must they inspect?
- Pool water chemistry
- Underwater pool lights and GFCI protection (Correct answer)
- The manufacturer of the pool equipment
- The pool's compliance with neighborhood aesthetics
Correct answer: Underwater pool lights and GFCI protection
TREC Standards of Practice require inspection of pool equipment including underwater lights, bonding, and GFCI protection for safety.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of the TREC Standards of Practice for inspectors?
- To set minimum prices inspectors can charge
- To establish minimum inspection procedures and reporting requirements (Correct answer)
- To rank inspectors by experience level
- To dictate which properties may be inspected
Correct answer: To establish minimum inspection procedures and reporting requirements
The Standards of Practice define the minimum scope of inspection and reporting requirements to ensure consistent, consumer-protective inspections statewide.
Question 4: An inspector discovers a potentially hazardous condition during a routine inspection. What must they do?
- Fix the hazard before leaving the property
- Note it on the report and recommend evaluation by a specialist if necessary (Correct answer)
- Contact the local fire department immediately in all cases
- Withhold the report until repairs are made
Correct answer: Note it on the report and recommend evaluation by a specialist if necessary
Inspectors must report hazardous conditions on the inspection report and may recommend further evaluation by a qualified specialist.
Question 5: Under TREC rules, may an inspector recommend specific contractors to repair deficiencies they found?
- Yes, always — it is part of their service
- No, unless the inspector has no financial interest in the contractor (Correct answer)
- Yes, but only if they are also a licensed contractor
- No, inspectors may never make any contractor recommendations
Correct answer: No, unless the inspector has no financial interest in the contractor
Inspectors may suggest contractors only if they have no financial interest in recommending them, to preserve impartiality and avoid conflicts of interest.
Question 6: What action can TREC take against an inspector who violates the Standards of Practice?
- Only issue a letter of reprimand
- Suspend or revoke the inspector's license and impose fines (Correct answer)
- Require the inspector to retake the licensing exam only
- Refer the matter to local courts only
Correct answer: Suspend or revoke the inspector's license and impose fines
TREC has the authority to suspend or revoke an inspector's license and impose administrative penalties for violations of the Standards of Practice.
TREC TREC Real Estate Inspections 2
Under TREC Standards of Practice, how must an inspector report a component that cannot be inspected?