The basics
What a standard Texas home inspection covers
Texas home inspectors are licensed and regulated by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). TREC establishes Standards of Practice governing the systems and components inspectors are expected to evaluate during a standard home inspection.
In general, the inspection focuses on the major accessible components of the property at the time of the inspection. It is a meaningful evaluation, but it is not a warranty, a code-compliance inspection, or a guarantee that every condition will be found.
Typically included in a standard inspection
- Foundation and structural components
- Roofing and attic areas
- Electrical systems and panels
- Plumbing systems and water heaters
- Heating and air-conditioning systems
- Insulation and ventilation
- Windows, doors, and interior components
- Grading and drainage near the home
That is a significant amount of information, but a standard inspection still has limits. Some of the most useful evaluations for a particular property may fall outside the basic scope or need to be specifically requested.
Look beyond the standard scope
Common inspection gaps buyers should know about
The property itself should guide the conversation. Its age, location, systems, features, visible conditions, and inspection findings can all indicate whether additional evaluation is appropriate.
Sewer line scope
An underground sewer line is not typically evaluated as part of a visual home inspection. A camera scope can provide information about blockages, root intrusion, damaged piping, or deterioration that would otherwise remain hidden.
Thermal or infrared imaging
Infrared equipment can help identify temperature differences associated with possible moisture intrusion, missing insulation, electrical concerns, or HVAC performance. Not every inspection company automatically includes it.
Foundation elevation measurements
Inspectors may observe visible indicators of foundation performance, but detailed elevation measurements are a separate level of analysis. Those measurements can provide useful baseline data when foundation movement is a concern.
Environmental testing
Mold, indoor air quality, radon, asbestos, and lead are specialty areas and are not automatically covered by a standard home inspection. Depending on the property and circumstances, additional evaluation may be appropriate.
Outdoor appliances
Built-in grills, outdoor refrigerators, and other exterior appliances can be overlooked unless their operation is specifically included in the inspection scope.
Appliance recall research
Determining whether an installed appliance is subject to a manufacturer recall is generally not part of a standard inspection. Some inspection providers include a separate recall-checking service.
Property-specific systems
What about pools, sprinklers, septic systems, and wells?
Certain property systems require particular attention. Pools and spas, irrigation systems, septic systems, and private wells may be inspected under applicable standards, but buyers should not assume every system is automatically included in the base inspection.
When a home has one of these features, confirm the inspection scope in advance and discuss whether an additional inspection or specialist makes sense. The right approach depends on the property, not a generic checklist.
After the inspection
The inspection report is only the beginning
Inspection reports can be lengthy, and not every item carries the same significance. Some findings involve ordinary home maintenance. Others may warrant estimates, additional testing, an engineer’s opinion, or evaluation by a licensed specialist.
This is one reason buyers should attend the end of the inspection whenever possible. Walking through the home with the inspector provides context that is difficult to get from photographs and written comments alone.
Understand the finding
Separate ordinary maintenance from issues that may affect safety, function, cost, or your decision.
Gather the right information
Request estimates, follow-up evaluations, or specialist opinions where the facts call for more clarity.
Act within the timeline
Keep the contractual option-period deadlines in view while deciding which requests or next steps make sense.
The Burgess Group approach
Help with the process—not pressure around the decision.
Buyers should choose their own inspection company and make an informed decision. We regularly work with experienced inspectors throughout North Texas, including GreenWorks, and can provide options based on the property, location, and services needed.
More importantly, we help coordinate the process around the inspection: timing, additional evaluations when necessary, repair discussions, and the contractual deadlines that matter during the option period.
Talk through your next stepEducational information for Texas home buyers. Inspection services, findings, and standards vary by property and provider. This guide is not legal, engineering, environmental, or inspection advice; consult the appropriate licensed professional for property-specific questions.