Advanced Home Inspection
A ground fault circuit interrupter shuts the power off to a circuit after approximately 1/40 of a second in the event of a ground fault of ____________.
0.005-amps
A desirable slope for grading around the house is:
1 in 12
The power available in a typical 15-amp, 120-volt household circuit is:
1,800 watts
Joists that rest on wood or metal should have a minimum bearing of:
1-1/2 inches
Where the chimney is located OUTSIDE the structure, the required clearance from combustible material is:
1-inch
The maximum depth for a notch at the end of the joist is _______ joist depth.
1/4
The exhaust flue on a conventional gas furnace should have a slope of at least:
1/4 inch per foot
Notches in the top or bottom of joists cannot exceed _______ of the depth and must not be located in the middle 1/3 of the span.
1/6
Under normal conditions, all 125v receptacles not related to the pool or spa's circulation system must be at least ____ feet away from a swimming pool's edge.
10
Plumbing stacks should terminate at least _______ horizontally from a window.
10 feet
Pools and spas cannot be placed under or within _____ of service drop conductors or open overhead wiring.
10 ft
The life expectancy of a compressor is typically:
10 to 15 years
The minimum service size for new home constructions is:
100-amps
What is the typical range at which the fan control will turn the blower on?
110 to 130 degrees F.
A new light or ceiling fan within 5 feet horizontally from swimming pool water must be installed at least _______ feet above the maximum water level and GFCI protected.
12
Branch-circuit conductors for pool, outdoor spa and hot tub motors require a wire size not smaller than
12 AWG
The low point in a service drop must clear the ground where vehicles pass underneath by at least:
12 feet
Foundation anchor bolts (7-inch depth into concrete) are required within ________ of the ends of each wall.
12 inches
In a hot water boiler, pressure-reducing valves are typically set at:
12-22 psi
The minimum width of the footing for a one-story house is ________.
12-inches
Refer to Figure 15. What type of electrical service does component A represent?
120 volt
Refer to Figure 15. What type of electrical service does component C represent?
120/240 volt
Refer to Figure 8. What type of electrical service is present?
120/240 volt
The nominal voltage provided to most new houses is:
120/240 volts
Refer to Figure 9. What does component E represent?
120v branch circuit
Refer to Figure 10. What does component C represent?
120v circuit breaker
The wire size required in normal household circuits carrying 15 amps is:
14 gauge copper or 12 gauge aluminum
In a central air conditioner, temperature drop across the plenum coil should be:
14 to 22 degrees F.
According to code, one square foot of ventilation is recommended for every _______ of area in a crawl space.
150 square feet
When attached to the house, a deck should be nailed or bolted every:
16 inches
A fireplace hearth should extend at least ______ beyond the front of the fireplace, and at least ______ beyond each side of the fireplace opening.
16 inches, 8 inches
Typical 2x4-inch wall studs have how much spacing between them?
16-inches OC
Wall-mounted underwater luminaires must be installed at least _____ below the normal pool/spa water level.
18 in
The flame of a heating unit or water heater in a garage should be _____ inches above ground?
18 inches
The minimum size of an access opening where standard under floor clearance is required is:
18 x 24 inches
There should be ________ clearance between the dormer siding and the shingles.
2 inches
What would NOT be a typical size heating element for a 50-gallon water heater?
2,500 watts
In steam heating, at what pressure is the operating cut-off control set?
2-3 psi
Holes bored in joists cannot be within _______ of the top or bottom and cannot have a diameter that exceeds 1/3 of the depth of the joist.
2-inches
Where the chimney is located INSIDE the structure, the required clearance from combustible material is:
2-inches
Most conventional forced-air furnaces have an expected life of:
20-25 years
The minimum size for an attic opening is:
22 x 30 inches
An AC compressor with a crankcase heater needs power for _________ before system operation.
24 hours
How much clearance is required in front of the toilet?
24 inches
Refer to Figure 8. What does component A represent?
240v service
Refer to Figure 9. What does component A represent?
240v service
On an I-joist, the minimum distance between holes drilled in the web must be no less than:
2x diameter of the hole
The minimum end bearing for a wood floor joist that bears on concrete is
3 inches
Joists framing from opposite sides of a beam must overlap ______ or butt together with splice plates.
3-inches
In new houses, the minimum pipe size for the main water supply line is:
3/4 inch
Guardrails are required at edges of walking surfaces higher than:
30 inches
Interior doors should be at least _______ wide, operate properly, and fit securely in the framework.
30 inches
The wall space reserved for a main service panel must be at least ______ wide.
30 inches
What is the minimum headroom above the attic access opening?
