Mock Test 2
114. Holes are (a) Best near the top of joists. (b) Best near the bottom of joists. (c) Best near the middle of joists. (d) Not allowed in joists.
Best near the middle of joists.
118. Solid masonry walls typically need all of these EXCEPT (a) A way to hold the wythes together. (b) Arches or lintels over openings. (c) Mortar. (d) Corbelling.
Corbelling
151. Batch feed waste disposers have a power switch near the unit, allowing it to be turned on and off very quickly. (a) True (b) False
False
63. Rope wicks in veneer walls (a) Are better than weep holes (b) Are often used in place of weep holes (c) Replace brick ties (d) Are used with plastic screens
Are often used in place of weep holes
178. What type of insurance does a home inspector carry encase they break something during the inspection? (a) Home inspection warranty (b) Public protection insurance (c) General Liability (d) Errors and Omission
General Liability
92. Which of the following is the soil type for building homes? (a) Fine sand (b) Organic (c) Gravel (d) Course sand
Gravel
146. Jack rafters are (a) Rafters at hips and valleys. (b) Rafters that tie into a header at an opening in the roof (such as a skylight). (c) Rafters that have been doubled. (d) The same as I-joists.
Rafters at hips and valleys.
194. Gas supply pipe penetration into exterior cladding should be (a) Sleeved (b) Plumb (c) Angular (d) Painted
Sleeved
7. Split-system, air-cooled, central air-conditioning systems have how many fans? (a) None (b) One (c) Two (d) Four
Two
138. Which of the following is the least common spacing for rafters, roof joists and ceiling joists? (a) 12 inches (b) 20 inches (c) 24 inches (d) 36 inches
36 inches
184. What is the minimum slope of a B vent? (a) 1/8" (b) 1/4" (c) 1/2" (d) 3/4"
1/4"
13. Masonry chimneys should have a clearance from combustible framing members of (a) 1 inch. (b) 2 inches. (c) 4 inches. (d) 12 inches.
2 inches
31. The introductory discussion should (a) Help to adjust the expectations of the client. (b) Establish your credibility with the use of a number or technical terms (c) Include instructions for your clients to avoid questions since this will pull you from your routine. (d) Include questions about the clients preferred order for inspecting the components of the home.
Help to adjust the expectations of the client
6. Which of the following is NOT typically a component of a private water supply system? (a) Foot valve (b) Pump (c) Pressure regulator (d) Pressure tank
Pressure regulator
149. Appliance connectors found on gas ranges should NOT be longer than six feet (a) True (b) False
True
150. Charcoal-type filters should be used on exhaust fans that do NOT discharge to the outside (a) True (b) False
True
33. If you drilled a hole through a properly laid asphalt-shingle roof, how many shingles would you go through? (a) One (b) Two (c) Three (d) Four
Two
116. The subflooring material most likely to fail by swelling is (a) Waferboard. (b) Plywood. (c) Plank. (d) LVL.
Waferboard
69. Where a steeply pitched shingle roof meets a lower-pitched shingle roof, the valley may be especially vulnerable to (a) Unusually rapid deterioration (b) Water penetration under the shingles on the lower-pitched side (c) Excessive shingle wear adjacent to the valley on the steeper- pitched side (d) Buckling of the flashing material
Water penetration under the shingles on the lower-pitched side
197. Where would you find a curtain drain on a property? (a) Kitchen (b) Basement (c) Yard (d) Shower stall
Yard
170. How do you check to see if a home has EIFS siding? (a) probe (b) take receptacle covers off (c) siding compression sensor (d) You don't
take receptacle covers off
94. The maximum slope for a lot depends on soil type and other conditions, but in general the maximum slope is (a) 1 in 2. (b) 1 in 3. (c) 1 in 4. (d) 1 in 5.
1 in 2.
153. The typical lifespan of most major appliances is (a) 5-15 years (b) 10-20 years (c) 15-25 years (d) 30-35 years
10-20 years
168. A waste standpipe for a washing machine connection should extend (a) 2-4 inches above the trap. (b) 12-20 inches above the trap. (c) 18-30 inches above the trap. (d) 30-30 inches above the trap
18-30 inches above the trap.
64. Wood lintels need (a) Wood preservative (b) 6 inches of endbearing (c) Flashing (d) 1½ inches of endbearing
1½ inches of endbearing
174. You see a 2" PVC pipe running horizontally, it has to be supported every? (a) 2 feet (b) 3 feet (c) 4 feet (d) 6 feet
4 feet
162. The typical life of a dishwasher is (a) 5-10 years. (b) 8-15 years. (c) 10-20 years. (d) 20-30 years
8-15 years
68. The minimum head room for stairs in a home is roughly (a) 72 inches (b) 80 inches (c) 84 inches (d) 88 inches
80 inches
161. How hot will an electric self-cleaning oven get during the cleaning process? (a) 500 degrees F (b) 700 degrees F (c) 900 degrees F
900 degrees F
160. A convection oven is different from a conventional oven in that (a) A convection oven uses microwaves. (b) A convection oven has the boiler on all the time. (c) A convection oven has a fan that circulates hot air. (d) A convection oven uses hot water
A convection oven has a fan that circulates hot air.
24. Foundation irrigation is (a) A method of stabilizing expansive clay soils. (b) A method of strengthening the foundation concrete-the concrete is kept damp for a couple of days. (c) A foundation-drainage technique. (d) Used to prevent basement leakage.
A method of stabilizing expansive clay soils
98. A cold joint is (a) A deliberate crack built into the foundation to allow for concrete shrinkage. (b) A result of pouring the concrete foundation at two separate times. (c) A result of pouring the concrete when the temperature is below the freezing point. (d) A joint between concrete blocks where insufficient mortar thickness was used. This joint will be substantially reduced in strength.
