What Home Inspectors Are Not Allowed to Do

What Home Inspectors Are Not Allowed to Do
(According to Texas TREC Standards)

At Neptune Inspections, we believe that homeowners and buyers should have a clear understanding of what to expect from a home inspection—and just as importantly, what not to expect. The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) outlines very specific Standards of Practice that guide what licensed home inspectors can and cannot do during a home inspection in Texas.

While we do our best to deliver the most thorough and professional inspections possible, there are clear limits to what’s within our scope—and those limits are in place for good reason.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common things home inspectors are not allowed to do, based on TREC guidelines and industry best practices:

1. We Don’t Perform Repairs or Offer to Fix Issues

• What we can do: Identify issues and recommend licensed professionals for further evaluation.

This is a big one—and it's actually prohibited under TREC Rule §535.220 (g)(2). Home inspectors must remain impartial third parties. Offering to fix something we find would be a conflict of interest.

2. We Don’t Enforce Building Codes

While many components we inspect may relate to building code, TREC inspections are not code-compliance inspections. Inspectors are trained to spot unsafe or improper conditions, but we are not municipal code officials.

• What we can do: Note deficiencies and unsafe conditions that may warrant further evaluation or repairs.

3. We Don’t Move Furniture or Stored Items

Per TREC Standards of Practice, inspectors are only required to inspect areas that are readily accessible. If a water heater is blocked by boxes or an attic is inaccessible due to stored belongings, we will report that those areas could not be fully inspected.

• What we can do: Report obstructions and recommend reinspection once access is cleared.

4. We Don’t Enter Unsafe or Inaccessible Areas

Your safety and ours come first. TREC makes it clear that inspectors are not required to enter any area that is dangerous to access, such as:

• Attics with low clearance or missing decking

• Crawlspaces with standing water

• Roofs that are too steep or slippery

• What we can do: Document the limitation and recommend further evaluation if needed.

5. We Don’t Test for Hazardous Substances (Unless Licensed)

Mold, asbestos, radon, lead-based paint, and even water quality testing fall outside the scope of a standard TREC inspection unless the inspector holds separate certifications.

• What we can do: Note visible signs of concern (like potential mold or staining) and recommend testing by a qualified specialist.

6. We Don’t Guarantee Future Conditions

A TREC inspection is a snapshot in time—not a warranty. We can’t predict whether an AC unit will fail next summer or if a roof will leak in the next storm.

• What we can do: Report current condition and signs of potential failure, and advise preventive maintenance.

7. We Don’t Disassemble Equipment

We’re not allowed to dismantle components in order to inspect them. For example, we won’t take apart a furnace or water heater. We inspect components that are visibly and safely accessible.

• What we can do: Open access panels and inspect accessible systems per TREC requirements.

8. We Don’t Offer Legal or Value Advice

We’re not attorneys or appraisers, so we do not give opinions on:

• Legal issues (e.g., seller liability)

• Property value

• Contract obligations

• What we can do: Provide factual, unbiased reports on the condition of the property.

A home inspection is a critical part of the buying or selling process, but understanding its limitations helps manage expectations and avoid confusion. At Neptune Inspections, we follow all TREC Standards of Practice and go the extra mile to make sure you have the clearest picture of your home's current condition.

Still have questions about what’s included—or not included—in your inspection? Reach out to us anytime. We're happy to walk you through it.

Ready to ensure your home is inspection-ready?

Schedule your inspection today!