Texas home inspection checklist (TREC Standards of Practice)

Every Texas licensed inspector must follow the TREC Standards of Practice set out in 22 TAC §§535.227–535.233. This page turns those rules into a working checklist: each section below lists what the rule requires you to inspect, report, or report as deficient, with its exact rule reference.

This checklist is a working document structured from the cited Standards of Practice. It does not replace the applicable Standard of Practice, nor any report form required by your state. You are responsible for your inspection and your report — your license is on the line.

Texas inspectors must deliver their report on the TREC Property Inspection Report Form (REI 7-6). This checklist is a working document — it is not the report form.

Standard: Texas Standards of Practice — 22 TAC §§535.227–535.233
Official source: Texas Real Estate Commission (trec.texas.gov)
Every section verified against the source on: September 12, 2026

1. General requirements

Source: Texas Standards of Practice — 22 TAC §§535.227–535.233, §535.227(c) — verified September 12, 2026

The inspector shall

Operate fixed or installed equipment and appliances in at least one mode with ordinary controls at typical settings

Visually inspect accessible systems and components from near proximity, and from the interior of the attic and crawl spaces

Complete the standard inspection report form as required by §535.222 and §535.223

2. Foundations

Source: Texas Standards of Practice — 22 TAC §§535.227–535.233, §535.228(a) — verified September 12, 2026

Report

Render a written opinion as to the performance of the foundation

Report the type of foundation(s)

Report the vantage point from which the crawl space was inspected

Generally report present and visible indications used to render the opinion of adverse performance: binding, out-of-square or non-latching doors; framing or frieze board separations; sloping floors; window, wall, floor or ceiling cracks or separations; rotating, buckling, cracking or deflecting masonry cladding

Report as deficient

Deteriorated materials

Deficiencies in foundation components such as beams, joists, bridging, blocking, piers, posts, pilings, columns, sills or subfloor

Deficiencies in retaining walls related to foundation performance

Exposed or damaged reinforcement

Crawl space ventilation that is not performing

Crawl space drainage that is not performing

Not required by §535.228(a) — do not present these as inspection items

Enter a crawl space or any area where headroom is less than 18 inches or the access opening is less than 24 inches wide and 18 inches high
Provide an exhaustive list of indicators of possible adverse performance
Inspect retaining walls not related to foundation performance

3. Grading and drainage

Source: Texas Standards of Practice — 22 TAC §§535.227–535.233, §535.228(b) — verified September 12, 2026

Report as deficient

Drainage around the foundation that is not performing

Deficiencies in grade levels around the foundation

Deficiencies in installed gutter and downspout systems

Not required by §535.228(b) — do not present these as inspection items

Inspect flatwork or detention/retention ponds (except as related to slope and drainage)
Determine area hydrology or the presence of underground water
Determine the efficiency or performance of underground or surface drainage systems

4. Roof covering materials

Source: Texas Standards of Practice — 22 TAC §§535.227–535.233, §535.228(c) — verified September 12, 2026

The inspector shall

Inspect the roof covering materials from the surface of the roof

Report

Type of roof coverings

Vantage point from where the roof was inspected

Evidence of water penetration

Evidence of previous repairs to the roof covering material, flashing details, skylights and other roof penetrations

Report as deficient — deficiencies in

Fasteners

Adhesion

Roof covering materials

Flashing details

Skylights

Other roof penetrations

Not required by §535.228(c) — do not present these as inspection items

Inspect the roof from the roof level if it cannot be safely reached or staying on it is unsafe, or if walking it may significantly damage the roof covering
Determine the remaining life expectancy of the roof covering or the number of layers
Identify latent hail damage
Exhaustively examine all fasteners and adhesion
Provide an exhaustive list of locations of deficiencies and water penetrations

5. Roof structures and attics

Source: Texas Standards of Practice — 22 TAC §§535.227–535.233, §535.228(d) — verified September 12, 2026

Report

The vantage point from which the attic space was inspected

Approximate average depth of attic insulation

Evidence of water penetration

Report as deficient

Attic space ventilation that is not performing

Deflections or depressions in the roof surface as related to adverse performance of the framing and decking

