Home Inspection

Vapor Retarder

A material that is used to reduce the flow of water vapor.

Insulation

A material that is used to slow the flow of heat.

Home Warranty

A program that covers repairs or replacements of certain components of the home for a specified period of time, often one year.

Ventilation

A system that draws fresh air into a structure and removes moist, stale air.

Hot Water or Steam System

A type of heating system consisting of boilers, pipes, and radiators.

Heat Pump

A combination heating and cooling system consisting of compressors, refrigerants, blowers, and ducts.

Prelisting Inspection

A home inspection conducted for a homeowner before the owner puts the home on the market.

Forced-Air System

A type of heating system consisting of furnaces, blowers, ducts, and registers.

Efflorescence

A white powdery deposit on the surface of foundation walls or floor slabs created when water penetrates the wall or floor, combines with salts within the masonry, and brings those salts to the surface.

Technically Exhaustive Inspection

An inspection that involves extensive measurement and testing, such as measuring and testing loads in the electrical system, pressurizing the water and drainage systems and measuring flow rate, etc., which is beyond the scope of a normal home inspection.

Home Inspection

An unbiased, systematic, noninvasive, visual inspection of a home.

A home inspector inspects the structure for compliance with building codes.

False (A home inspection is not a code compliance inspection.)

A home inspector is requires to inspect a roof by walking on it.

False (An inspector is required to inspect a roof but is not required to walk on it. An inspector should not walk on a roof if it appears unsafe or if doing so might damage the roof or the roofing material.)

When inspecting a fireplace, an inspector must light a fire.

False (An inspector will not light a fire.)

All licensed real estate agents may refer to themselves as REALTORS

False (Only member s of the National Association of REALTORS may refers to themselves as REALTORS.)

A home inspection take place before the seller and buyer sign the purchase agreement.

False (The inspection takes place after the seller and buyer sign the purchase agreement, which typically includes an inspection contingency giving the buyer the right to have the home inspected.)

General Liability Insurance

Insurance that protects against bodily injury and property damage claims.

Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance

Insurance that protects the insured against liability for committing an error or omission while performing professional duties.

Inspection Contingency

The contract clause that gives a buyer the right to have a home inspected during a specified period of time.

A request to remedy is written by the buyer's agent.

True (If the buyer wants to ask the seller to make repairs, the buyer's agent will be responsible for writing a request to repair (also called a request to remedy) that lists all of the items that the buyer wants to be repaired.)

Most home inspectors are hired by buyers.

True (Most home inspections are performed for buyers. Most purchase agreements include an inspection contingency that gives the buyer the right ti have the home inspected, and the buyer hires the inspector.)

In addition to inspecting the exterior of the structure, a home inspector also examines the site, including grading, surface drainage, and vegetation.

True (The inspector examines the site, including grading, surface drainage, and vegetation that might affect the building. If water is not directed away from the structure, moisture problems may develop in the foundation.)

An inspector may refuse to operate a central air conditioning system when the weather is cold.

True (The inspector will not operate the cooling system if doing so may be unsafe or may damage the equipment due to the ambient temperature or other factor. For example, operating an air conditioner in cool weather can damage the system.)

Mechanical Exhaust Systems

Ventilation systems that use exhaust fans typically located in the kitchen and bathrooms where warm, moist air is generated.

An inspection agreement often includes all of the following EXCEPT

a guarantee or warranty regarding the present or future operation of the structure or its systems or components. (An inspection agreement typically includes a statement that the inspection report is NOT a guarantee or warranty regarding the present or future operation of the structure or its systems or components. All of the other items listed are often included in an inspection agreement.)

If an inspector follows the standards of either ASHI or InterNACHI, how many windows is she obligated to inspect?

a representative number of them (Under ASHI and InterBACHI standards, an inspector is obligated to inspect only a representative number of windows and doors. With regard to interior components, ASHI defines representative number as "one component per room for multiple similar interior components such as windows and electric receptacles". InterNACHI defines representative number as "a number sufficient to serve as a typical or characteristic example of the item(s) inspected.")

If Ivan follows the standards of either ASHI or InterNACHI, how many switches, receptacles, and installed lighting fixtures is he obligated to inspect?

a representative number of them (Under ASHI and InterNACHI standards, an inspector is obligated to inspect only a representative number of switches, receptacles, and installed lighting fixtures. With regard to interior components, ASHI defines representative number as "one component per room for multiple similar interior components such as windows and electric receptacles". InterNACHI defines representative number as "a number sufficient to serve as a typical or characteristic example of the item(s) inspected.")

