Home Inspection Practice Qs

A water heater pressure relief valve shall be set to open at least _______ above the system pressure but not over _________

25 psi; 150 psi

The current minimum service requirement for a new single family home is: A. 100 amps B. 125 amps C. 150 amps D. 200 amps

A. 100 amps

What is the MINIMUM electrical conductor clearance above a residential driveway? A. 12 feet B. 3 feet C. 15 feet D. 18 feet

A. 12 feet

In a split-system AC with a forced air gas furnace, what is the likely cause of the rust noted? A. Air conditioning condensate tray leakage. B. Mid-efficiency furnace condensate leakage. C. Mid-efficiency furnace vent gas condensation. D. Furnace vent washing down rain due to missing B Vent cap.

A. Air conditioning condensate tray leakage. Feedback: The evaporator is located in the plenum above the furnace. Evidence of leakage is noted at front plate of the heat exchanger evidence by rust stain at top and bottom of front cover. Note water stain on floor of the burner box. There is also likely water standing in the blower cabinet floor. The likely cause is one of these - Condensate tray rusted through, condensate tray drain clogged, or furnace cabinet is not level.

Nails that penetrate the roof sheathing are rusted. Some areas of roof sheathing present moisture stains and fungal growth. What is the MOST likely cause of these conditions? A. Air leaking from the conditioned space into the attic B. Inadequate attic insulation C. Absence of a Class II vapor retarder D. Water leaking around the nails

A. Air leaking from the conditioned space into the attic Feedback: Without adequate ventilation humidity that enters from openings into the attic condenses on the roof nail heads then drips to the attic floor. NHIE19 V2 p. 276 photos

The joints on the exterior of the brick chimney should be: A. Concaved. B. Raked. C. Open. D. Closed.

A. Concaved.

Which type of overcurrent devices are not allowed in new construction? A. Edison base fuses B. Cartridge fuses C. Circuit breakers D. Half-size breakers

A. Edison base fuses Feedback: Edison base fuses are no longer allowed in new construction. The issue is that 15 amp, 20 amp and 30 amp fuses are all interchangeable. This may result in too large a fuse being installed, leaving the circuit under protected. Mismatching is eliminated by using "S" Type fuses.

Home inspection aggreements (contracts) should: A. Establish the limitation of the inspection B. Be as exculpatory as possible C. Describe the current weather condition D. Include the name of the clients real estate agent.

A. Establish the limitation of the inspection

In a forced air furnace, the burners are used to generate heat in the: A. Heat exchanger B. Draft diverter C. Flue D. Plenum

A. Heat exchanger

What is the most likely result of insufficient air flow across the evaporator coil? A. Ice forms on the evaporator coil B. The measured temperature drop decreases C. The fan motor overheats D. The compressor stops working

A. Ice forms on the evaporator coil

Where would a radiant barrier be MOST effective? A. In an attic in Pheonix, AZ B. In a crawlspace in Washington, DC C. On the conditioned side of a wall in Toronto, CA D. On the unconditioned side of a wall in Chicago, IL

A. In an attic in Pheonix, AZ

Where might you expect to find safety glass in a window? A. Less than 18 inches above the floor. B. Less than 24 inches above the floor. C. Above the kitchen sink. D. On the second story.

A. Less than 18 inches above the floor Feedback: Any window where the bottom of the window is within 18 inch

A room is built over a garage, with floor joists parallel to the garage door opening. To allow room to install a double wide automatic garage door opener, the center of the joists may: A. Not be notched B. Be notched up to 1/8 inch their depth C. Be notched up to 1/16 their depth D. Be notched only if a tension rod is installed

A. Not be notched

The inclusion of photographs in a report is: A. Optional B. Mandatory C. Discriminatory D. Illegal

A. Optional

While inspecting a metal framed building, you observe non-metallic sheathed wire installed through the factory stud cut-outs. Your recommendation should be: A. Plastic grommets should be installed B. The wire must be removed and replaced with bx cable C. All the wiring must be re-run in rigid conduit from the ceiling D. All the wiring must be re-run in rigid conduit from the floor

A. Plastic grommets should be installed

During an inspection of a gas dryer, you observe no exhaust vent. Your report should: A. Recommend installing a metal dryer duct vented to the exterior B. Recommend installing a flexible plastic dryer duct vented to the exterior C. Indicate a code violation and state that corrective action should be taken D. Indicate that this is not a problem.