Missing insulation

Deficiencies in installed framing members and decking

Deficiencies in attic access ladders and access openings

Deficiencies in attic ventilators

Not required by §535.228(d) — do not present these as inspection items

Enter attics or unfinished spaces where openings are less than 22 by 30 inches or headroom is less than 30 inches
Operate powered ventilators
Provide an exhaustive list of locations of deficiencies and water penetrations

6. Interior walls, ceilings, floors, and doors

Source: Texas Standards of Practice — 22 TAC §§535.227–535.233, §535.228(e) — verified September 12, 2026

Report

Evidence of water penetration

Report as deficient

Deficiencies in the condition and performance of doors and hardware

Deficiencies related to structural performance or water penetration

The absence of or deficiencies in fire separation between the garage and the living space and between the garage and its attic

Not required by §535.228(e) — do not present these as inspection items

Report cosmetic damage or the condition of floor, wall, or ceiling coverings; paints, stains, or other surface coatings; cabinets; or countertops
Provide an exhaustive list of locations of deficiencies and water penetrations

7. Exterior walls, doors, and windows

Source: Texas Standards of Practice — 22 TAC §§535.227–535.233, §535.228(f) — verified September 12, 2026

Report

Evidence of water penetration

Report as deficient

The absence of performing emergency escape and rescue openings in all sleeping rooms

An attached garage doorway that is not equipped with self-closing or automatic closing devices

A door between the residence and an attached garage that is not a qualifying door (solid wood or solid honeycomb core steel at least 1-3/8 inches thick, or a 20-minute fire-rated door)

Missing or damaged screens

Deficiencies related to structural performance or water penetration

Deficiencies in weather stripping, gaskets or other air barrier materials

Deficiencies in claddings

Deficiencies in water resistant materials and coatings

Deficiencies in flashing details and terminations

Deficiencies in the condition and performance of exterior doors, garage doors and hardware

Deficiencies in the condition and performance of windows and components

Not required by §535.228(f) — do not present these as inspection items

Report the condition of awnings, blinds, shutters, security devices, or other non-structural systems
Determine the cosmetic condition of paints, stains, or other surface coatings
Operate a lock if the key is not available
Provide an exhaustive list of locations of deficiencies and water penetrations

8. Exterior and interior glazing

Source: Texas Standards of Practice — 22 TAC §§535.227–535.233, §535.228(g) — verified September 12, 2026

Report as deficient

Insulated windows that are obviously fogged or display other evidence of broken seals

Deficiencies in glazing, weather stripping and glazing compound in windows and doors

The absence of safety glass in hazardous locations

The absence of fall protection at windows located less than 24 inches from the finished floor and greater than 72 inches from the finished grade

Not required by §535.228(g) — do not present these as inspection items

Exhaustively inspect insulated windows for evidence of broken seals
Exhaustively inspect glazing for identifying labels
Identify specific locations of damage

9. Interior and exterior stairways

Source: Texas Standards of Practice — 22 TAC §§535.227–535.233, §535.228(h) — verified September 12, 2026

Report as deficient

Spacing between intermediate balusters, spindles, or rails that permits passage of an object greater than 4 inches in diameter (on the open side of staircase treads, spheres less than 4-3/8 inches may pass)

Deficiencies in steps, stairways, landings, guardrails, and handrails

Not required by §535.228(h) — do not present these as inspection items

Exhaustively measure every stairway component

10. Fireplaces and chimneys

Source: Texas Standards of Practice — 22 TAC §§535.227–535.233, §535.228(i) — verified September 12, 2026

Report as deficient

Built-up creosote in accessible areas of the firebox and flue

The presence of combustible materials in near proximity to the firebox opening

The absence of fireblocking at the attic penetration of the chimney flue, where accessible

Deficiencies in the damper

Deficiencies in the lintel, hearth, hearth extension, and firebox

Deficiencies in a gas fixture installed in the fireplace not associated with the gas distribution system

Deficiencies in the circulating fan

Deficiencies in combustion air vents

Deficiencies in the chimney structure, termination, coping, crown, caps, and spark arrestor

Not required by §535.228(i) — do not present these as inspection items

Verify the integrity of the flue
Perform a chimney smoke test
Determine the adequacy of the draft

