Exam Prep 6 Home Inspecting Practice test

What is the maximum acceptable height difference between risers for stair safety?

1/4"

What is the ideal tread run for stairs?

12"

What is a fascia?

A board situated under the edge of a roof

A home inspector should recommend that a home's chimney be looked at by whom?

A certified chimney sweep

Which of the following descriptions is NOT a common deficiency associated with rain gutters?

Absence

ABS plastic is made up of what chemicals?

Acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene

Which of the terms below are associated with masonry?

Apron, Travertine, Anthropic

Most American homes have what type of shingles on roofs?

Asphalt

It is not unusual for foundations to become compromised because the surrounding soil has insufficient grading. Which of the following is the BEST grade allowance?

At least 1" per foot for six feet

You should not turn on air conditioning units during cold weather when inspecting air cooling systems. What should the outdoor temperature be before you test these units?

At least 60 degrees

Which of the following elements is NOT a common characteristic of a railing system?

Balcony

Which of the following examples is a common type of foundation system?

Basement, Slab, Crawl space

What are the most common types of siding found on American homes?

Brick, aluminum, vinyl, wood

How is a typical basement constructed?

Concrete is poured in the beams, then the walls, then in the slab inside the walls.

Which part of the air conditioner can generally be expected to last the longest?

Condenser coil

What types of material are MOST likely to develop mold when exposed to moisture?

Cotton, paper, wool

Tiebacks that anchor retaining walls may also be referred to as___________?

Dead men

Where is the BEST location for a light fixture that illuminates a stairway?

Depends on the stairway

Retaining walls that don't use mortar during the construction process are called _____?

Dry stacked retaining wall.

Air in forced air heating systems can be heated using which method?

Electricity, Oil, Propane

Wood decay is most often caused by which of the following?

Excessive exposure to moisture

Jalousie is a type of front door.

False

While inspecting the exterior of a home, you can expect to see which of the following?

Fascias, Eaves, Soffits

Which of the following fireplace components are NOT required to be inspected?

Fire screens, Flue interior, Mantles

You will use which instrument during a home inspection?

Flashlight, Voltage sniffer, Thermal image camera,

Which of the following structures require inspection?

Floor structures, Wall structures, Ceiling structures

There are several different types of pests you might encounter during a home inspection. Which of the following is the most destructive?

Formosan termite

What is the theory of heat transfer?

Heat can be transferred by conduction, convection, and radiation.

Which component listed below has the potential LONGEST expected service life?

Heat exchanger

Which of the following are types of heating systems?

Hydronic, Steam radiant, Radiant heat

Which of the following statements about knob-and-tube wiring is true?

It has no inherent safety risks and It is not permissible in new homes.

What is delaminating and where is it likely to occur?

It is the deterioration of wood trim or wood surfaces on windows and doors.

When inspecting the electrical system, you need to know about electrical amperage. Which of the following is the BEST definition of electrical amperage?

It is the power of an electrical current.

Which of the following generally causes pinhole leaks in service pipes made from brass?

Leaching zinc

Materials generally not used for gutters include which of the following?

Leather, Wool, Snakeskin

When inspecting a brick veneer wall, which of the following aspects is especially troubling?

Loose metal ties that are no longer secured to the wall

If you are inspecting the roof of a home, what defects should you look for?

Loose shingles, Missing shingles, Broken shingles,

Where is the most common place to find plumbing-related damage in the bathroom?

Near shower fixtures

Which of the following is a common problem associated with electronic air filters?

Need to be cleaned often

Home inspectors may only provide what kind of opinions with regards to observations and recommendations in the inspection report?

Objective and unbiased

Which of the following ceiling defects is NOT a cause for concern?

Paint discoloration

Vent stacks are components of which of the following systems?

Plumbing system

Which of the following is a reason to include photographs with an inspection report?

Provide a visual location of main shut-offs, Provide substantiation of findings, Provide a description of the home's floor plan

Which of the following can you include in an inspection report?

Routine maintenance ideas, conditions, deficiencies, seasonal maintenance recommendations

Noise in a water heater tank is generally caused by ______?

Sediment accumulation

What component redirects rainwater expelled by a downspout?

Splash block

Of the components below, which can you expect to have the shortest service life span?

Steel boiler

Which of the following descriptions are considered visual observations?