A result of pouring the concrete foundation at two separate times.
22. Garage door problems include all of the following EXCEPT (a) A seven-inch step down into garage. (b) Poor weatherstripping. (c) That it has no self-closer. (d) If it opens into a bedroom.
A seven-inch step down into garage
11. On most steep roofs, exposed fasteners are (a) Used for anchorage against wind. (b) A sign of poor installation. (c) A sign of good installation. (d) Used to prevent ice dams.
A sign of poor installation
84. The most important implication of cracked or broken walkways is (a) Water in the basement (b) Difficulty in snow removal (c) A trip hazard (d) Water ponding on the walkway
A trip hazard
74. The most common cross connection on a bathtub is (a) A pressure-balancing faucet set (b) A tub fill spout below the tub flood rim (c) A tub drain interconnected with the cold water supply (d) A faulty shower diverter
A tub fill spout below the tub flood rim
144. For a house with wood frame walls, the roof structure can be nailed directly to the wall structure. If the exterior walls are solid masonry, how is the roof framing attached to the walls? (a) A wood sill is bolted to the top of the wall, and the roof framing is nailed to this sill. (b) Each rafter is bolted to the masonry wall with bolts that are about ½-inch-indiameter and about 3½ inches long. (c) If the exterior walls are solid masonry, the roof structure an simply rest on top of the wall. There is no need to secure them as long as the bottoms of opposing rafters, are tied together to prevent rafter spreading. (d) It is attached by joist hangers and concrete nails.
A wood sill is bolted to the top of the wall, and the roof framing is nailed to this sill.
20. What would you do if you saw that a roof truss had been cut? (a) Advise client to sister a 2 x 4 piece over the cut. The sistered piece should extend at least three feet on either side of the cut. (b) Advise client that cuts in trusses are not a problem. (c) Look for other signs of distress and, if none, do nothing. (d) Advise further evaluation by a specialist.
Advise further evaluation by a specialist
34. Which phrase does NOT describe a home inspection? (a) Field review of performance (b) Evaluation of physical condition (c) Visual inspection of readily accessible, installed component (d) Appraisal inspection
Appraisal inspection
115. Partition walls (nonload-bearing walls) (a) Add very little load to the floor joists below. (b) Are best if they are parallel to and directly above a floor joist below. (c) Are best if they are perpendicular to floor joists below. (d) Should not be offset from the beam or wall below.
Are best if they are perpendicular to floor joists below.
108. Sills below grade level (a) Are more likely to fail in bending than sills above grade. (b) Are more susceptible to crushing than sills above grade. (c) Are more susceptible to rot than sills above grade. (d) Are more susceptible to warping than sills above grade.
Are more susceptible to rot than sills above grade
2. You typically identify a Freon leak (a) As an oil stain (b) As refrigerant coming out of the Freon line in the form of a cold mist. (c) By the strong odor. (d) By looking for evidence of ice along the refrigerant lines
As an oil stain
198. What is the most important issue when inspecting a sprinkler system (a) Water pressure (b) Backflow preventer (c) Sprinkler head (d) Controller
Backflow preventer
58. Common and dangerous cracks in the hearth of a wood-burning fireplace are often found (a) At the back of the hearth (b) Between the hearth and hearth extension (c) At the front of the hearth extension (d) At the sides of the hearth extension
Between the hearth and hearth extension
140. All of the following perform essentially the same function as a knee wall EXCEPT (a) Purlins (b) Struts (c) Strongbacks (d) Birds' mouths
Birds' mouths
165. Which food waste is compatible with a waste disposal system? (a) Bones (b) Cornhusks (c) Celery (d) Mushrooms
Bones
57. Wood deterioration is typically discovered during a home inspection by (a) Probing with an awl or similar tool (b) Visual observation (c) Tapping with a hammer (d) Both a and b
Both a and b
133. What are some of the properties of trusses? (a) Middle web boards can be altered as needed. (b) They typically need no midlength support. (c) They are engineered structural members. (d) Both b and c describe properties of trusses.
Both b and c describe properties of trusses
195. Which gas flex connector has a history of failure (a) Brass (b) Braided steel (c) Stainless steel (d) Galvanized steel
Brass
3. Typical wood frame wall assemblies include all of the following components EXCEPT. (a) Studs (b) Bridging (c) Sheathing (d) Siding
Bridging
60. Masonry veneer walls are (a) Supported with header courses (b) Hung on studs (c) Watertight (d) Brittle
Brittle
48. Common problems with clay or slate shingles include all of the following EXCEPT (a) Missing shingles. (b) Loose shingles. (c) Buckled shingles (d) Broken shingles.
Buckled shingles
120. Double-top plates on wood frame walls (a) Can be omitted if joists are directly above studs. (b) Can be omitted if the top plate is oak. (c) Are needed on partition walls. (d) Must be locked at their joints with metal ties.
Can be omitted if joists are directly above studs.
52. Recommendations to a client regarding brick cracks may include all of these EXCEPT to (a) Caulk them (b) Ignore them (c) Monitor them (d) Call in a specialist for further advice
Caulk them
29. These products are all asphalt based EXCEPT for (a) Roofing cement. (b) Asphalt cement. (c) Plastic cement. (d) Caulking.