An inspection agreement typically includes all of the following EXCEPT

a warranty regarding the present or future operation of the structure or its systems or components (An inspection agreement typically includes a statement that the inspection report is NOT a guarantee or warranty regarding the present or future operation of the structure or its systems or components. All of the other items listed are often included in an inspection agreement.)

When are most home inspections conducted?

after the buyer's offer is accepted and the buyer and seller have signed a contract (The buyer hires the home inspector after the buyer and seller agree to all terms and they sign the contract.)

Most home inspectors are hired by

buyers (Most home inspections are performed for buyers. The buyer, not the agent, should choose the inspector to reduce the agent's liability.)

Which of the following tests will an inspector conduct when examining the plumbing system?

check the drainage of sinks, bathtubs' dn showers, check water supply flow when two fixtures are turned on simultaneously, flush toilets, and turn on faucets and fixtures. (The inspector examines the main water supply shut-off valve but is not required to operate the valve.)

The most common form of inspection report is a

combination narrative report with checklist or combination narrative report with rating system (The most common form of inspection report is a software-generated, combination narrative report with checklist or combination narrative report with rating system.)

The purpose of ventilation is to

draw fresh air into the structure and remove moist, stale air. (The purpose of ventilation is to draw fresh air into the structure and remove moist, stale air. Vapor retarders reduce the flow of water vapor, and insulation slows the flow of heat.)

A white powdery deposit on foundation walls or floor slabs created when water generates the wall or floor, combines with salts within the masonry, and brings those salts to the surface is called

efflorescence (Efflorescence is a white powdery deposit on the surface of foundation walls or floor slabs created when water penetrates the wall or floor, combines with salts within the masonry, and brings those salts to the surface.)

Insurance that protects an inspector from a claim that the inspector was negligent or failed to property report or make recommendations about property defects is

errors and omissions insurance (Errors and omissions (E&)) insurance protects the insured against liability for committing an error or omission while performing professional duties. E&O insurance protects an inspector from a claim that the inspector was negligent or failed to properly report or make recommendations about property defects. General liability insurance protects against bodily injury and property damage claims.)

An inspector can be expected to

examine ventilation in an unfinished attic and crawl space (The inspector examines the ventilation in any unfinished attic and crawl space. An inspector is required to inspect a roof but is not required to walk on it. The inspector inspects the main water supply shut-off valve but is not required to operate the valve. Also, an inspector will not light a fire.)

All of the following are defects or issues related to insulation and ventilation EXCEPT

exhaust fans that vent to the outside. (Exhaust fans should vent to the outside, If they vent into an interior space, such as the attic, this is a defect.)

A preexisting inspection is typically requested by a

homeowner who is preparing to sell a home (Some homeowners (potential sellers) elect to have a home inspection before putting the home on the market. This type of inspection is referred to as a preexisting inspection.)

Which systems or components are commonly addressed in a home inspection?

insulation and ventilation and plumbing systems (Clients can expect the home inspector to inspect the following components and systems; exterior, structural, roofing, insulation and ventilation, interior, plumbing, electrical, heating, cooling, and fireplaces. Home injectors do not typically inspect fire sprinkler or fire suppression systems or lawn sprinkler systems.)

A home inspection is all of the following EXCEPT

invasive (A home inspection is NOT invasive. A home inspection is an unbiased, systematic, noninvasive, visual inspection of a home.)

Which of the following items is a potential defect or issue with the interior that a home inspector might observe and document in the report?

loose railings in a stairway (Potential defects or concerns that an inspector might observe and document in the report include loose railings in a stairway. Inspectors will not report on normal wear and tear, such as stained or worn carpet, or interior design components that are outdated, such as bright orange shag carpeting.)

Which of the following items are potential defects or issues with the interior of a structure that an inspector might observe and document in the report?

loose railings in a stairway and single-or-double-hung windows that do not stay up when opened (Potential defects or concerns that an inspector might observe and document in the report include loose railings in a stairway and single-or-double-hun windows that do not stay up when opened. Inspectors will not report on normal wear and tear, such as stained or worn carpet, or interior design components that are outdated, such as bright orange shag carpeting.)

Buyer Marta fails to schedule an inspection during the inspection period specified in the purchase agreement. Buyer Marta

may be obligated to buy the property in its current condition. (If the buyer fails to schedule the inspection or request any repairs within the specified time periods, she waives her rights to the inspection and may obligated to buy the property in its current condition.)

During a home inspection, the inspector will

open readily openable access panels to inspect heating and cooling equipment (An inspector operates the heating and cooling systems using normal controls and opens readily openable access panels. An inspector will not inspect areas within walls or areas that are blocked by personal belongings. Also, an inspector is not required to remove any ice or snow in order to examine the roof surface.)