Swelling siding, Stucco deterioration, Water stain

What type of safety control is required on water heaters?

Temperature and pressure relief valve

Which of the following is a basic principle of the theory of refrigerant cycling?

That energy is converted, not created

How would a home inspector use a moisture meter during an inspection?

To determine if there is excess moisture in wood

What is the primary reason a bathroom requires ventilation?

To prevent mold development

Central heating is the most common type of heating you can expect to find during your home inspections.

True

Which of the following are part of the overall plumbing system?

Ventilation system, waste system, drain system

Which of the following materials is commonly found in crawl spaces?

Visqueen

Which of the following defects can result in serious safety problems in the bathroom?

Water damage on floor around toilet

When is the ideal time to replace planks on wood decks?

When it is necessary

Thermal pane windows should be replaced when?

When the window is cloudy

Draining and grading do not impact the structural integrity of a home.

false

Dropped, tray and cove ceilings do not require special installation techniques.

false

Every home inspection should begin in an attic.

false

Furnaces, radiators and baseboard registers do not have to be included in the home inspection.

false

Home inspectors are required to inspect chimney interiors and antennas on the roof.

false

Picture windows are most commonly found in homes older than 30 years.

false

Stucco siding can only be applied to straight surfaces and requires a minimum of four coats.

false

When you inspect the roof of a home, you are inspecting only for the expertise of the roofing contractor.

false

Which of the following areas DOES NOT require ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs)?

living room

Flue liners are used to protect chimneys from ______, _______ and _______?

rain, condensation and excess fuel

Which housing feature is associated with flashing?

roof

"Further inspection is needed" should be written in your report if you believe the standard inspection is insufficient for a certain component or system.

true

A circuit breaker will generally trip more frequently when the electrical service is less than 100 amps at 110/220 volts.

true

A pitched roof may sag in various sections due to insufficient spacing of frame supports, structural failures and/or inadequate bracing of the ridge beam.

true

Central heating systems are the most popular because the system can be used for both heating and cooling.

true

Chimneys that are too short can be dangerous due to improper venting and the potential for CO poisoning.

true

Chinese drywall can sometimes cause an odor that resembles rotten eggs.

true

Deficient systems or components may need to be repaired regardless of the duration of the problem.

true

Engineered glulam beams and wood I-joists can carry greater loads over longer spans than is possible with solid sawn wood of the same size.

true

Fiber-cement siding is known to be dependable. When performing a home inspection with this type of siding you will most often find that it has not warped or rotted.

true

Home inspectors are only able to perform limited inspections if a home is occupied when you conduct an inspection.

true

If you notice that a water heater is rusting, it may be appropriate to state in your report that it is beginning to deteriorate and may need to be replaced soon.

true

If you notice that the home owner has erected additional walls, including divider walls, it is appropriate to ask for documentation that the addition was approved by an engineer.

true

In the hallway outside of bedrooms is the best location for smoke detectors.

true

Indicating an attic's insulation to have a high R-value is a preferred finding to include on your report.

true

Industry standards are used to both perform inspections AND prepare home inspection reports.

true

Inspection reports should include information about deficiencies, recommended maintenance and materials used during construction.

true

It is possible that aluminum siding might need to be grounded.

true

Slate shingles have the longest expected service life.

true

The hot water supply system and water heating equipment are considered part of the plumbing inspection.

true

The kitchen, the laundry room and all bathrooms must be inspected during a home inspection due to the need to identify deficiencies in their plumbing systems.

true

The most common type of defect found when inspecting roof vents is water leakage.

true

The operation and safety concerns regarding washers and dryers are not included in a standard inspection so long as that is outlined in your pre-contract agreement.

true

The position/orientation of a home can impact the condition of the home.

true

The primary purpose of seismic straps is to prevent water heaters from moving.

true

The type of shut off valve on a water heater can vary depending on the type of water heater.

true

Various species of ants, termites and beetles may cause damage to wood homes.

true

Walking on a roof could void roofing warranties.

true

When inspecting skylights you are looking for corrosion on the frame and cracked panes of glass.

true

You are not required to inspect the connections of a washing machine.

true

Your written home inspection report should be the same as the verbal summary you provide your client.

true

When inspecting the plumbing system you should inspect the following:

vent systems, flues, chimneys