Caulking
173. Which type of insulation will burn the quickest? (a) Blown (b) Batt (c) Cellulose
Cellulose
62. You notice a wooden post as the support for the service drop. You should (a) Recommend replacing it right away with a steel mast. (b) Check for rot, damage, or movement (c) Assume that you'll find obsolete equipment inside the house (d) Tug on the service drop wires to make sure the mast doesn't give
Check for rot, damage, or movement
193. A home inspection report must include (a) Deck and balconies condition (b) Indoor air quality (c) Dead grass (d) Color of the home
Deck and balconies condition
182. You observe a regulating device on the house side of the water meter. What is this used for? (a) Increasing pressure (b) Decreasing pressure (c) Increasing flow rate (d) Decreasing flow rate
Decreasing pressure
79. Common switch problems include all of the following EXCEPT (a) Damaged switches (b) Inoperative switches (c) Dimmer switches with a positive shut off (d) Switches for garbage disposals on the front of base cabinets
Dimmer switches with a positive shut off
188. What does an inspector do if he has a stake in a property (a) Disclose and decline (b) Discount the inspection (c) Bring another inspector (d) Perform an unbiased inspection
Disclose and decline
122. Partition or nonload-bearing walls (a) Can be identified by tapping on them. (b) Always have structural support below. (c) Do not provide end support for joists. (d) Must have sheathing.
Do not provide end support for joists
169. The main difference between waste disposers and trash compactors is that trash compactors (a) Cannot be located in kitchens. (b) Cannot be located under counter tops. (c) Do not take the waste out of the house. (d) Just sits there
Do not take the waste out of the house
148. H-clips are used for (a) Attaching rafters to ceiling joists (b) Attaching members of trusses together (c) Edge support for roof sheathing (d) Splicing rafters
Edge support for roof sheathing
166. Central-vacuum systems with a filter in the canister should discharge (a) Outside only. (b) Inside only. (c) Either inside or outside (d) Attic only
Either inside or outside
177. You are inspecting a home with a overhead garage door opener what are the safety items you need to be concerned with? (a) Electronic sensors (b) Auto and manual reverse (c) Rope (d) Emergency manual release and door operation
Emergency manual release and door operation
39. The condensate drain pan or tray on a split-system air conditioner is typically located below the (a) Compressor. (b) Condenser coil. (c) Evaporator coil. (d) Expansion device.
Evaporator coil
15. On a conventional split-system air-conditioning system, the high-pressure side is the portion of the refrigerant line from the (a) Compressor to the expansion device. (b) Metering device to the evaporator coil. (c) Expansion device to the compressor. (d) Evaporator to the compressor.
Evaporator to the compressor
53. Obsolete service boxes typically have (a) Rusted covers (b) Black covers (c) Exposed terminals (d) Undersized fuses
Exposed terminals
86. Missing firestopping is more common on platform construction. (a) True (b) False
False
124. Brick ties are (a) Usually aluminum (b) Visible (c) Fastened to studs (d) Fastened to sheathing
Fastened to studs
167. Weak suction in the central vacuum system is NOT typically the result of a (a) Faulty motor (b) Full canister (c) Dirty filter (d) The operator
Faulty motor
157. Gas ranges can be connected to gas pipe by (a) Flexible metal piping. (b) Plastic piping. (c) Rubber hoses. (d) Garden hoses
Flexible metal piping.
106. All of these are good inspection techniques EXCEPT (a) Looking for what is missing. (b) Backtracking. (c) Focusing exclusively on details. (d) Checking connections carefully.
Focusing exclusively on details.
51. Spalling and mortar damage near the bottom of an exterior masonry column would likely be the result of (a) Eccentric loads (b) Frost heave (c) Soil erosion (d) Freeze/thaw cycles
Freeze/thaw cycles
95. All of the following statements are true of frost heave EXCEPT (a) Frost heave can be caused by raising the exterior grade height. (b) Front heave can be caused by insulating the basement. (c) Front heave can be caused by lowering the grade level on the outside of the foundation. (d) Movement due to frost heave is often a combination of upwards and inwards movement.
Frost heave can be caused by raising the exterior grade height
134. What is another term for beam? (a) Span (b) Girder (c) Joist (d) Header
Girder
35. All of the following statements about hardboard siding are true except one. Which statement is FALSE? (a) Hardboard is a type of fiberboard. (b) Hardboard is non-combustible. (c) Common thicknesses are 5/16-1/2 inch. (d) It is denser than conventional wood siding.
Hardboard is non-combustible
36. Exhaust flues on gas-fired or oil-fired water heaters should (a) Have a minimum length of 10 feet. (b) Slope down away from the water heater to allow for condensation. (c) Have a slope of ¼-inch per foot up away from the heater. (d) Be friction fit together.
Have a slope of ¼-inch per foot up away from the heater
17. Why are you more likely to see a house with a full basement in cold northern climates than in warm southern climates? (a) People in cold climates have snow removal equipment to store. (b) Having to excavate below the frost line for the footings makes a basement cost effective. (c) Homes with basements need heat. In southern climates, it is a waste of energy to heat the basement. (d) There is a lot of bedrock in the southern climates " blasting would be required to make a basement.
Having to excavate below the frost line for the footings makes a basement cost effective.
75. Where ceiling joists or rafters are cut to make an opening (skylight, dormer etc.) the load from the cut members must be transferred to adjacent members. The framing installed to do this is called a (a) Trimmer (b) Swale (c) Strut (d) Header
Header
179. When a bedroom window has security bars installed, what should you report? (a) Hindrance to emergency egress (b) Contact emergency contractor (c) Use the key provided to operate for inspection (d) Mark as inaccessible
Hindrance to emergency egress
67. Which statement about suspended ceilings is FALSE? (a) Home inspectors should not lift the tiles because they can be difficult to get back in (b) They reduce the ceiling height (c) They are also called acoustic tile (d) They are often installed below damaged plaster ceilings
Home inspectors should not lift the tiles because they can be difficult to get back in
119. Rusting lintels typically cause (a) Diagonal cracks, forming a triangle above windows. (b) Vertical cracks, above window corners. (c) Horizontal cracks, radiating out from the top corners of windows. (d) Vertical cracks, below window corners.