A. Recommend installing a metal dryer duct vented to the exterior

Inspection of which appliance is NOT within the scope of a home inspection? A. Refrigerator B. Trash compactor C. Food waste disposer D. Installed microwave

A. Refrigerator

A newer home you are inspecting has a below grade finished basement including a bedroom. You should verify the presence of a smoke detector, CO detector and a: A. Second means of egress B. Carbon monoxide alarm C. Fire extinguisher D. Fully adjustable heat vent

A. Second means of egress

A subpanel in a detached building has melted insulation on a neutral conductor. What is the most likely cause of this condition? A. The neutral conductor is loose at the terminal bar. B. The circuit breaker is defective. C. There is no grounding electrode. D. The circuit breaker ampacity is too large for the wire.

A. The neutral conductor is loose at the terminal bar.

Which of the following is an indication that a masonry wall is veneer and NOT structural? A. There are no bond courses. B. The lintels are made of steel. C. The windows are inset 6" from the wall face. D. There are no arches in the wall.

A. There are no bond courses. Feedback: A veneer is one wythe of brick where a true brick wall is two or 3 wythes thick. The bond courses are what holds the wythes together. The façade has brick ties fastened to the substrate for support.

When testing the GFCI test/reset device in the hall bathroom, you discover that the power shuts off to the outlets in the remaining bathrooms as well. You conclude A. all these outlets are properly wired on the same GFCI protected circuit, and no correction is needed. B. all these outlets are improperly wired on the same GFCI protected circuit, and correction is needed. C. the GFCI test/reset device is properly wired; however, test/reset devices are needed at the other outlets. D. the entire circuit is illegal since each bathroom GFCI outlet must be provided with a dedicated circuit.

A. all these outlets are properly wired on the same GFCI protected circuit, and no correction is needed. Feedback: Each bathroom is not required to be on its own GFCI. This condition may be inconvenient is multiple appliances like hair dryers and curling irons are being used and overload the breaker. Both bathroom outlet will go dead.

Potable water systems connected to lawn irrigation systems need to be protected from A. backsiphonage. B. excessive water usage. C. mechanical damage. D. low water flow.

A. backsiphonage.

Racking is most likely to occur from failure to install: A. wall bracing B. floor joist bridging C. roof collar ties D. foundation wall reinforcing steel

A. wall bracing

The aluminum wire size that corresponds to a 20 amp breaker is: A. 8 AWG B. 10 AWG C. 12 AWG D. 14 AWG

B. 10 AWG

Installed lighting above an existing outdoor pool shall have a height clearance above the water level of a minimum of A. 8 feet B. 12 feet C. 16 feet D. 20 feet

B. 12 feet

When measuring the temperature differential between supply air and return air in a central air conditioning system, on a humid summer day the difference should be: A. 5 degree F and 15 degree F B. 15 degree F and 20 degree F C. 20 degree F and 30 degree F D. 30 degree F and 45 degree F

B. 15 degree F and 20 degree F

The modern MINIMUM size water service pipe to a residence is: A. 1/2 inch B. 3/4 inch C. 1 inch D. 1 1/4 inch

B. 3/4 inch

Garage door opener electronic eye sensors are properly installed when facing each other and A. 1 to 3 inches above the floor. B. 4 to 6 inches above the floor. C. 7 to 10 inches above the floor. D. 11 to 15 inches above the floor.

B. 4 to 6 inches above the floor.

What is the best definition of a cross-connection? A. An HVAC supply plenum is connected to a return plenum. B. A plumbing water distribution pipe is connected to a contaminant source C. A plumbing dry vent is connected to a wet vent. D. An electrical white-insulated wire is connected to a circuit breaker.

B. A plumbing water distribution pipe is connected to a contaminant source

There is a crack at the upper corner on the lock side of an interior door. The crack gets wider as it runs toward the ceiling. The door scrapes against the lock-side jamb. What is the BEST recommendation in this situation? A. Repair by a handyman. B. Evaluation by a contractor. C. Repair by a contractor. D. Evaluation by an engineer.

