Texas holds the distinction of being the first state in the U.S. to require its real estate inspectors be licensed. The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) oversees home inspector qualifications and licensing, offering licenses for three grades of inspectors: apprentice inspector, real estate inspector, and professional inspector. The qualifications for each type of license differ, and only the apprentice inspector license is available without an examination. All Texas real estate inspectors are required to take continuing education courses to maintain their license. In addition, they must provide proof of adequate liability insurance, undergo a background check and pay a licensing fee.
To the average home buyer or seller, this licensing requirement offers peace of mind when choosing a home inspector. Licensed home inspectors are well-educated in assessing the condition of a home. Typical home inspections include a visual examination of the mechanical systems, including but not limited to: heating and air conditioning system; electrical system and wiring; plumbing; the roof and underlying eaves; windows, doors, and general physical condition of the house, and the foundation and support structures. While home inspections are generally not required in order to buy or sell a home, they are recommended in order to give home buyers an accurate picture of the condition of the property and allow sellers to make any needed repairs or improvements.
Since all Texas home inspectors are licensed, it’s important to look at other factors when deciding which company to work with. Many home inspectors are members of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). Members of ASHI subscribe to the ASHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, ensuring that they assess properties objectively and with no conflicts of interest. All new ASHI inspectors begin their membership as ASHI associates. Home inspectors can achieve the status of ASHI Certified Inspectors only after they have successfully completed 250 paid inspections in accordance with ASHI’s strict rules of conduct. ASHI Certified Inspectors must also pass a written technical examination and keep their knowledge up-to-date through continuing education requirements. Combined with the State of Texas’s licensing procedures, ASHI’s requirements ensure the highest level of expertise and integrity in home inspections.
Some home inspection companies offer specialized services to their clients. These include, but are not limited to, detailed mechanical inspections of heating and cooling systems, termite inspections, and electrical system overviews. While these inspections are optional, they may offer additional peace of mind for concerned buyers at an additional fee. In some cases, you may be better off hiring a separate company to conduct these inspections, rather than a general home inspector, since these kinds of problems require a great deal of specialized knowledge and experience to identify and assess.
For Texas home buyers and sellers, much of the work has already been done. The TREC license insures that your inspector is insured and educated to do the job properly. Add to this the security of ASHI’s Certified Inspector status, guaranteeing that your home inspection will be performed by an experienced and impartial professional and ensuring that your inspection will meet the strictest standards of quality and ethics. Choosing a home inspector is a serious decision, but Texas has made it easy for its residents to find quality licensed home inspectors when buying or selling a home.