11. Porches, balconies, decks, and carports

Source: Texas Standards of Practice — 22 TAC §§535.227–535.233, §535.228(j) — verified September 12, 2026

The inspector shall inspect

Attached balconies, carports, and porches

Abutting porches, decks, and balconies that are used for ingress and egress

Report as deficient

On decks 30 inches or higher above adjacent grade, spacings between intermediate balusters, spindles, or rails that permit passage of an object greater than four inches in diameter

Deficiencies in accessible components

Not required by §535.228(j) — do not present these as inspection items

Exhaustively measure every porch, balcony, deck, or attached carport component
Enter any area where headroom is less than 18 inches or the access opening is less than 24 inches wide and 18 inches high

12. Electrical — service entrance and panels

Source: Texas Standards of Practice — 22 TAC §§535.227–535.233, §535.229(a) — verified September 12, 2026

Report as deficient

A drop, weatherhead or mast that is not securely fastened to the building

The absence of or deficiencies in the grounding electrode system

Missing or damaged dead fronts or cover plates

Conductors not protected from the edges of electrical cabinets, gutters, or cutout boxes

Electrical cabinets and panel boards not appropriate for their location (clothes closet, bathrooms, or exposed to physical damage)

Electrical cabinets and panel boards that are not accessible or lack a minimum of 36 inches of clearance in front of them

Deficiencies in electrical cabinets, gutters, cutout boxes, and panel boards

Deficiencies in the insulation of the service entrance conductors, drip loop, separation of conductors at weatherheads, and clearances

Deficiencies in the compatibility of overcurrent devices and conductors

Deficiencies in the overcurrent device and circuit for labeled and listed 250 volt appliances

Deficiencies in bonding and grounding

Deficiencies in conductors

Deficiencies in the operation of installed ground-fault or arc-fault circuit interrupter devices

The absence of trip ties on 250 volt overcurrent devices or multi-wire branch circuits

The absence of appropriate connections

The absence of anti-oxidants on aluminum conductor terminations

The absence of a main disconnecting means

Not required by §535.229(a) — do not present these as inspection items

Determine present or future sufficiency of service capacity amperage, voltage, or the capacity of the electrical system
Conduct voltage drop calculations
Determine the accuracy of overcurrent device labeling
Remove covers where hazardous as judged by the inspector
Verify the effectiveness of overcurrent devices
Operate overcurrent devices

13. Electrical — branch circuits, connected devices, and fixtures

Source: Texas Standards of Practice — 22 TAC §§535.227–535.233, §535.229(b) — verified September 12, 2026

The inspector shall

Manually test the installed and accessible smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

Report the type of branch circuit conductors

Report as deficient — absence of GFCI protection in

Bathroom receptacles

Garage and accessory building receptacles

Outdoor receptacles

Crawl space receptacles and lighting outlets

Basement receptacles

Receptacles that serve kitchen countertops

Receptacles located within six feet of the outside edge of a sink, shower, or bathtub

Laundry area receptacles

Indoor damp and wet location receptacles

Kitchen dishwasher receptacle

Electrically heated floors

Report as deficient — absence of arc-fault protection in

Kitchens, family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, and laundry areas

Report as deficient — other

The failure of operation of ground-fault circuit interrupter protection devices

Missing or damaged receptacle, switch or junction box covers

The absence of equipment disconnects

The absence of appropriate connections (copper/aluminum approved devices) if branch circuit aluminum conductors are discovered by random sampling

Receptacles less than five and a half feet above the floor that are not tamper resistant

Deficiencies in 125 volt receptacles: presence of power, correct polarity, presence of grounding

Deficiencies in 250 volt receptacles: presence of power

Deficiencies in switches

Deficiencies in bonding or grounding

Deficiencies in wiring, wiring terminations, junction boxes, devices, and fixtures, including improper location

Deficiencies in doorbell and chime components

Deficiencies in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

Improper use of extension cords

Deficiencies in or absences of conduit, where applicable

The absence of smoke alarms in each sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and in the living space of each story