B. Evaluation by a contractor.

Mediation can best be described as a: A. Court-imposed settlement B. Facilitated negotiation C. Quasi-judicial process D. Non-binding arbitration

B. Facilitated negotiation

Which of the following should never be embedded in a concrete slab-on-grade floor? A. Heat ducting B. Gas piping C. Electrical conduit D. Waste pipe

B. Gas piping

A sidewall extends past a roof. Hardboard siding is water damaged a few inches beyond where the roof and sidewall meet. The roof covering is asphalt strip shingles. What is the most likely cause of this condition? A. Drip edge flashing was not installed B. Kick out flashing was not installed C. Siding was not installed close to the roof covering D. Underlayment was not installed

B. Kick out flashing was not installed

What is the minimum gap in a crawlspace soil floor to the bottom of a supply or return air duct? A. Half the distance between the bottom of the floor joist and soil B. Minimum of 4" above the floor in the crawlspace C. Minimum of 8" above the floor in the crawlspace D. Any distance above the potential flood water level likely to be present

B. Minimum of 4" above the floor in the crawlspace

Floor joist bridging: A. Eliminates floor squeaking B. Provides lateral support C. Is needed in seismic hazard zones D. Is needed for engineered joists

B. Provides lateral support

A homeinspection agreement is most likely to be interpreted using which law? A. Federal B. State C. County D. Parish

B. State

A concrete basement wall has a crack that varies in width between ⅜ inch at the floor to ⅛ inch 2 feet down from the wall top. What is the most likely cause of this condition? A. The concrete dried too quickly. B. The soil is unstable under the footing. C. The wall was damaged when it was backfilled. D. The reinforcing steel is the wrong size

B. The soil is unstable under the footing.

While inspecting the attic, you observe that the 2 x 4 cord has been removed from 2 adjacent manufactured roof trusses to enable the installation of the attic-mounted HVAC air-handler unit, in a single family dwelling. Your report should state that: A. No problem exists since only 2 trusses have been modified, and they are adjacent B. The trusses have been modified and should be further evaluated by a qualified engineer C. The trusses remain structurally sound, since the top chord and bottom chords have not been cut, and the roof sheathing will provide stability D. The trusses have been compromised, and this area should be monitored for signs of future structural failure

B. The trusses have been modified and should be further evaluated by a qualified engineer

A GFCI functions by sensing A. an overcurrent condition. B. a current imbalance. C. a short circuit. D. an open neutral.

B. a current imbalance.

A sewage ejection pump in a vacant single-family home continues to operate intermittently for a few minutes after all the fixtures have been operated. This is MOST probably due to A. a leaking outside hose connection. B. a leaking check valve. C. a stuck float switch. D. siphoning at a trap.

B. a leaking check valve. Feedback: NHIE eluded to potential problems but did not specifically say the reason was a leaking check valve. Its function is the same as for the sump pump. Subject Matter Experts consensus.

A drain waste vent installed on an individual fixture where there is no access to a conventional venting system is known as a(n): A. outside vent B. air admittance valve AAV C. roof vent D. inside vent

B. air admittance valve AAV

Gas-fired furnace with a stamped metal clamshellheat exchanger most often fails from A. Condensation from the evaporator coil B. metal fatigue C. Excessive gas pressure D. lack of use and age

B. metal fatigue Feedback: Heating (expansion) and then cooling (contraction) of the clam shell heat-exchanger causes metal fatigue and the result is cracking failure. NHIE Mechanical Manual page 266

Sending the inspection report to which party is LEAST likely to be considered an ethical breach by an home inspector? Assume all parties attended the inspection. A. the client's parents B. the buyer's agents C. the seller's agents D. the seller

B. the buyer's agents

Skip sheathing for Wood Shingles & Shakes should have a minimum dimension of A. 1"x2" B. 1"x3" C. 1"x4" D. 1"x6"

C. 1"x4" Feedback: smaller than 1'x4" would be too weak to walk on and more difficult to fasten shingle thru.

Overhead electrical service should be a MINIMUM of how many feet above 2:12 roof subject to foot traffic? A. 4 feet B. 6 feet C. 8 feet D. 10 feet

C. 8 feet Feedback: Any roof with a slope less than 4/12 is covered under the 8' rule

Knob & Tube wiring may be acceptable if: A. The home is insulated with fiberglass B. The circuit breaker system is proper C. Not covered with insulation D. The fuse system is still in place

C. Not covered with insulation

A drainage tile can be BEST described as a: A. Curved clay-tile assembly installed along the headwall of a dormer in lieu of stepped flashing. B. Ceramic-tile washboard installed at a laundry sink to divert water into the sink. C. Perforated/ slotted pipe set in gravel running continuously along the exterior of a building's foundation footings. D. Concrete splash-block set below the termination of a flat roof drain system to divert water away from the building.

