16-Hr. TX Home Inspector Partial CE Package

This inspector legal & ethics and standards of practice review curriculum was developed by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) with the assistance of a content writing group using information from publications, presentations, and general research.

The information is believed to be reliable, but it cannot be guaranteed for any particular individual or situation. Laws and rules discussed in the textbook may have been excerpted, summarized, or abbreviated. For a complete understanding and discussion, consult a full version of any pertinent law. Information in this textbook can change periodically. The authors and instructors are not engaged in rendering legal accounting or other professional advice. Always seek the services of a professional with suitable expertise.

This eight-hour course covers legal and ethical aspects of inspection practices in Texas, with an emphasis on TREC rules and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and their real-world applications. The course content serves the public interest by ensuring that consumers are protected by inspectors who know and comply with the requirements and laws, while helping inspectors uphold the professionalism and ethical reputation of the state’s home inspection industry.

Course highlights include:

• Key TREC Rule changes and applying them in your inspection practices
• Duties, responsibilities, and ethical practices of Texas home inspectors
• Documenting inspection results using the Standard Inspection Report Form REI 7-6
• Tips for writing reports that communicate useful, easy-to-understand details for clients
• Hot topics related to inspector succession, third parties, inspector tools and competency, and additional licenses for those looking to expand beyond the standard home inspection
• Managing requirements of and departures from SOPs
• Structural, HVAC, electrical, appliance, plumbing, and optional systems SOPs
• Activities to support recall of key concepts and hands-on practice and discussion with peers

This online Electrical Basics - Panels, Wiring, and Defects self-study course satisfies three hours of continuing education credit to licensed home inspectors. Within this course, students will spend time reviewing wiring; fuses; fuse panels; multi-wire branch circuits; neutrals and grounds bus bars; split electrical bus panels; and safety hazards associated with these items. Students are required to successfully complete all exercises, unit exams, and a final exam to demonstrate understanding of content.

What's the purpose of air conditioners and heat pumps? How is moisture managed in a house? How are attics and crawl spaces insulated and ventilated?

These questions and more will be discussed in this three-hour continuing education course. Understanding the load, capacity, and efficiency of air conditioning and heat pump systems can help inspectors educate buyers on these components in the home they're purchasing.

Course highlights include:

• Recognize various components, types, operation, and purpose of air conditioners and heat pumps
• Determine the load, capacity, and efficiency of air conditioning and heat pump systems
• Identify the manufacturer, size, and age of air conditioning and heat pump systems
• Recognize various components, types, and purpose of attic insulation and ventilation
• Recall common fallacies in attic insulation installation and attic ventilation
• Determine types and applications of crawl space insulation
• Recall common fallacies in crawl space insulation installation and ventilation
• Identify the different types and components of various ventilation systems
• Recall the usage and components of unbalanced and balanced ventilation systems

Inspecting solid fuel-burning appliances involves a lot more than checking off a box. Inspectors must possess a wealth of knowledge related to these appliances, including the standards to follow and where to go for the information necessary for completing a proper inspection.

This three-hour continuing education course covers the basics, including the principles of combustion, and the brass tacks, including the standards of practice for inspecting solid fuel-burning appliances.

Course highlights include:

• What a solid fuel-burning appliance is
• SOP requirements for solid fuel-burning appliances, including reporting deficiencies
• Standards for inspecting for fire hazards per NFPA 211
• Fuel types used for solid fuel-burning appliances
• Basic installation guidelines and how these appliances work
• Requirements for masonry fireplaces, existing flues, floor protection, and clearances
• Requirements for chimney connectors and vent connectors
• Details on firestops, wood stoves, and hearth extensions