Horizontal cracks, radiating out from the top corners of windows
132. Purlins are (a) Horizontal members supporting the midspan of rafters. (b) Part of the framing of a truss roof system. (c) Part of the framing of a raised foundation. (d) None of the above.
Horizontal members supporting the midspan of rafters
127. Which statement is true? (a) Increasing the insulation makes the attic warmer. (b) If the attic is cold, then warm, moist air leaking into the attic from the house will condense more quickly. (c) If you increase the insulation level in a roof, you should decrease the ventilation. (d) The insulation and ventilation cannot affect the structure of a roof. 128. Ceiling joists are (a) Similar to rafters but found on low-slope roofs. (b) Horizontal members used with rafters and sometimes with roof joists. (c) 2-by-4s, 2-by-6s, 2-by-8s, or 2-by-10s and are used to support the sheathing. (d) Structural members that support the dead load of the roof sheathing, the roofing material, and the live loads above.
Horizontal members used with rafters and sometimes with roof joists.
129. The span of a rafter is defined as the (a) Horizontal projection of the rafters from one side of the house to the other. (b) Length of the rafter, from the collar tie to the ridge board. (c) Horizontal projection, from one support to another. (d) Distance from the center of one rafter to the center of the next; most commonly 16 inches.
Horizontal projection, from one support to another.
65. Which of the following are the most appropriate deck fasteners? (a) Roofing nails (b) Hot-dipped galvanized nails (c) Drywall screws (d) Electroplate galvanized nails
Hot-dipped galvanized nails
191. When you see a crack in a concrete retaining wall, you suspect excessive (a) Hydrostatic pressure (b) Weep control (c) Vertical lift (d) Hydromatic
Hydrostatic pressure
10. Given a foundation wall that is cracked due to horizontal force (a) You will not be able to determine whether the wall has also moved inward. (b) If the wall has moved inward, the cracks would typically be wider on the inside face. (c) If the wall has moved inward, cracks will typically be wider on the outside face. (d) You should not be concerned unless the crack is at least ¼ in width.
If the wall has moved inward, the cracks would typically be wider on the inside face
21. CPVC water pipe may not be used for hot and cold supply lines (a) In single-family residences. (b) In multifamily residences. (c) Inside a building. (d) Below grade.
In multifamily residences
186. Stating that access is the responsibility of the client should be (a) In the report (b) In the summary statement (c) In the Yellow Page ad (d) In the agreement or contract
In the agreement or contract
175. When you find a home with a 2 wire system how do you mark it on your report. (a) Inspected old two wire system needs to be updated to a 3 wire system. (b) Inspected old two wire system, note it is not as good as a three wire system (c) Inspected
Inspected old two wire system, note it is not as good as a three wire system
59. There are two layers of shingles on the roof, with the most recent installation less than two-years-old. At the chimney, the original steel flashings are rusted. The shingles are sealed to the older metal with asphalt cement. The roofer should have (a) Used caulking instead of asphalt cement (b) Installed new flashings (c) Stripped off the old shingles first (d) Replaced only the flashings that are rusted through
Installed new flashings
28. Attic insulation may be wet as a result of any of the following EXCEPT (a) Insulation that is too close to chimneys. (b) A roof leak. (c) Condensation. (d) An exhaust fan discharging directly into the insulation.
Insulation that is too close to chimneys.
12. All of the following are slab-on-grade-construction techniques EXCEPT (a) Monolithic slab. (b) Floating slab. (c) Inverted slab. (d) Reinforced slab.
Inverted slab
185. To be valid, a home inspection contract must (a) Be written by an attorney (b) Provide for any contingencies (c) Involve a offer and acceptance (d) Define the relationship between the home buyer and seller
Involve a offer and acceptance
14. Efflorescence (a) Is associated with water moving through masonry walls. (b) Can only appear on the cold side of a wall. (c) Only occurs in freezing climates. (d) Is an organic growth.
Is associated with water moving through masonry walls
141. What is a gusset plate used for in a roof structure? (a) It connects members of a truss together. (b) A gusset plate is used only in earthquake-prone and hurricane- prone areas. (c) It connects edges of roof sheathing together when they do not bear directly on top of a rafter or truss. (d) It connects the purlins to the rafters.
It connects members of a truss together
54. You are examining the side flashing for a masonry chimney. Where the asphalt shingles meet the counter flashing, roofing cement has been applied. Your report should include which of the following? (a) It is difficult to say if proper step flashings were installed. (b) Roofing cement should only be considered a temporary repair. (c) This is not a good building practice. (d) It should include all of the above.
It should include all of the above
81. All of the following functions are performed by trusses EXCEPT (a) Support for live and dead loads (b) Lateral support for exterior walls (c) Lateral support for masonry chimney (d) Creation of attic space and ventilation space
Lateral support for masonry chimney
76. The exterior sides and bottom of the service box are rusting. The interior of the service box is not affected. There is a water stain on the foundation wall below the service box. The box is below grade. Your BEST conclusion from these clues is (a) Plumbing leakage; check for a pipe above (b) No sealant between the wires and the inside of the conduit (c) Defective service cap (weatherhead). (d) Leakage at the foundation wall conduit hole
Leakage at the foundation wall conduit hole
45. An auxiliary drain pan is needed on a split-system air conditioner when (a) The condensate cannot be drained by gravity. (b) There is no trap in the condensate line. (c) Leakage in the primary pan may damage interior finishes. (d) A high volume of condensate is anticipated.