C. Perforated/ slotted pipe set in gravel running continuously along the exterior of a building's foundation footings.

Electric dryer receptacles in older houses: A. Work with four-wire cords and plugs B. May share a wire with a 120-volt receptacle C. Require their own circuit D. Are rated for at least 50 amps

C. Require their own circuit

When a water heater thermostat is set at 140 degrees or higher, a _______ should be installed to cool the water. A. Temperature probe B. Mixing probe C. Tempering valve D. Globe valve

C. Tempering valve

Where is an S trap most likely to be located? A. In a water closet B. Near a gas furnace C. Under the kitchen sink D. In a circuit vent

C. Under the kitchen sink

The flame from a properly adjusted oil burner should be what color? A. Blue with red tips. B. Red with blue tips. C. White with yellow tips. D. Yellow with white tips.

C. White with yellow tips.

A fuse rated for 30 AMPS is color coded A. red. B. blue. C. green. D. black.

C. green.

GFCI protection is not REQUIRED for A. 240 volt irrigation valves. B. receptacles in a finished basement C. multi-wire branch circuits. D. garage receptacles.

C. multi-wire branch circuits.

In new construction, a MINIMUM overhead electrical clearances are A. walkway:8 feet, roadway: 16 feet, deck: 12 feet B. walkway: 9 feet, roadway: 15 feet, deck: 10 feet C. walkway: 10 feet, roadway: 18 feet, deck: 10 feet D. walkway:12 feet, roadway: 20 feet, deck: 12 feet

C. walkway: 10 feet, roadway: 18 feet, deck: 10 feet

A notch in a 12-foot-long 2x10 floor joist is located 5 feet from the joist end. What is the MAXIMUM allowed notch depth? A. 2 inches. B. 1⅝ inches. C. 1½ inches. D. 0 inches.

Correct Answer: 0 inches. Feedback: Only location to notch is the outer 1/3 of each end.

An open flame or sparking device within fuel burning appliances MUST be elevated off the garage floor AT LEAST A. 6 inches. B. 12 inches. C. 18 inches. D. 24 inches.

Correct Answer: 18 inches. Feedback: This is to prevent gas fumes from rolling across the garage floor from access to the furnace or hot water tank firebox.

How many energized conductors supply 240-volt, 200-amp, single phase electric service? A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4

Correct Answer: 2 Feedback: NHIE15 179 NHIE19V1 p 440 L1 (LINE 1) and L2. Each has a 120 volt potential to ground and a 240v potential between L1 and L2.

For a swimming pool barrier, of the choices below, what is the largest ball you should be able to pass through the barrier. A. 3 inches B. 3.75 inches C. 4 inches D. 5 inches

Correct Answer: 3.75 inches Feedback: See NHIE Mechanical Manual page 529 The International pool code state that baluster spacing shall be such that a 4-inch sphere shall NOT pass

The MAXIMUM acceptable variation in riser heights within a flight of stairs is A. 1/2 inch. B. 3/8 inch. C. 3/4 inch. D. 1 inch.

Correct Answer: 3/8 inch. Feedback: A variation of over 3/8" is a serious trip hazard

The minimum clearance for a stucco façade and soil should be how many inches? A. 2 B. 4 C. 6 D. 8

Correct Answer: 4 Feedback: 4" from soil to allow visibility for termite inspection and all water to not splash back up onto the stucco

There is evidence of heavy coat of oxidation on the pictured copper water pipes. What likely caused this condition A. High humidity in the basement of the home has caused the rust. B. Corrosive atmospheres. C. Pipe was installed that way. It was exposed to the weather prior to installation. D. There is excessive moisture condensing on the pipes due to leakage.

