Alpha Inspections
"The 1st Professional to call when you need an inspection"
Builder/Remodler Inspections for Texas Residential Construction
Commission
unincorporated area or in another area not subject to municipal inspections (Property Code, Chapter 446)
must have a minimum of three inspections conducted by a fee inspector, as applicable at certain stages of
construction.

The builder/remodeler is responsible for hiring the fee inspector. The fee inspector may be either a licensed
engineer, registered architect, a professional inspector licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission or a
commission certified third-party inspector.
    Residential construction done by those builders and remodelers described above that occurs in an unincorporated area or in another
    area not subject to municipal inspections (Property Code, Chapter 446) must have a minimum of three inspections conducted by a fee
    inspector, as applicable at certain stages of construction.

    The builder/remodeler is responsible for hiring the fee inspector. The fee inspector may be either a licensed engineer, registered
    architect, a professional inspector licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission or a commission certified third-party inspector.

    The three inspections required, as applicable, include:

  • Foundation - A foundation inspection conducted prior to the placement of concrete, also known as the foundation pre-pour.

  • Framing - A framing and mechanical systems inspection conducted prior to the placement of exterior wall insulation or
    interior wall coverings, also known as the pre-cover

  • Final -  A final inspection conducted when the home is completed.

    As the inspector you will be asked to certify that the subject property passed the inspection.
1st Inspection

Foundation -  If you certify that the
foundation inspection passed, it
means that you must physically and
visually inspected the foundation and
verified compliance with the
engineered drawings, the proper
placement, support, sizing and
spacing of graded rebar and that it is
supported, as well as ensuring proper
beam depth, width and placement.

Vapor/moisture barrier placement
should be checked. If applicable,
cable ends are to be anchored and the
cable tendons properly placed and
supported. If the drawings are not
sealed by an engineer, then the
foundation must comply with the
building code applicable to the
property.
2nd Inspection

Framing, Mechanical and
Delivery Systems - If you certify
that the framing, mechanical and
delivery systems have passed
inspection, it means that you must
physically and visually verified
compliance with the applicable
building code or, if applicable, an
engineered design.

proper door and window egress
placement, framing members should
be properly attached, spaced, graded
and aligned, and that joints are not
stressed and are fastened with the
proper materials. The load bearing
infrastructure should show no signs of
distress.

Materials should not be decayed or
otherwise have their structural
integrity compromised. All spliced
materials shall comply with the
applicable building code.

Additionally, each of the major
mechanical delivery systems needs to
be reviewed:

    • Electrical Systems should be
    checked to ensure the system is
    properly grounded, all
    connections are made in
    junction boxes, proper gauge
    wiring is installed, outlets are
    properly spaced, working
    clearances are provided where
    required and wires are properly
    protected by nail plates in
    appropriate locations.

    • Adequate access to the
    machinery should be provided.
    Duct work should not be
    encumbered by other building
    materials, punctured, crimped,
    crushed or otherwise
    compromised. Ducts are
    installed per the applicable
    building code. Return air grills
    are in the locations required by
    the plans.

    • the roof is appropriately
    supported and sloped;

    • Plumbing System should be
    reviewed to ensure all
    connections, bends and joints
    are appropriately fitted and
    sealed. All pipes must be
    properly protected by nail
    plates in appropriate locations.

Materials installed should be used for
their manufactured purposes and be
of appropriate size and condition, as
well as being appropriately supported
and anchored.
3rd Inspection

Final - If you certify that the
construction has passed the final
inspection, it means that for the final
inspection you have visually and
physically verified compliance with the
applicable building code. It is
important to that you also review and
ensure that:

    • the grading of the yard
    surrounding the home
    appropriately allows water to
    flow away from the home and to
    comply with the TRCC
    performance standard;

    • the electrical, plumbing and
    HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and
    Air Conditioning) System is in
    complete working order;

    • the exterior unit of the HVAC
    System (the compressor) should
    be located on a level surface
    above the ground;

    • all air ducts should be free of
    obstruction. Any dampers and
    control systems should be
    checked.

    • the doors and windows all
    operate properly;

    • the finish materials are
    properly installed, sealed and
    protected from the environment;

    • the flatwork around the home is
    free of any structural cracks,
    holes or other safety hazards;

    • all roof cladding is installed in
    accordance with the
    manufacturer’s
    recommendations;

    • flashing is installed, where
    visible, without removing
    materials;

    • the stairways and hallways are
    of proper width and have
    adequate headroom, handrails,
    landings and treads are the
    proper size and spacing;

    • the homes fixtures (including
    plumbing, electrical, and finish
    hardware) are all correctly
    installed and working properly;

    • any appliances or
    manufactured products installed
    in the home are in proper
    working order; and

    • there are no apparent safety
    issues.