Leakage in the primary pan may damage interior finishes
158. If a gas leak is detected in a home, you should (a) Turn off the power immediately. (b) Phone the gas company from the house. (c) Leave the house without operating anything. (d) Say nothing
Leave the house without operating anything
43. After you turn an electric baseboard heater on, how long should it take for the heater to get warm? (a) Less than 10 seconds (b) Less than 1 minute (c) Less than 5 minutes (d) Less than 10 minutes
Less than 1 minute
61. You can check the thickness of the flooring and the subfloor material by (a) Referring to building plans (b) Lifting out a supply air register (c) Measuring the overall floor thickness and subtracting the joists (d) Drilling a small pilot hole in an inconspicuous spot
Lifting out a supply air register
16. The presence of step flashing on an asphalt shingle roof can typically be verified by (a) Looking at the counter flashing. (b) Knowing the age of the shingles on the roof. (c) Knowing the number of layers of shingles on the roof. (d) Lifting the shingles adjacent to the chimney or wall
Lifting the shingles adjacent to the chimney or wall
71. To check the connections of the wires inside the service box, you should (a) Measure the amperage in the neutral (b) Pull on the wire (c) Measure the voltage between the neutral and the ground (d) Look for melting, charring, or damage to the wire and insulation.
Look for melting, charring, or damage to the wire and insulation. 72. Good skylight inspections include all of these EXCEPT (a) Looking from inside the home below the skylight (b) Looking at the flashings (c) Standing on the glazed section (d) Tapping on the glazing=Standing on the glazed section
89. When lowering a basement floor, if the soil is excavated only to the bottom of the footing (i.e., not below the footing), which problem may have been created? (a) Inadequate end bearing for floor joists (b) Excessive grade height (c) Disturbed soil below footing (d) Lost lateral support for the footing
Lost lateral support for the footing
159. An electric oven uses which element for baking? (a) Upper element (b) Lower element (c) Both elements (d) Upper and lower element at the same time
Lower element
96. Where lateral forces have caused cracking, bowing, bulging, or leaning of foundation walls, corrective action is often required. All of the following are typical correction actions EXCEPT (a) Adding buttresses on the inside of the foundation wall. (b) Building a separate foundation wall on the interior of the foundation. (c) Building a separate exterior wall against the foundation. (d) Adding steel beams or channels horizontally along the crack. 97. Cinder block is (a) A concrete block with steel reinforcement. (b) Much stronger than concrete block. (c) Very resistant to moisture. (d) Made from slag and has a rougher, darker texture than concrete block
Made from slag and has a rougher, darker texture than concrete block
143. The webs of a truss (a) Are compression members. (b) Are tension members. (c) May be in compression or tension. (d) Have no load on them.
May be in compression or tension
49. On which roof are exposed fasteners most likely to be acceptable? (a) Metal (b) Clay (c) Concrete (d) Asphalt
Metal
78. Common shower stall problems include all of the following EXCEPT (a) Slow drains (b) Rust (c) Water damage around sills and thresholds (d) Missing overflow
Missing overflow
192. When inspecting a solid fuel burning fireplace, which is a fire hazard (a) Loose mantel (b) No automatic starter (c) Broken damper (d) Missing refractory brick
Missing refractory brick
80. Which single-ply roofing system typically uses a base sheet and cap sheet? (a) PVC (b) Metal (c) Mod bit (d) Roll roofing
Mod bit
110. Spalling brick on columns usually results from (a) Insect activity. (b) Transverse loading. (c) Poor-quality mortar. (d) Moisture in the brick.
Moisture in the brick.
109. Anchor bolts holding sills to foundations (a) Need nuts and washers (b) Should extend 14 inches down into the foundation. (c) Should never be used within one foot of building corners. (d) Should be spaced every 10 feet.
Need nuts and washers
125. Steel lintels (a) Should not be used in masonry walls. (b) Are usually stainless steel. (c) Need six inches of endbearing in most areas. (d) Have a minimum span of six feet, six inches
Need six inches of endbearing in most areas
73. Which of the following statements applies to notching or putting holes in truss members? (a) Holes should be no more than 1/3 of the depth of the member (b) Neither holes nor notches are permitted anywhere on a truss (c) Holes are permitted only in the middle-third of the bottom chord of a truss (d) Holes and notches are not permitted in the top or bottom chord but are permitted in the webs.
Neither holes nor notches are permitted anywhere on a truss
46. Engineered wood (a) Includes wood I-joists and open web steel joists. (b) Cannot use joist hangers. (c) Do not require rim joists. (d) Often need more end bearing than conventional lumber joists.
Often need more end bearing than conventional lumber joists
66. At roof-to-wall flashings, where wood siding is the counter-flashing, the siding should be kept (a) Less than one inch above the roof (b) One to two inches above the roof (c) Two to three inches above the roof (d) Four to five inches above the roof
One to two inches above the roof
111. Are beams allowed to rest on concrete block walls? (a) Only if there are wood shims between the beam and the block. (b) Only if at least the top seven inches of block is filled with concrete. (c) Only if there is at least six inches of end bearing. (d) This is not allowed.
Only if at least the top seven inches of block is filled with concrete.
189. A stairway serving a deck has open risers with a riser height of 7" and tread thickness of 1". What should be on the report? (a) Riser too tall (b) Tread too narrow (c) Stairway is unstable (d) Opening between tread is too tall
Opening between tread is too tall
156. Cooktops with down-draft vents should be vented (a) Into the basement. (b) Into the return air ductwork. (c) Outdoors. (d) Indoors.
Outdoors
187. Where does a steel sink rust out and leak (a) Overflow channel (b) Sink rim (c) Bowl clamps (d) Drain control
Overflow channel
8. Insulated metal exterior doors with storm doors should be avoided because they may (a) Increase heat loss. (b) Increase air leakage. (c) Overheat. (d) Have poor architectural appeal.
Overheat
41. For a galvanized-steel roof (a) The surface should be coated with mastic to extend the useful life. (b) Painting the surface is one acceptable way of protecting the surface. (c) The metal should be held down with copper nails or screws to prevent corrosion. (d) Both a and c are true.