Correct Answer: Corrosive atmospheres. Feedback: Oxidizers like bleach, battery charging stations (lead acid), flue gas from poorly vented appliances, sewer gas , et al. Will corrode copper piping and wiring

Which roof covering is most appropriate for a roof with a slope of 1½:12 above a single-family house? Assume standard installation of any required underlayment. A. Metal shingles. B. Wood shakes. C. Modified bitumen. D. Slate shingles.

Correct Answer: Modified bitumen. Feedback: The other three materials require at minimum a 2-3/12 slope.

The client complains of an occasional foul odor in a seldom used bathroom. Which is the most likely cause of this issue? A. The vent pipe is improperly sloped. B. The cleanout was not installed. C. The bathtub trap water seal has evaporated. D. The sink trap is partially blocked.

Correct Answer: The bathtub trap water seal has evaporated. Feedback: The most common foul odor in a home is the result of a trip that is dried out.

Permeability is the property of a material that allows the passage of: A. Water vapor. B. heat energy. C. liquid water. D. infrared radiation.

Correct Answer: Water vapor. Feedback: Water vapor = humidity = Latent Load

A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is a safety device that A. disconnects power when the grounding to the outlet is faulty. B. detects moisture and disconnects power in a wet location C. disconnects the power when sensing current leakage D. protects against electrical surges and voltage spikes

Correct Answer: disconnects the power when sensing current leakage Feedback: There is a microchip installed that can sense as little s 5 milliamp current fault. Should that occur it will cut the power in as little as 1/40 to 1/50 of a second. This in an effort to prevent electrocution.

An ungrounded receptacle may be protected by a GFCI installed A. on the same phase as the receptacle. B. on the supply side of the receptacle. C. downstream from the receptacle. D. anywhere in the receptacle branch circuit.

Correct Answer: on the supply side of the receptacle. Feedback: This is a typical fix for an older house wit two prong receptacles. When installing n the first position of a circuit the other outlets downstream are also protected and may be replaced with three prong receptacles, when identifying them with label stating, "No Equipment Ground."

For an asphalt shingle roof installed over an existing ashphalt shingles, leakage commonly occurs at A. eaves B. penetrations C. ridges D. hips

Correct Answer: penetrations Feedback: Penetrations in the roof covering are most likely leak spots.

Condensation between glass layers of thermal pane windows indicates the need to A. Repair or replace sealant. B. repair or clean the breather holes. C. Replace the interior pane. D. replace the glazing, sash, or window.

Correct Answer: replace the glazing, sash, or window. Feedback: There is no repair for a failed thermal seal once the seal is broken humidity gets between the panes and condenses the window will eventually get cloudy. Replacement is the only option.

The purpose of a thermocouple is to A. control temperature. B. adjust flame. C. shut gas off. D. control fan.

Correct Answer: shut gas off. Feedback: Thermocouple recognizes heat from the pilot light flame. No flame does not allow the gas valve to open to ignite the burner.

Fiberglass batt insulation slows heat movement by: A. reflecting infrared radiation off the insulation. B. restricting vapor diffusion through the insulation. C. creating a thermal mass within the insulation. D. slowing air movement within the insulation

Correct Answer: slowing air movement within the insulation Feedback: Heat is trapped in the open cells of the insulation. Air is the transfer agent

A newly built ventilated underfloor crawl space with a vapor barrier is REQUIRED to have one square foot of net ventilation opening per sf of floor space A. 150 square feet of crawl space B. 600 square feet of crawl space C. 1,200 squre feet of crawlspace D. 1,500 square feet of crawl space

D. 1,500 square feet of crawl space Feedback: With a vapor retarder only 1/10 the ventilation is needed. See NHIE Structural Manual page 356 IRC18 - R408.1

The minimum size copper conductor used on a 15 amp rated circuit breaker is: A. 8 AWG B. 10 AWG C. 12 AWG D. 14 AWG

D. 14 AWG

The water heater pressure relief valve discharge pipe MUST be: A. A 3/4 inch pipe B. Made of rigid pipe C. Threaded at the bottom D. At least the nominal size of the relief valve outlet

D. At least the nominal size of the relief valve outlet

To measure carbon monoxide, you should use a(n): A. OC detector. B. OC2 detector. C. CO2 detector. D. CO detector.