The absence of carbon monoxide alarms outside each separate sleeping area when fuel-fired appliances are installed or the dwelling has an attached garage with an opening into the dwelling unit

Not required by §535.229(b) — do not present these as inspection items

Inspect low voltage wiring
Disassemble mechanical appliances
Verify the effectiveness of smoke alarms
Verify interconnectivity of smoke alarms
Activate smoke or carbon monoxide alarms that are or may be monitored or require the use of codes
Verify that smoke alarms are suitable for the hearing-impaired
Remove the covers of junction, fixture, receptacle or switch boxes unless specifically required
Test arc-fault circuit interrupter devices when the property is occupied or damage to personal property may result, in the inspector's reasonable judgment

14. Heating equipment

Source: Texas Standards of Practice — 22 TAC §§535.227–535.233, §535.230(a) — verified September 12, 2026

Report

The type of heating system(s)

The energy source(s)

Report as deficient — general

Inoperative units

Deficiencies in the thermostats

Inappropriate location

The lack of protection from physical damage

Burners, burner ignition devices or heating elements, switches, and thermostats less than 18 inches above the lowest garage floor elevation, unless the unit is listed for garage floor installation

The absence of an opening allowing access to equipment for inspection, service, repair or replacement without removing permanent construction

When applicable, a floored passageway and service platform allowing access for equipment inspection, service, repair or replacement

Deficiencies in mounting and performance of window and wall units

Report as deficient — electric units

Deficiencies in performance of heat pumps

Deficiencies in performance of heating elements

Deficiencies in condition of conductors

Report as deficient — gas units

Gas leaks in the heating equipment not associated with the gas distribution system

Flame impingement, uplifting flame, improper flame color, or excessive scale buildup

Deficiencies in combustion and dilution air

Deficiencies in the vent pipe, draft hood, draft, proximity to combustibles, and vent termination point and clearances

15. Cooling equipment

Source: Texas Standards of Practice — 22 TAC §§535.227–535.233, §535.230(b) — verified September 12, 2026

Report

The type of system(s)

Measure and report the temperature difference between supply air and return air, or report the industry-accepted method used to determine performance

Generally report extraneous factors or conditions present on the day of the inspection that would adversely impact the temperature differential of an otherwise performing unit

Report as deficient

Inoperative units

Performance that fails to achieve a 15 to 22 degrees Fahrenheit temperature differential, or fails to cool adequately by other industry-accepted methods

The absence of an opening allowing access to equipment without removing permanent construction

When applicable, the absence of a floored passageway and service platform

Noticeable vibration of blowers or fans

Water in the auxiliary/secondary drain pan

A primary drain pipe that discharges in a sewer vent

Missing or deficient refrigerant pipe insulation

Dirty coils, where accessible

Condensing units lacking adequate clearances or air circulation, or with deficiencies in the fins, location, levelness, or elevation above grade

Deficiencies in the condensate drain and auxiliary/secondary pan and drain system

Deficiencies in mounting and performance of window or wall units

Deficiencies in thermostats

Evaporative coolers — report

The type of system and the type of water supply line

Evaporative coolers — report as deficient

Inoperative units

Inadequate access and clearances

Deficiencies in performance or mounting

Missing or damaged components

The presence of active water leaks

The absence of backflow prevention

16. Duct systems, chases, and vents — and HVAC limitations

Source: Texas Standards of Practice — 22 TAC §§535.227–535.233, §535.230(c)–(d) — verified September 12, 2026

Report as deficient

Damaged duct systems or improper material

Damaged or missing duct insulation

The absence of air flow at accessible supply registers

The presence of gas piping and sewer vents concealed in ducts, plenums and chases

Ducts or plenums in contact with earth

Deficiencies in filters

Deficiencies in grills or registers

Deficiencies in the location of return air openings

Not required by §535.230(c)–(d) — do not present these as inspection items

Program digital thermostats or controls
Inspect for refrigerant pressure, type of refrigerant, or refrigerant leaks
Inspect winterized or decommissioned equipment
Inspect duct fans, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, air purifiers, motorized dampers, electronic air filters, multi-stage controllers, sequencers, heat reclaimers, wood burning stoves, boilers, oil-fired units, supplemental heating appliances, de-icing provisions, or reversing valves
Operate setback features on thermostats or controls
Operate radiant heaters, steam heat systems, or unvented gas-fired heating appliances
Operate cooling equipment when outdoor temperature is below 60°F, or heat pumps in heat pump mode when outdoor temperature is above 70°F
Verify compatibility of components, tonnage and manufacturer match of coils, accuracy of thermostats, or integrity of the heat exchanger
Determine sizing, efficiency, or adequacy of the system, balanced air flow, or types of materials contained in insulation

