How FIRM is your inspection report? I don’t mean to sound confusing, but some home inspection reports now show some deceptive verbiage. Allow me to explain:
The TREC (Texas Real Estate Commission) controls and governs the reporting process of home inspectors for existing structures that are or will be for sale. They also grant the licensing to qualified home inspectors. This keeps industry standards high, and the customer protected.
However, The TREC has no jurisdiction over partially completed structures, new structures being built or structures that are not being considered for sale (e.g. one year warranty inspections).
For example, if you received a report for a phase or warranty inspection, and it reads John Doe PI #13 FIRM, or TREC #13 FIRM, you may think that a licensed inspector or engineer inspected your home, but actually, the license is not his. He has piggy-backed a co-worker’s license onto your report.
What to look out for simply? If FIRM is near the name of the inspector on the report, it’s likely the inspector is not licensed (even though you expected or assumed him to be licensed).
This is not illegal under these specific circumstances, and if it is acceptable to you, either by price point or some other consideration, then there is no foul. But it is deceptive verbiage, and you should be aware of what your paying for and what you’re receiving. And be FIRM about asking your inspection company to be specific about who is inspecting your home and the qualifications that the inspector actually has.