Painting the surface is one acceptable way of protecting the surface.
190. How could you check the safety reverse of a garage door opening? (a) Roll of toilet paper (b) Two x four laid flat (c) 4" x 4" board (d) Place hand at center of door when half closed
Place hand at center of door when half closed
136. Collar ties are installed in roof framing to (a) Prevent purlin sag. (b) Provide lateral support for the top of the walls. (c) Support the end walls of gable roofs. (d) Prevent rafters from sagging.
Prevent rafters from sagging.
25. A horizontal fracture in the foundation (a) Is a shrinkage crack. (b) Is not as serious as a vertical crack. (c) Reduces the foundation's ability to resist soil pressure. (d) Cannot be caused by adfreezing.
Reduces the foundation's ability to resist soil pressure
199. Pool gunite is showing through marcite at numerous areas. The inspector should. (a) Report surface damage (b) Wash the surface (c) Report nothing because it is cosmetic (d) Call a plumber
Report surface damage
42. The main service fuses have been installed with the labels facing backward, such that you cannot read their rating. No other markings are visible. You should (a) Turn off the house power and remove a fuse to check its rating. (b) Measure the diameter of the fuse body to determine its rating. (c) Report that the main service fuse rating was not determinable. (d) Carefully insert your inspection mirror until the label is visible, then read the rating from the label.
Report that the main service fuse rating was not determinable
154. A difference between a gas range and an electric range is that electric ranges (a) Are typically wider. (b) Are typically deeper front-to-back. (c) Require a 240-volt electrical supply. (d) Electric Range will cook better
Require a 240-volt electrical supply
4. All of the following are common approaches to improving chimney draft EXCEPT (a) Adding a draft inducer fan. (b) Adding a rain cap. (c) Extending the chimney upward. (d) Resloping the cap.
Resloping the cap
172. What is a "dry" wall? (a) Retaining wall with mortar (b) A wall made of sand (c) A wall made of plastic (d) Retaining wall stacked without mortar
Retaining wall stacked without mortar
181. What does a heat pump have that a conventional HVAC unit does not? (a) High pressure line (b) Low pressure line (c) Reversing valve (d) Filter
Reversing valve
130. All of the following statements are true of ridge boards EXCEPT (a) Ridge boards are only used on roofs with a slope of 2-in-12 or less. (b) Ridge boards are typically a nominal one-inch board. (c) Ridge boards are usually one size larger than the rafters. (d) If there is a ridge board, some authorities may allow opposing rafters to be offset by their width.
Ridge boards are only used on roofs with a slope of 2-in-12 or less.
37. The most serious implication of any insulation, air/vapor barrier, or ventilation deficiency is (a) Excess heat loss. (b) Excess heat gain (in summer). (c) Reduced comfort levels. (d) Rot.
Rot
40. The most serious implication of a leaking humidifier is (a) Flooding. (b) Rusting of the furnace cabinet (c) Rusting of the heat exchanger. (d) Shorting out the furnace wiring.
Rusting of the heat exchanger
117. Masonry walls may be any of these EXCEPT (a) Single wythe. (b) Triple wythe. (c) Cavity walls. (d) Sandwich walls.
Sandwich walls
145. Which of the following truss types will have two top chords and two bottom chords? (a) Fink (b) Howe (c) Scissor (d) Belgian
Scissor
102. Which of the following statements is true of a settlement crack? (a) Settlement cracks do not usually have corresponding cracks elsewhere in the building. (b) Control joints are used to prevent settlement cracks from developing. (c) Settlement cracks will occur at weak spots in the wall. (d) Settlement cracks typically do not extend into footings.
Settlement cracks will occur at weak spots in the wall
135. What is the likely cause of sag in roof sheathing where the trusses are 24 inches on center with a clear span of 36 feet? (a) Undersized trusses (b) Sheathing is too thin (c) Undersized purlins (d) Inadequate fastening of sheathing to trusses
Sheathing is too thin
99. Horizontal cracks in foundation walls are usually caused by all of the following EXCEPT (a) Soil pressure. (b) Improper backfilling (c) Sinking footings. (d) Hydrostatic pressure.
Sinking footings
55. Common drainage piping problems include all of the following EXCEPT (a) Clogging (b) Cross connections (c) Undersizing (d) Slopes of ¼-inch to ½-inch per foot
Slopes of ¼-inch to ½-inch per foot
90. All of the following are dead loads EXCEPT (a) The weight of the structure above the foundation. (b) Snow loads. (c) The weight of the soil surrounding the foundation. (d) The weight of the shingles on the roof.
Snow loads
183. What does roof guards help to prevent? (a) Lightning strikes (b) Hail damage (c) Snow slides (d) Roof leaks
Snow slides
27. Piers may move because the (a) Footings are oversized. (b) Piers are not adequately loaded. (c) Soil below is disturbed. (d) Beams are undersized.
Soil below is disturbed
85. Which one of the following statements about retaining wall drainage is FALSE? (a) Drainage is important (b) Soils that drain well, such as clay, should be used behind retaining walls (c) A weeping tile or drainage holes are often recommended (d) Tied-back walls do not usually require drain holes
Soils that drain well, such as clay, should be used behind retaining walls
105. Moisture penetration through the foundation wall can cause the foundation to flake off on the interior. This condition is called (a) Honeycombing. (b) Cold joints. (c) Efflorescence. (d) Spalling.
Spalling
137. A roof truss that has been cut in order to accommodate a skylight can be re-supported by (a) A skilled carpenter (b) Special engineering design (c) Doubling trusses on either side of the skylight opening (d) No special consideration necessary
Special engineering design
164. A noisy dishwasher is usually the result of a (a) Defective door and lock. (b) Sprayer arm. (c) Door spring.
Sprayer arm
91. Footings that are continuous around the perimeter of the house are called (a) Pad footings. (b) Grade beams. (c) Spread footings. (d) Piers.
