Section 15 Unit 2

Your buyers step outside to view the backyard of a property they're touring, but then they can't get the back door closed again. You recognize that this could be a symptom of ____, and realize that if they are interested in this property, they will want to discuss this issue with a home inspector. a. A foundation problem b. An HVAC problem c. Constant freezing and thawing d. Poor general maintenance on the home

a. A foundation problem

Which of the following can indicate issues with heating and cooling? a. A furnace or air conditioning unit that does not kick on when the temperature is adjusted b. Consistent temperatures throughout the home c. Moisture in the basement d. Windows that won't open or close

a. A furnace or air conditioning unit that does not kick on when the temperature is adjusted

Which of the following is an example of an easement? a. A path providing neighborhood access to a pond cuts through part of Hillary's property. b. Michael installed a basketball hoop next to his driveway, six inches outside his property. c. The city seized a formerly private parcel of land for public use. d. The state took ownership of Don's property when no heirs could be located following his death.

a. A path providing neighborhood access to a pond cuts through part of Hillary's property.

Mike relocated for work and learned that the region in which he planned to buy a home had many old underground mines. In fact, Mike might even need to purchase mine subsidence insurance. What might a home inspector flag for Mike if there are any concerns about undermining? a. A sinkhole on the property b. Lack of birds and other wildlife c. Stagnant pond water d. Trees and shrubs that don't seem to grow

a. A sinkhole on the property

Why should buyers ask sellers of older homes whether they've replaced the wiring system? a. Because out-of-date electrical wiring can cause a wide a variety of problems. b. Because the buyer will be required to update the wiring if it's more than 10 years old. c. Because the seller will be required to update the wiring if it's more than 10 years old. d. Buyers shouldn't ask about the wiring.

a. Because out-of-date electrical wiring can cause a wide a variety of problems.

A sloping hearth is a common ______ issue. a. Chimney/fireplace b. Foundation c. Roof d. Window

a. Chimney/fireplace

Which one of the following could be an indication of a foundation problem? a. Crack in a basement wall b. Doors that open and close easily c. Lack of moisture in the basement d. Windows that open and close properly

a. Crack in a basement wall

Three days ago, there was a severe thunderstorm in Shirley's town. Today, there's still a large puddle of water on her property, but it doesn't appear the neighboring properties have any puddles. This could indicate a(n) ______ problem. a. Drainage b. Easement c. Encroachment d. Foundation

a. Drainage

Wendell just listed Barb's home. Barb told him that there weren't any easements on the property, and Wendell hasn't seen a copy of the survey. What is Wendell's responsibility relative to the disclosure of any easements? a. He only needs to disclose easements if they're known. b. He should commission a survey if an existing one can't be found. c. He should do a title search to confirm any easements. d. He should require his seller to do online research in the county records database.

a. He only needs to disclose easements if they're known.

Greg and Neha are interested in buying a ranch-style home in a suburban family neighborhood. The sellers have only lived there for 19 months, so they have no information about the addition that was put on 20 or 30 years ago. Why does it matter whether the owners at the time got permits to do the addition? a. If the addition WAS NOT permitted, it may need to be inspected to ensure it meets code and perhaps even be taken down. b. If the addition WAS NOT permitted, the lender will require additional title insurance. c. If the addition WAS permitted, then the owners can use it as a rental suite. d. If the addition WAS permitted, the sellers can raise the listing price.

a. If the addition WAS NOT permitted, it may need to be inspected to ensure it meets code and perhaps even be taken down.

Why is it important for buyers to ask when a chimney or fireplace was last inspected? a. It could reveal important information about the unit's maintenance and function. b. It's not important for buyers to ask this. c. The buyer will then know if they need to have the chimney cleaned soon after they purchase the property. d. This gives the buyer an idea of when it may need to be replaced.

a. It could reveal important information about the unit's maintenance and function.

Why is it important for buyers to ask when a chimney or fireplace was last inspected? a. It could reveal important information about the unit's maintenance and functionality. b. It's not important for buyers to ask this. c. The buyer will then know if they need to have the chimney cleaned soon after they purchase the property. d. This gives the buyer an idea of when it may need to be replaced.

a. It could reveal important information about the unit's maintenance and functionality.

Which of the following can indicate an electrical problem? a. A broken light bulb b. A burned or discolored outlet c. An outlet that only works when the switch is turned on d. A switch that's cool to the touch

b. A burned or discolored outlet

Which of these items around the fireplace could be a clue that there is a problem? a. Ash and soot in the firebox b. Cracked or sloping firebox or hearth c. Hole in the soffit d. Missing mantle

b. Cracked or sloping firebox or hearth

Which of the following is a common problem with roof shingles? a. Clean fascia b. Discoloration or curling c. Soffit without holes d. Water buildup and ice damming

b. Discoloration or curling

Which one of the following is a common problem with roof shingles? a. Clean fascia b. Discoloration or curling c. Soffit without holes d. Water buildup and ice damming

b. Discoloration or curling

______ around pipes, vents, or other protrusions is a prime spot for roof damage or water leaks. a. Fascia b. Flashing c. Gutters d. Soffit

b. Flashing

Basement wall cracks and leaks can be indicators of ______ problems. a. Chimney/fireplace b. Foundation c. Roof d. Window

b. Foundation

Your home inspector Mason found some discoloration in the attic and near the windows on the second floor. Why does he think this may be a concern? a. Dark stains in the attic could mean plumbing problems. b. It could be a sign of fire damage. c. It means that the homeowners haven't insulated well. d. It's indicative of insect activity.

b. It could be a sign of fire damage.

