Texas Home Inspector Practice Exam

According to TREC, is the absence of gutters considered a defect that must be reported?

1. Yes, always

2. No, never

3. Only in certain conditions

4. Yes, depending on the property type

The correct answer is: No, never

The absence of gutters is generally not classified as a defect that must be reported according to TREC (Texas Real Estate Commission) guidelines. While gutters can be beneficial for directing water away from the foundation of a home and preventing water-related issues, their absence does not automatically constitute a significant defect. In practice, home inspectors prioritize reporting issues that could lead to safety hazards, structural damage, or serious concerns that affect the functionality or livability of the home. The lack of gutters may not fall into this category unless it can be linked to observable water intrusion problems, erosion, or damage to the foundation resulting from improper drainage. Therefore, while it is prudent for homeowners to consider the installation of gutters, particularly in regions where heavy rainfall is common, TREC does not mandate that the absence of gutters be reported as a defect under typical circumstances.