A home inspector can be expected to

open readily openable access panels when inspecting a heating system (The inspector operates the heating system using normal controls and opens readily openable access panels. An inspector will not inspect the interior of a chimney, will not inspect window air conditioning units, and will not ignite a fire when inspecting a fireplace.)

A home inspection conducted for a homeowner before the owner puts the home on the market is known as a

preexisting inspection (Some seller select to have a home inspection before putting their home on the market. This type of inspection is referred to as a preexisting inspection.)

Homeowner Sara is preparing to sell her home. Before putting it on the market, she hires a home inspector to inspect the property. This type of inspection is called a(n)

preexisting inspection (Some sellers elect to have a home inspection before putting their home on the market. This type of inspection is referred to as a preexisting inspection.)

All of the following are potential defects or concerns associated with electrical systems EXCEPT

presence of efflorescence on conductors (Efflorescence is associated with masonry not electrical conductors. It is a white powdery deposit on the surface of foundation walls or floor slabs created when water penetrates the wall or floor, combines with salts within the masonry, and brings those salts to the surface.)

When it comes to recommending home inspectors, it is common for buyer's agents to

provide a list of three inspectors with whom they have worked in the past. (Many buyers, especially first-time homebuyers, rely on their real estate agent to recommend a home inspector. Common practice is for real estate agents to provide a list of three inspectors with whom they have worked in the past and to let their buyers select the inspector. A real estate agent should not accept compensation from a home inspector for including that person's name on a list of preferred or recommended inspectors.)

The purpose of insulation is to

slow the flow of heat (The purpose of insulation is to slow the flow of heat. Vapor retarders reduce the flow of water vapor, and ventilation draws fresh air into the structure and removes moist, stale air.)

Which of the following is NOT one of the systems or components commonly addressed in a home inspection?

swimming pools (Clients can expect the home inspector to inspect the following components and systems: exterior, structural, roofing, insulation and ventilation, interior, plumbing, electrical, heating, cooling, and fireplaces. Home inspectors do not typically inspect swimming pools.)

Which of the following provisions are often included in an inspection agreement?

the fee for the inspection and when payment is due, the limit to the inspector's liability for claims or damages arising out of the inspection and the method for resolving disputes. (An inspection agreement typically includes a statement that the inspection report is NOT a guarantee or warranty regarding the present or future operation of the structure or its systems or components. All of the other items listed are often included in an inspection agreement.)

An inspection agreement typically includes

the limit to the inspector's liability for claims or damages arising out of the inspection (An inspection agreement typically includes the limit to the inspector's liability for claims or damage arising out of the inspection.)

A home inspection is a(n)

unbiased, systematic, noninvasive, visual inspection (A home inspection is an unbiased, systematic, noninvasive, visual inspection of a home. A home inspection is NOT a geology or soil engineering study, an estimate of the cost of repairs, or a survey of the property.)

A material that is used to reduce the flow of water vapor is referred to as a

vapor retarder (The purpose of a vapor retarder is to reduce the flow of water vapor.)

Buyer Frank hires a home inspector, and the inspector identifies items in need of repair. If the purchase agreement includes an inspection contingency, Frank is likely to have all of the following options EXCEPT

withhold the costs of the repairs from the purchase price (Depending on the terms of the contract, the buyer may accept the property in its current condition, walk away from the contract and have his earnest money returned, or request that the seller make repairs. Any price reduction would have to be negotiated with the seller.)

Request to Remedy

A written list of items that the buyer asks the seller to repair prior to closing.

Home Inspection Report

A written report prepared by a home inspector issued after a home inspection.

Inspection Period

The time frame specified in the purchase agreement during which the buyer has the opportunity to conduct an inspection.

When examining the condition of a service panel, a home inspector removes the panel cover to inspect the conductors and circuit breakers or fuses.

True (The inspector examines the service panel by removing the panel cover to inspect the conductors and circuit breakers or fuses.)

Natural Ventilation

Ventilation achieved through airflow and vents.

Inspections of older homes typically take larger than inspections of newer homes.

True (An inspection can take longer for an older home, which may have a unique foundation, room additions, an older electrical system, an older plumbing system, or a combination of old and new electrical and plumbing systems.)

All of the following are potential defects or issues related to plumbing systems EXCEPT

a plumbing vent that extends through the roof to the outside (Plumbing vents should extend through the roof to the outside. The other items listed are potential defects or issues.)

When examining the plumbing system, an inspector will perform all of the following tests EXCEPT

turn off the main water supply shut-off valve (The inspector examines the main water supply shut-off valve but is not required to operate the valve.)