How can you determine lot size, easements, and encroachments of a property? Select the answer that would provide the most comprehensive search. a. Check the county recorder's office and local building board. b. Research the deed and title history, check maps at the county recorder's office, and review land surveys. c. Review subdivision maps, pace off the property, and check tax records. d. Search the property's deed and title history, ask the neighbors, and pace off the property.

b. Research the deed and title history, check maps at the county recorder's office, and review land surveys.

Which of the following could indicate a problem with the chimney flue or ventilation? a. Damage around the fascia b. Doors that won't open c. Drafts near the fireplace d. Holes in the soffit

c. Drafts near the fireplace

Justin decided to build a privacy fence around his yard. He thought the fence was along the property line, but it turns out he built it one foot inside his neighbor's property. What will an inspector document as existing on the neighboring property? a. Easement b. Eminent domain c. Encroachment d. Necessity

c. Encroachment

Discoloration along walls and sagging or uneven floors can be signs of ______. a. Electrical issues b. Fire damage c. Flood damage d. Wind damage

c. Flood damage

Inconsistent temperatures from room to room is a common indication of a problem with what system or home feature? a. Electrical b. Foundation c. Heating and cooling d. Roofing

c. Heating and cooling

Which of the following could be a sign of a plumbing problem? a. Copper pipes b. Cracks in the basement wall c. Low water pressure d. Rotting around the soffit

c. Low water pressure

Home inspector Maura was walking Thad through a property inspection. The frame house, on a slab foundation, had mulch piled up about 18 inches next to the house. Why was Maura noting this as a concern? a. Mulch is a flammable substance. b. Mulch isn't a sustainable material. c. Mulch next to wood siding may lead to wood rot. d. That amount of mulch might kill the plants it's meant to protect.

c. Mulch next to wood siding may lead to wood rot.

Water buildup, ice damming, and a fascia damaged by moisture are common ______ issues. a. Chimney b. Foundation c. Roof d. Window

c. Roof

Which of these could be signs of flood damage? a. Hot and cold rooms in the house b. Misaligned doors c. Soft or uneven floors d. Windows that won't open

c. Soft or uneven floors

Why are galvanized pipes a problem in older homes? a. They are not a problem. b. They are out of date and can lead to a variety of electrical problems. c. They can rust and cause leaks and low water pressure. d. They indicate the heating and cooling system(s) are outdated.

c. They can rust and cause leaks and low water pressure.

While showing your buyers through a home, you flipped on the light in the powder room and were concerned because the light switch felt warm. Why is this a concern? a. Warm light switches might mean the house doesn't cool well. b. Warm light switches might mean the house doesn't heat well. c. Warm light switches might mean there is an electrical problem. d. Warm light switches might mean there is a structural problem.

c. Warm light switches might mean there is an electrical problem.

You're showing your buyers a house that clearly has a second-story addition. What important thing do you need to find out from the sellers? a. How much the seller's heating and cooling bills went up after the addition was put on b. Whether or not a licensed general contractor did the work c. Whether or not the addition was permitted d. Whether or not the materials used match the original construction

c. Whether or not the addition was permitted

What can water damage on a ceiling or wall indicate? a. Air flow issues b. Electrical issues c. Foundation issues d. Plumbing issues

d. Plumbing issues

Marshall is a home inspector who is walking the lot of the property he's inspecting with a survey in hand. Which of the following will he note as an encroachment on the inspection report? a. A path providing neighborhood access to a pond cuts through part of the subject property. b. The apple tree on the adjacent property drops apples onto the subject property. c. The city seized the neighboring property to be used in a street widening project. d. The neighbor installed a basketball hoop next to his driveway, six inches over the property line.

d. The neighbor installed a basketball hoop next to his driveway, six inches over the property line.

Missing, cracked, or displaced roof shingles can indicate ______ damage. a. Electrical b. Fire c. Water d. Wind

d. Wind

Buyer Peter is eager to make an offer on the two-story home you just showed him, but you're concerned about the back bedroom, since it looks like a relatively recent addition. When Peter asks you why it's an issue, how do you respond? a. It doesn't fit aesthetically with the rest of the house. b. The extra bedroom is inconsistent with the rest of the neighborhood, reducing its value. c. You're certain it's not built to code, so Peter shouldn't make an offer on the property. d. You recommend that Peter check on the permits for it, so that he doesn't buy the house and then have to correct or even remove the addition because it wasn't built to code.

d. You recommend that Peter check on the permits for it, so that he doesn't buy the house and then have to correct or even remove the addition because it wasn't built to code.