17. Plumbing systems

Source: Texas Standards of Practice — 22 TAC §§535.227–535.233, §535.231(a) — verified September 12, 2026

Report

Location of water meter

Location of homeowner's main water supply shutoff valve

Static water pressure

Visible material used for water supply lines and drain lines

Report as deficient

The presence of active leaks

Water pressure exceeding 80 PSI

The lack of a pressure reducing valve when water pressure exceeds 80 PSI

The lack of a visible expansion tank when a pressure reducing valve, check valve, or backflow preventer is in place

The absence of fixture shutoff valves

The absence of dielectric unions, when applicable

The absence of back-flow devices, anti-siphon devices, or air gaps at the flow end of fixtures

Deficiencies in water supply pipes and waste pipes

Deficiencies in the installation and termination of the vent system

Deficiencies in the performance of fixtures and faucets not connected to an appliance

Deficiencies in water supply, as determined by viewing functional flow in two fixtures operated simultaneously

Deficiencies in fixture drain performance

Deficiencies in orientation of hot and cold faucets

Deficiencies in installed mechanical drain stops

Deficiencies in commodes, fixtures, showers, tubs, and enclosures

Deficiencies in the condition of the gas distribution system

Not required by §535.231(a) — do not present these as inspection items

Operate any main, branch, or shut-off valves
Operate or inspect sump pumps or waste ejector pumps
Verify the performance of the bathtub overflow, clothes washing machine drains or hose bibbs, or floor drains
Inspect any system that has been winterized, shut down or otherwise secured
Inspect circulating pumps, free-standing appliances, solar water heating systems, water-conditioning equipment, filter systems, water mains, private water supply systems, water wells, pressure tanks, sprinkler systems, swimming pools, or fire sprinkler systems
Inspect inaccessible gas supply system components for leaks
Inspect for sewer clean-outs or for the presence or performance of private sewage disposal systems
Determine quality, potability, or volume of the water supply, or effectiveness of backflow or anti-siphon devices

18. Water heaters

Source: Texas Standards of Practice — 22 TAC §§535.227–535.233, §535.231(b) — verified September 12, 2026

Report

The energy source

The capacity of the unit(s)

Report as deficient

Inoperative units

Leaking or corroded fittings or tanks

Damaged or missing components

The absence of a cold water shutoff valve

If applicable, the absence of a pan or a pan drain system that does not terminate over a waste receptor or to the exterior above the ground surface

Inappropriate locations

The lack of protection from physical damage

Burners, burner ignition devices or heating elements, switches, or thermostats less than 18 inches above the lowest garage floor elevation, unless listed for garage floor installation

The absence of an opening allowing access to equipment without removing permanent construction

When applicable, the absence of a floored passageway and service platform

The absence of or visible deficiencies in the temperature and pressure relief valve and discharge piping

A temperature and pressure relief valve that failed to operate, when tested manually

Electric units — report as deficient

Deficiencies in performance of heating elements

Deficiencies in condition of conductors

Gas units — report as deficient

Gas leaks in the water heater not associated with the gas distribution system

Flame impingement, uplifting flame, improper flame color, or excessive scale build-up

Deficiencies in combustion and dilution air

Deficiencies in vent pipe, draft hood, draft, proximity to combustibles, and vent termination point and clearances

Not required by §535.231(b) — do not present these as inspection items

Verify the effectiveness of the temperature and pressure relief valve, discharge piping, or pan drain pipes
Operate the temperature and pressure relief valve if operation may cause damage to persons or property
Determine the efficiency or adequacy of the unit

19. Hydro-massage therapy equipment

Source: Texas Standards of Practice — 22 TAC §§535.227–535.233, §535.231(c) — verified September 12, 2026