D. CO detector.

What is the most appropriate fastener material for a slate shingle roof covering? A. Electroplated galvanized nails B. Zinc nails C. Hot dipped galvanized screws D. Copper nails

D. Copper nails

Generally, which type of item is NOT included in a home inspection? A. Unsafe B. Defective C. Not present D. Cosmetic

D. Cosmetic

Which of the following is currently required to be GFCI protected? A. Mezzanine loft area B. Attic outlets C. Bedroom outlets D. Food waste disposer

D. Food waste disposer

Three-hole grounding-type electrical receptacles: A. Are required to have an insulated ground B. Must connect to the nearest water pipe C. Cannot be installed downstream of an ungrounded GFCI D. Must be grounded

D. Must be grounded

Looking into an open electric service panel you see a wire with evidence of burning. What should you do? A. You are not responsible for removing electric service panel so this situation will never occur B. Check the wire to see if it is hot and then tighten any loose connections C. DIsconnect the wire, cut the burned area off, and strip and reconnect the wire D. Report on the condition, and inform the homeowner that an electrician should repair.

D. Report on the condition, and inform the homeowner that an electrician should repair.

The attic hatch in the ceiling of the garage is not accessible what do you say in the report? A. The installed platform must be removed to make the attic accessible B. Since there is no appliances in the attic no comment should be made. C. Recommend installation of a second attic hatch in an accessible location. D. Report that the attic must be made accessible.

D. Report that the attic must be made accessible.

There are three conductors at the weatherhead. What is the nominal electric voltage? A. Three phase 240 volts. B. 120 volts, 100 amps. C. 120 volts, 60 amps. D. Single phase, 120/240 volts.

D. Single phase, 120/240 volts.

Soil surface adjacent to the foundation should be: A. Sealed to prevent water entry B. Compacted to provide foundation support C. Covered by granular wall D. Sloped away from the structure to provide proper drainage

D. Sloped away from the structure to provide proper drainage

During your inspection you see small white insects. What do you say to your clients? A. Do not say anything B. There are termites in this property C. There is damage to the structure due to an insect infestation D. Suggest obtaining the services of a pest control operator

D. Suggest obtaining the services of a pest control operator

It is discovered that a 3" deep notch is cut at the end of a 2x10 floor joist. The home inspector's report should include: A. Nothing about this because it does not exceed 35% of the depth of the joist B. That the notch needs proper blocking C. That no repair is needed because it is in the outer 1/3 of the joist D. That the notch exceeds maximum allowable depth and needs proper repair

D. That the notch exceeds maximum allowable depth and needs proper repair

A collar tie is found in: A. The attic near the top plate B. The basement between the floor joists C. A wall at the intersection of two walls D. The upper third of the rafter length

D. The upper third of the rafter length

Which of the following is true about the grounded conductor (neutral)? A. No electric current flows through the white neutral wire B. The white neutral wire should measure 110 volts to ground C. White wires will not function for any other purposes than as a neutral D. The white neutral wire returns current to the source

D. The white neutral wire returns current to the source

The term "wet vent" refers to a: A. Vent that traps water and therefore stays wet. B. Vent located above the roof line and exposed to rain. C. Vent that runs outside an exterior wall. D. Waste line that also functions as a vent.

D. Waste line that also functions as a vent.

The device used to detect the electrical current to the electric heater element is called A. an anemometer. B. an ohm meter. C. a volt meter. D. an ammeter.

D. an ammeter.

A three-light receptacle tester will NOT display a/an A. energized neutral. B. disconnected ground C. polarity reversal D. bootleg ground.

D. bootleg ground.

Smelling sewer gas near a bathroom sink indicates that the drain trap is: A. clogged B. undersized C. flooded D. dried out

D. dried out Feedback: The 2" - 4" water seal prevents the gas from entering.

The closet where the water heater is located was locked. There was hot water at the faucets. The best way to report this situation is the water heater: A. was inaccessible B. closet door was locked C. was functioning properly D. was not inspected because the door was locked

D. was not inspected because the door was locked

There is a bare incandescent bulb in a closet. What is the best way to report it?

The bulb is a fire hazard

Creosote is most likely to be created in a chimney when burning what?

Unseasoned wood