TERMS OF USE & SERVICE
Effective & Last Updated: October 29, 2026 • Sphaerus LLC d/b/a Secured Inspections®
Statutory Residential, Commercial & Specialty Scope
All field inspections performed by Sphaerus LLC d/b/a Secured Inspections® are non-invasive, visual, and instrument-assisted diagnostic evaluations governed by the signed Pre-Inspection Agreement executed prior to report release and the applicable regulatory standard:
- Texas Residential Inspections: Performed in accordance with the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) Standards of Practice (22 TAC §§535.227–535.233, Form REI 7-6, TREC Lic. #23070). Consumers are protected under the TREC Consumer Protection Notice (CN 1-3).
- Commercial Property Condition Assessments: Performed in accordance with ASTM E2018-24 Standard Guide for Property Condition Assessments: Baseline Property Condition Assessment Process.
- Mold & Indoor Air Quality Assessments: Performed under Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) 16 TAC Chapter 78 (MAC #1974) with chain-of-custody analysis by TDLR/AIHA-accredited laboratory (#1050).
- Wood-Destroying Insect (Termite / WDI) Reports: Performed under Texas Department of Agriculture Structural Pest Control Service (SPCS Lic. #089201) regulations.
Fee Transparency, Report Release & Pay-at-Closing Terms
- Residential & Specialty Reservations ($0 Upfront Deposit): Residential and standalone specialty appointments may be reserved online with $0 upfront deposit. Direct payment by Credit/Debit Card, Apple Pay, or ACH ($0 processing surcharge) is due upon inspection completion to unlock digital report delivery.
- Title Company Escrow Pay-at-Closing (+$35 Billing Fee): Clients under an active real estate purchase contract may elect HUD/ALTA Title Escrow settlement (+$35 administrative fee). Report release under Pay-at-Closing requires a signed Escrow Disbursement Authorization; the contracting client remains responsible for full settlement within 45 days if the transaction cancels or fails to close.
- Commercial Engagements: Full ASTM E2018-24 commercial engagements require a 50% mobilization retainer upon proposal authorization and 50% balance upon Property Condition Report (PCR) delivery.
- Professional Services Tax Status: Licensed Texas real estate inspection and engineering assessment fees are exempt professional services (0% sales tax).
24-Hour Notice & Return Mobilization Policy
To perform complete mechanical, electrical, plumbing, thermal, and appliance testing, all water, electric, and gas utilities must be turned on, pilot lights lit, and all gates, lockboxes, attic scuttles, electrical panels, and detached structures unlocked prior to inspector arrival.
Appointments may be rescheduled at no charge with at least 24 hours advance notice. If the inspector arrives on-site and cannot access the property or cannot test systems due to inactive utilities—or if an appointment is canceled less than 24 hours prior to the scheduled window—a $125.00 Field Mobilization / Return Trip Fee applies.
FAA Airspace, Weather & Educational Website Tools
Complimentary 4K aerial drone roof photography is deployed whenever roof height, steep pitch, coastal stilt elevation, or fragile roofing material makes physical walking unsafe, subject to FAA Part 107 / LAANC airspace restrictions and safe weather conditions (no active precipitation or winds exceeding 25 mph). When flight is restricted, roof surfaces are evaluated from ladder eaves, ground telephoto optics, and interior attic decking/FLIR® thermal scans.
All website tools—including the Custom Quote Builder, Option Period Cutoff Calculator, Texas Home Reference Book (REI 7-6 Companion), and educational blog articles—are provided for general informational purposes and do not constitute legal advice, a structural engineering seal, or a home warranty policy.
State of Texas Venue
These Terms of Use are governed by the laws of the State of Texas, with venue in Galveston County, Texas. Questions regarding quotes, billing, or terms may be directed to Sphaerus LLC d/b/a Secured Inspections®, 617 8th Ave N, Texas City, TX 77590, (832) 396-9870, or billing@securedinspections.com.