Report as deficient

Inoperative units

The presence of active leaks

Deficiencies in components and performance

Missing and damaged components

The absence of an opening allowing access to equipment without removing permanent construction

The absence or failure of operation of ground-fault circuit interrupter protection devices

Not required by §535.231(c) — do not present these as inspection items

Determine the adequacy of self-draining features of circulation systems

20. Gas distribution systems

Source: Texas Standards of Practice — 22 TAC §§535.227–535.233, §535.231(d) — verified September 12, 2026

Report

Location of gas meter

Visible material used for the gas distribution system

Report as deficient

Noticeable gas leaks

The absence of a gas shutoff valve within six feet of the appliance

The absence of a gas appliance connector or one that exceeds six feet in length

Gas appliance connectors concealed within or extended through walls, floors, partitions, ceilings or appliance housings

Deficiencies in gas shutoff valves

Deficiencies in access to gas shutoff valves that prohibits full operation

Deficiencies in gas appliance connector materials

Deficiencies in the condition and type of gas distribution lines and fittings

Lack of visible bonding on the gas distribution system, including corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST)

Lack of visible sediment traps

Not required by §535.231(d) — do not present these as inspection items

Inspect sacrificial anode bonding or for its existence
Pressurize or test the gas system, drip legs or shutoff valves
Operate gas line shutoff valves
Light or ignite pilot flames

21. Appliances

Source: Texas Standards of Practice — 22 TAC §§535.227–535.233, §535.232 — verified September 12, 2026

Dishwashers — report as deficient

Inoperative units

Deficiencies in performance or mounting

Rusted, missing or damaged components

The presence of visible active water leaks

The absence of visible backflow prevention

Food waste disposers — report as deficient

Inoperative units

Deficiencies in performance or mounting

Missing or damaged components

The presence of visible active water leaks

Range hoods and exhaust systems — report as deficient

Inoperative units

Deficiencies in performance or mounting

Missing or damaged components

Ducts that do not terminate outside the building, if not of a re-circulating type

Improper duct material

Ranges, cooktops, and ovens — report as deficient

Inoperative units

Missing or damaged components

Combustible material within thirty inches above the cook top burners

Absence of an anti-tip device, if applicable

Gas leaks in the gas range, cooktops and ovens not associated with the gas distribution system

Deficiencies in thermostat accuracy (within 25°F at a setting of 350°F)

Deficiencies in mounting and performance

Microwave ovens (built-in) — report as deficient

Inoperative units

Deficiencies in performance or mounting

Missing or damaged components

Mechanical exhaust systems and bathroom heaters — report as deficient

The lack of mechanical ventilation in a bathroom if no operable window is present

Inoperative units

Deficiencies in performance or mounting

Missing or damaged components

Ducts that do not terminate outside the building

A gas heater that is not vented to the exterior unless listed as an unvented type

Garage door operators — report as deficient

Inoperative units

Deficiencies in performance or mounting

Missing or damaged components

Installed photoelectric sensors located more than six inches above the garage floor

Deficiencies in performance or absence of auto reversing mechanisms and manual detachment device

Door locks or side ropes that have not been removed or disabled

Dryer exhaust systems — report as deficient

Missing or damaged components

The absence of a dryer exhaust system when provisions are present for a dryer

Ducts that do not terminate to the outside of the building

Screened terminations

Ducts that are not made of metal with a smooth interior finish

Not required by §535.232 — do not present these as inspection items

Operate or determine the condition of other auxiliary components of inspected items
Test for microwave oven radiation leaks
Inspect self-cleaning functions
Disassemble appliances
Determine the adequacy of venting systems
Determine proper routing and lengths of duct systems
Operate or determine the condition of clothes washer, clothes dryer, or refrigerator
Operate or determine the condition of other built-in appliances, except as provided under §535.233(h)

22. Optional systems — scope

Source: Texas Standards of Practice — 22 TAC §§535.227–535.233, §535.233(a)–(b) — verified September 12, 2026

An inspector is NOT required to inspect the systems described in §535.233. If the inspector agrees to inspect one of them, the general provisions of §535.227 and the specific requirements of §535.233 for that system apply. The six sections below detail those conditional requirements; they are marked OPTIONAL because the inspection itself is not required.

