Heads Up: TREC’s New Rules For Home Inspection Reports Just Went Live

Every week, the detail-oriented folks at Green Scene Home Inspections will give CandysDirt.com readers an education in inspection. Want to see what they see? Tune in for “Upon Closer Inspection.”

If you’re in the real estate biz, you may be aware that the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), which is the governing body over real estate licenses and standards, just made some changes to the approved Home Inspection Report for Texas Home Inspections. These changes became effective Sept. 1, 2021, and this week we thought we’d go over what they are and what they mean.

1. Water

Inspection reports are now required to call out the type of piping used in water distribution. Examples seen above are PEX, Copper, Galvanized, and PB (aka Quest).

2. Electric

All outlet receptacles must be either a GFCI or AFCI. GFCI is the type of outlet that has an emergency breaker at the outlet, while AFCI detects faulty wiring at the breaker box. They must also be “tamper-resistant,” which is indicated on the packaging, or with a “TR” on the outlet itself.

3. Windows

All windows two stories or higher with a windowsill that is 24 inches or less from the interior floor must have a device that prevents them from opening more than 4 inches. This is to prevent falls from easily accessible 2nd & third-story windows.

4. Gas

Gas information in regards to appliances will no longer be with the individual appliance but will be located in its own section specifically for gas. This is really only important to folks who are familiar with the old report and will now find this info in a different place. In addition, the absence of carbon monoxide detectors will now be called out on all home inspection reports.

5. Garage Doors

All garage access doors that are not equipped with a self-closing device that are attached to the home must have two spring loaded hinges as a fire safety measure. This would prevent fire from spreading easily to the main home in the event of a garage fire.