It’s one of the most common questions I get at the end of an inspection: “Do you know somebody who can fix this?” It’s a fair question. You’ve just been handed a list of findings, you’re on a deadline, and you’d like a name you can trust. Here’s how I handle it, why, and what the rules in Texas actually say.
What Texas rules say
Home inspectors in Texas are licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission, and TREC’s rules of conduct are specific about repairs and referrals. An inspector can’t accept any fee, commission, or kickback for referring you to a contractor, and can’t perform or arrange repairs on a home they inspected. The point of both rules is the same: the inspector’s only job is to tell you the truth about the house, and nothing about the outcome of the repair can benefit them.
What the rules don’t prohibit is sharing a name. An inspector is allowed to tell you which electrician or foundation company they’ve seen do good work, as long as nothing comes back to them for it.
What I actually do
I’ll give you names when I have them, with three caveats that I say out loud every time.
I don’t get anything for it. No referral fee, no discount on my own work, no lunch. If a contractor ever offered, they’d come off the list.
The report comes first. Every finding in my report says what’s wrong, where it is, and what kind of professional should look at it. That’s written so any contractor can quote from it, not just one I know. You should be able to take the report to whoever you want.
Get more than one quote on anything big. Foundation, roof, electrical panel, sewer line: these are the repairs where quotes vary the most and where a second opinion is worth the time. If a contractor’s diagnosis doesn’t match what’s in the report, ask them to explain the difference.
What to be careful of
A few patterns worth watching for, whoever your inspector is.
The inspector who also does repairs. That’s prohibited in Texas on a home they inspected, and for good reason: a person who profits from finding problems will find problems.
The “preferred vendor” list with a kickback behind it. Some inspection companies have vendor programs where contractors pay to be listed. That’s a marketing arrangement, not a recommendation. Ask directly whether the inspector is compensated in any way.
Referrals that replace the report. If an inspector tells you “just call my guy” instead of writing a clear finding, you have no leverage in negotiation and no way to get a competing quote. Insist on the finding in writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a home inspector do the repairs they find?
Not in Texas. TREC prohibits an inspector from performing repairs on a home they’ve inspected. It’s a conflict of interest, and it’s a rules violation.
Is it a red flag if my inspector gives me a contractor’s name?
No, as long as they’re not being paid for it and the finding is fully documented in the report. Ask both questions.
Do I have to use the inspector’s contractor?
Never. The report should make it possible to get a quote from anyone. Use the name as a starting point, not a requirement.
Who should I call for a foundation finding?
A structural engineer for an evaluation if the movement looks significant, and at least two foundation repair companies for quotes. Engineers charge for their opinion, which is exactly why it’s worth having.
If you’re buying or selling in the Fort Worth area and want an inspection where the report stands on its own, I’m a TREC-licensed Professional Real Estate Inspector (#22916) and Certified Master Inspector. Take a look at a sample report to see how findings are written, or call or text 469-879-2772. Schedule online anytime.