23. OPTIONAL — Landscape irrigation (sprinkler) systems

Source: Texas Standards of Practice — 22 TAC §§535.227–535.233, §535.233(c) — verified September 12, 2026

The inspector shall

Manually operate all zones or stations on the system through the controller

Report as deficient

The absence of a rain or moisture sensor

Inoperative zone valves

Surface water leaks

The absence of a backflow prevention device

The absence of shutoff valves between the water meter and backflow device

Deficiencies in the performance and mounting of the controller

Missing or damaged components

Deficiencies in the performance of the water emission devices (sprayer heads, rotary sprinkler heads, bubblers or drip lines)

Not required by §535.233(c) — do not present these as inspection items

Inspect for effective coverage of the irrigation system
Inspect the automatic function of the controller
Inspect the effectiveness of the sensors (rain, moisture, wind, flow or freeze)
Determine sizing and effectiveness of the backflow prevention device
Report on the performance of an underground zone

24. OPTIONAL — Swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, and equipment

Source: Texas Standards of Practice — 22 TAC §§535.227–535.233, §535.233(d) — verified September 12, 2026

Report

The type of construction

Report as deficient

The presence of a single blockable main drain (potential entrapment hazard)

A pump motor, blower, or other electrical equipment that lacks bonding

The absence of or deficiencies in safety barriers

Water leaks in above-ground pipes and equipment

The absence or failure in performance of ground-fault circuit interrupter protection devices

Deficiencies in surfaces

Deficiencies in tiles, coping, and decks

Deficiencies in slides, steps, diving boards, handrails, and other equipment

Deficiencies in drains, skimmers, and valves

Deficiencies in filters, gauges, pumps, motors, controls, and sweeps

Deficiencies in lighting fixtures

Deficiencies in the pool heater that these standards require to be reported for the heating system

Not required by §535.233(d) — do not present these as inspection items

Disassemble filters or dismantle or open any components or lines
Operate valves
Uncover or excavate any lines or concealed components of the system
Fill the pool, spa, or hot tub with water
Inspect any system that has been winterized, shut down, or otherwise secured
Determine the presence of sub-surface water tables
Determine the effectiveness of entrapment covers
Determine the presence of pool shell or sub-surface leaks
Inspect ancillary equipment (computer controls, covers, chlorinators or other chemical dispensers, water ionization devices or conditioners) other than required by this section

25. OPTIONAL — Outbuildings

Source: Texas Standards of Practice — 22 TAC §§535.227–535.233, §535.233(e) — verified September 12, 2026

Report as deficient

The absence or failure in performance of ground-fault circuit interrupter protection devices in grade-level portions of unfinished accessory buildings used for storage or work areas, boathouses, and boat hoists

Deficiencies in the structural, electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, and cooling systems that these standards require to be reported for the principal building

26. OPTIONAL — Private water wells

Source: Texas Standards of Practice — 22 TAC §§535.227–535.233, §535.233(f) — verified September 12, 2026

The inspector shall

Operate at least two fixtures simultaneously

Recommend or arrange to have performed coliform testing

Report

The type of pump and storage equipment

The proximity of any known septic system

Report as deficient — deficiencies in

Water pressure and flow and performance of pressure switches

The condition of accessible equipment and components

The well head, including improper site drainage and clearances

Not required by §535.233(f) — do not present these as inspection items

Open, uncover, or remove the pump, heads, screens, lines, or other components of the system
Determine the reliability of the water supply or source
Locate or verify underground water leaks

27. OPTIONAL — Private sewage disposal systems

Source: Texas Standards of Practice — 22 TAC §§535.227–535.233, §535.233(g) — verified September 12, 2026

Report

The type of system

The location of the drain or distribution field

The proximity of any known water wells, underground cisterns, water supply lines, bodies of water, sharp slopes or breaks, easement lines, property lines, soil absorption systems, swimming pools, or sprinkler systems

Report as deficient

Visual or olfactory evidence of effluent seepage or flow at the surface of the ground