Spread footings
196. Stair stringers is the support for (a) Rafter (b) Joist (c) Header (d) Stair treads
Stair treads
56. Jack studs (a) Support lintels (b) Are full-length studs (c) Support window sills (d) Support beams
Support lintels
121. Sheathing functions include all of these EXCEPT (a) Supporting siding. (b) Stiffening walls to prevent racking, for example. (c) Helping to keep wind out of the building. (d) Supporting metal ties for brick veneer.
Supporting metal ties for brick veneer
131. All of these are components of asphalt shingles EXCEPT (a) Sealing strips (b) Organic felt (c) Synthetic rubber (d) Granule surfacing
Synthetic rubber
126. Rusting lintels (a) Should be caulked (b) Tend to expand (c) Tend to shrink (d) Only occur in masonry veneer walls
Tend to expand
139. While inspecting the exterior of the house, you notice that there is a gap between the soffit and the exterior wall. The gap is wider near the midpoint of the wall and close to nothing at the corners. Which of the following conditions would you suspect? (a) The rafters are not adequately attached at the ridge boards. (b) The purlins are not continuous and are inadequately spliced at the joints. (c) The rafters are resting on toes, rather than heels (d) The ceiling joists are not tying opposing rafter bottoms together properly
The ceiling joists are not tying opposing rafter bottoms together properly
30. All of the following are true with EIFS EXCEPT that (a) It is typically applied directly to a polystyrene insulation board. (b) It is typically a two-coat process. (c) A fiber glass mesh replaces wire lath. (d) The finish coat is thicker than with traditional stucco.
The finish coat is thicker than with traditional stucco
44. Which statement about crawlspaces is FALSE? (a) Crawlspaces can be heated or unheated. (b) The floor will be more comfortable if the crawlspace floor is insulated. (c) It is typically easier to insulate the walls than the crawlspace ceiling. (d) Insulating the walls can be done on the inside or outside
The floor will be more comfortable if the crawlspace floor is insulated.
19. The flame of the left burner in a two-burner conventional efficiency furnace touches the heat exchanger only when the blower is running. What is likely to be the problem? (a) The heat exchanger is cracked on the left side. (b) The heat exchanger is cracked on the right side. (c) The left burner is dirty. (d) The left burner is misaligned.
The heat exchanger is cracked on the left side
113. If a 2x8 joist has a 3 inch x 3 inch notch at the bottom where it rests on a beam (a) The beam should also be notched. (b) The head room is reduced below. (c) The beam should be steel. (d) The joist may have a crack that extends horizontally from the notch.
The joist may have a crack that extends horizontally from the notch
155. What feature on range-control knobs helps prevent children from turning them on? (a) The knobs are difficult to turn. (b) The knobs have to be pushed in before turning them. (c) The knobs are too large for a child's hand to grasp. (d) When the knobs
The knobs have to be pushed in before turning them
83. All of the following contain condition statements EXCEPT (a) The overhead service entrance conductors are aluminum and rated for 100 amps (b) The garage door operator should be adjusted to reverse when hitting an obstruction as it closes. (c) Missing chimney flashings should be provided (d) The inoperative ground fault circuit interrupter should be replaced to improve electrical safety
The overhead service entrance conductors are aluminum and rated for 100 amps
142. While inspecting the attic of a row house built in the mid-1970s, you notice that the plywood next to the party wall is delaminating and has a white powder underneath. Which of the following might explain this? (a) The attic is much colder near the party walls, and there is almost always more condensation on the underside of the sheathing in this area. (b) This condition is an example of pyrolysis, where the sheathing in contact with the masonry party wall deteriorates prematurely. (c) The plywood next to the party wall is probably FRT plywood. FRT plywood has been found to deteriorate prematurely. (d) This type of plywood has oriented strands and can only be installed in one direction. Often the last piece is installed in the wrong direction to make it fit between the party walls.
The plywood next to the party wall is probably FRT plywood. FRT plywood has been found to deteriorate prematurely
32. Which of the following statements is FALSE with respect to electric water heaters? (a) Most water heaters have two elements. (b) The upper element usually comes on first (c) The upper element has priority (d) It can be difficult to tell if one of the two elements is burned out
The upper element usually comes on first
82. A clue that a new built-up roof was applied over the old flat roof is (a) Usually there is no gravel because of the additional weight (b) There are two layers of drip edge flashings (c) The felts are delaminating at the edges (d) Both layers would be visible if you were to look down the roof drain
There are two layers of drip edge flashings
47. You inspect a 4-year-old asphalt shingle roof. It seems well insulated and the attic is properly ventilated. Roughly 25 percent of shingles show irregular cracks in the surface. You report that (a) The shingles are suffering freeze-thaw damage. (b) This is a common cosmetic condition that does not affect performance or life expectancy. (c) There is a possible manufacturing defect and life expectancy may be shortened. (d) This is a result of expansion and contraction of waferboard sheathing as a result of changes in humidity.
There is a possible manufacturing defect and life expectancy may be shortened
70. Gravity, warm-air furnaces are different from forced-air furnaces in each of the following respects EXCEPT that (a) There is no fan (b) There is no high temperature limit switch (c) The furnace is always located in the center of the house (d) The supply and return duct systems are large, round, and sloped up from the furnace
There is no high temperature limit switch
176. What is the Min-Max distance for switches and outlets near a bathtub? (a) 1'-2' (b) 5'-10' (c) 3'-4' (d) There is no min.-max.
There is no min.-max.
77. If, when looking at a slate roof, you see ribbons, you should tell your client that (a) These may be weak areas and the slate is not high quality (b) These are signs of particularly good, strong slates (c) These slates are rare and tend to be more expensive (d) These slates have changed color because of air pollution
These may be weak areas and the slate is not high quality
163. A dishwasher may NOT drain properly because the (a) Timer may be faulty. (b) Door and the lock may be defective. (c) Heating element may be burned out. (d) Dishwasher may not have water
Timer may be faulty
87. The function of a footing is to (a) Provide lateral support for foundation walls. (b) Transmit the weight of the house to the soil. (c) Provide support for the basement floor slab. (d) Resist hydrostatic pressure.
Transmit the weight of the house to the soil
152. An indirect plumbing connection that transfers wastewater from a washing machine to the waste plumbing system through a trap is referred to as a standpipe. (a) True (b) False
True
103. In which situation are you most likely to see settlement cracks? (a) Houses built on reclaimed land (b) Houses built with slab-on-grade construction (c) Houses with stone or brick foundations (d) Houses built in an area with very low water table 104. Vertical joints every two-to-four feet in the bottom section of the foundation wall could be evidence of (a) Mud-jacking. (b) Control joints. (c) Foundation irrigation. (d) Underpinning.
Underpinning
23. Which of the following statements is TRUE? (a) Uniform settlement is most often the result of building on undisturbed soils. (b) Expansive soils expand as they dry. (c) Lowering the basement floor to the top of the footing can cause settlement where there was no settlement initially. (d) Uniform settlement may stress utility pipes.
Uniform settlement may stress utility pipes.
9. You plug your circuit tester into an outlet that has a washing machine plugged into it. Your tester shows that the outlet is properly wired and grounded. How could you improve this inspection process? (a) Use a voltage tester (b) Use a circuit tester with a GFI test button (c) Unplug the washing machine (d) Turn the washing machine on before doing your test.
Unplug the washing machine
100. Piles are (a) Used where soil quality is poor. (b) Driven into the ground as far as the frost lines. (c) Always driven into the ground until they hit bedrock. (d) Never driven to bedrock.
Used where soil quality is poor.
26. Water hammer can be solved or greatly reduced by (a) Installing modern quick-closing faucets (b) Using 12-inch vertical extensions at ends of lines. (c) Avoiding long, vertical rises in the pipe. (d) Avoiding long, horizontal runs of pipe.
Using 12-inch vertical extensions at ends of lines
88. Footing failures can most positively be diagnosed by (a) Sagging floors. (b) Vertical cracking in foundation walls. (c) Horizontal cracking above windows. (d) Bowing foundation walls.
Vertical cracking in foundation walls
5. All of the following statements are true of shrinkage cracks EXCEPT that (a) Shrinkage cracks do not typically go into the footings. (b) Shrinkage cracks do not necessarily have corresponding cracks elsewhere in the building. (c) Vertical shear is associated with shrinkage cracks. (d) Shrinkage cracks are common with poured concrete foundation walls.
Vertical shear is associated with shrinkage cracks
180. What non-contact tool can be used to test for live or a ungrounded circuit? (a) Clamp meter (b) Amp probe (c) Plug tester (d) Voltage detector
Voltage detector
107. When must you go into crawl spaces? (a) Wherever you can physically fit (b) When headroom is greater than 30 inches (c) When it is not dangerous and you will not damage anything (d) When you suspect there may be a problem within
When it is not dangerous and you will not damage anything
93. Differential settlement is (a) Settlement that occurs at a control joint. (b) When one part of the house settles and the rest does not. (c) The cause of all horizontal foundation cracks. (d) Associated with shrinkage cracks.
When one part of the house settles and the rest does not
147. In which of the following situations is roof sheathing NOT required? (a) Where lateral bracing is achieved with struts (b) Where a wood batten system has been used with concrete tile (c) Where two layers of ice and water protection have been used (d) None of the above
Where a wood batten system has been used with concrete tile
200. Which one is always included in the inspection contract? (a) Name of E&O carrier (b) Limit of liablity to seller (c) Written guarantee (d) A scope of work
Written guarantee
18. All of the following are advantages to having clients attend inspections EXCEPT (a) An opportunity for better communication. (b) You can charge a premium for allowing clients to attend. (c) That showing is better than telling. (d) You have the opportunity to adjust expectations.
You can charge a premium for allowing clients to attend
1. Where you have found evidence of footing settlement, how can you predict whether there will be further settlement? (a) You can count the number of planes of movement. (b) You can determine the type of foundation material. (c) You cannot predict settlement from a single inspection. (d) You can determine the depth of the footing.
You cannot predict settlement from a single inspection
38. Which of the following statements about home inspectors' liability is TRUE? (a) As long as you provide written reports, you have no liability. (b) Your liability is greater if your buyers' expectations are not realistic. (c) Home improvement contractors play no part in home inspector liability. (d) The last-one-in syndrome helps to reduce liability.
Your liability is greater if your buyers' expectations are not realistic
171. What's a typical problem with outside stairs? (a) the rise (b) span of the beams (c) treads (d) header
the rise
50. How thick (maximum) should a creosote deposit in a wood stove be before it is removed? (a) ¼ inch (b) ½ inch (c) ¾ inch (d) 1 inch
¼ inch
101. Interior footings (under columns, for example) are usually subject to hat kinds of loads? (a) Almost purely horizontal (b) Horizontal and vertical (c) Almost purely vertical (d) Primarily tension
Almost purely horizontal
123. Masonry veneer has a function similar to (a) Studs (b) Sheathing (c) Buttresses (d) Aluminum siding
Aluminum siding
112. Notches in beams should (a) Not be present. (b) Not be in the middle 1/3 of the beam span. (c) Be in the middle 1/3 of the beam span. (d) Be in the bottom ¼ of the beam.
Not be present