Inoperative aerators or dosing pumps

Deficiencies in accessible components

Deficiencies in functional flow

Deficiencies in site drainage and clearances around or adjacent to the system

Deficiencies in the aerobic discharge system

Not required by §535.233(g) — do not present these as inspection items

Excavate or uncover the system or its components
Determine the size, adequacy, or efficiency of the system
Determine the type of construction used

28. OPTIONAL — Other built-in appliances

Source: Texas Standards of Practice — 22 TAC §§535.227–535.233, §535.233(h) — verified September 12, 2026

Report

Deficiencies in condition or operation of other built-in appliances not listed under §535.232

General limitations — §535.227(d)

Source: Texas Standards of Practice — 22 TAC §§535.227–535.233 — verified September 12, 2026

The inspector is not required to:

Inspect items other than those listed in the standards, elevators, detached buildings, decks, docks, fences, waterfront structures, anything buried/hidden/latent/concealed, sub-surface drainage systems, automated or programmable control systems, or concrete flatwork
Report past repairs that appear effective and workmanlike, cosmetic or aesthetic conditions, or wear and tear from ordinary use
Determine the presence of pests or wood-destroying insects, environmental hazards (asbestos, lead-based paint, mold, contaminated drywall), types of wood or preservative treatment, the cause or source of a condition, insurability, life expectancy, code compliance, utility sources, or manufacturer requirements
Anticipate future events or conditions
Operate shutoff, safety, stop, pressure or pressure-regulating valves, or items requiring codes, keys, or combinations
Designate conditions as safe
Recommend or provide engineering, architectural, appraisal, or other specialist services
Review historical records, installation instructions, repair plans, cost estimates, or disclosure documents
Verify sizing, efficiency, or adequacy of the ground surface drainage system or of the gutter and downspout system
Operate recirculation or sump pumps
Remedy conditions preventing inspection of any item
Apply open flame or light a pilot
Turn on decommissioned equipment, systems or utility services
Provide repair cost estimates, recommendations, or re-inspection services

How to use this checklist

Open it on any phone, tablet, or computer during the walkthrough. Mark each item OK (inspected, no deficiency observed), DEF (deficient — the finding goes in your report), or N/I (not inspected, with the reason in the section notes). Then print or save the page as a US Letter PDF: the printed document carries the standard's reference, the verification date, and the disclaimer. Nothing is stored anywhere — the page holds your marks only until you close it, which is the point: your working document leaves with you as a PDF.

The collapsed “Not required” block inside each section lists what the standard explicitly excludes. Those exclusions are part of the standard: they are shown so that no exclusion is ever mistaken for an inspection item, and so you can point a client to the exact limitation when a question comes up.

Frequently asked questions

Is this checklist the official TREC report form?

No. Texas requires inspectors to deliver their findings on the TREC Property Inspection Report Form (REI 7-6). This page is a working checklist structured from the Standards of Practice in 22 TAC §§535.227–535.233 — it helps you cover every required item during the walkthrough, but it is not the report form and does not replace it.

Which standard applies to home inspections in Texas?

The Texas Real Estate Commission Standards of Practice, 22 TAC §§535.227–535.233, in force since February 1, 2022. They define the minimum requirements for an inspection of a one-to-four family dwelling, and every section of this checklist carries its exact rule reference.

Do I have to inspect optional systems like pools or sprinklers?

No. Under §535.233 an inspector is not required to inspect optional systems such as landscape irrigation, swimming pools and spas, outbuildings, private water wells, or private sewage disposal systems. If you agree to inspect one, the specific requirements of §535.233 for that system apply.

Can I depart from a required inspection item?

Yes, within the limits of the departure provision in §535.227(f): client agreement, lack of qualification, conditions preventing inspection, hazard, risk of damage, or certain multi-family common elements. You must notify the client and note the reason on the inspection report form.

Does this tool store my inspection data?

No. Everything runs in your browser. Marks and notes exist only until you close the page — print or save the PDF before leaving. There is no account and no server storage.

Get notified when new state checklists are added

Optional. One email when a new state SOP checklist goes live — nothing else. Everything else on this page runs entirely in your browser.