30 inches
What is the standard range/oven width and countertop height:
30-inches, 36-inches
The proper ratio of attic ventilation should be 1 square foot of ventilation for every _______ of attic area.
300 square feet
Refer to Figure 8. What does component D represent?
30a/240v circuit breaker
Handrails on steps should be a minimum of _______ high.
34 inches
In converting kilowatts (kW) to BTUs for capacity ratings, 1 kW is equivalent to:
3412 BTU
Guardrails around the top of open stairwells should be at least ____ high.
36 inches
The minimum height of a guardrail is:
36 inches
A main service panel should have at least _____ of clear approach with no obstructions and have _______ of headroom.
36 inches, 78 inches
The service entry size for a 100-amp service is:
4 gauge copper
Residential masonry chimney wall thickness should be at least:
4 inches
To prevent a young child from getting through a pool fence or other pool barrier, all openings should be small enough so that a _____ diameter sphere cannot pass through.
4-inch
Clothes dryer venting should have a duct size of at least:
4-inches
Curb-mounted skylights should have a curb with a minimum height of _____ above the roof plane.
4-inches
A non-bearing stud can be notched no more than:
40-percent
By code definition, a permanently installed swimming pool shall be constructed entirely or partially in the ground and capable of holding a water depth greater than
42 inches
If a barrier fence has horizontal members on its outside (facing away from the pool), the distance between any of them should NOT be less than
45 inches
A swimming pool barrier must be at least ______ above grade.
48 inches
At what width would a stairway require more than one handrail?
48 inches
Pool fences should be at least ____ high.
48 inches
An existing light or ceiling fan located within 5 feet horizontally from swimming pool water must be at least _______ feet above the maximum water level and GFCI protected.
5
A plumbing fixture can be a maximum of _______ from the main stack horizontally, without requiring its own vent.
5 feet
Approximately ______ of the ventilation should be in the upper 1/3 of the roof, with the balance in the eaves.
50 percent
As a general rule of thumb, in moderate climates, most houses have a system sized at one ton of cooling for every:
500 to 600 sq ft of house
A self-latching device on a gate should be no less than ____ from the bottom of the gate.
54 inches
Flexible gas appliance connectors cannot be spliced, daisy-chained, or be greater than ______ feet long:
6
The maximum distance between any two foundation anchor bolts is:
6 feet
The minimum headroom required above a stairway is:
6 feet, 8 inches
Plumbing vent stacks should terminate at least _____ above the roofline.
6 inches
The sill board on top of the foundation should be at least ____ from the soil.
6 inches
What is the minimum distance that wood siding should be above the soil?
6 inches
Air conditioning equipment should not be operated when the ambient temperature is below:
65 degrees F
What is the minimum width of a habitable room, which is not a kitchen:
7 feet
Which of the following would be a proper stair design for residential property?
7 inch rise, 11 inch run
An unlined masonry chimney must have walls at least __________ thick.
8 inches
The maximum step up of an exterior doorway is?
8 inches
On average, real estate agents are responsible for what percentage of all home inspection business in the industry.
80
Whole house fans work best when the humidity is below 75-percent and the temperature is below:
85 degrees F
The exhaust flue on a conventional, oil-fired boiler furnace (not gas) has a typical minimum clearance from combustibles of _____ inches.
9 inches
A heat pump with a natural gas or propane burner located within the outdoor cabinet below the evaporator coil is called:
A Kool-Fire system
A crawl space inspection:
A and C A.Is required for all crawl spaces with an entrance at least 36 inches high. C. Should reveal insulation with the aluminum moisture layer facing the warm floor.
A door from the garage should NOT lead into:
A bedroom
A rafter tie is the same as:
A ceiling joist
In a modern hot water boiler, circulation is provided by:
A circulator pump.
Which of the following is unique only to high efficiency gas furnaces?
A condensate drain
Most air handlers are part of:
A conventional forced air unit
Whenever the width of a chimney located along the slope of a roof is more than 30 inches, the chimney requires:
A cricket
Truss uplift is believed to be caused by:
A differential in humidity levels within the attic
A load bearing stud wall has:
A double top plate and a single sill plate.
A cross connection occurs when:
A faucet spout is below the flood rim of a fixture
Which would be an example of a shut down system that should not be operated?
A gas furnace that needs its pilot lit
A standard safety control for a warm air system is:
A limit switch
Gates through barriers leading to swimming pools must have:
A lock and a self-closing/self-latching device.
The strongest indication that a circuit breaker is bad or about to go bad is:
A loose or wobbly reset switch
On oil-fired systems, the emergency shut-off switch that cuts off all power to the unit is an example of:
A primary control
Galvanic action is:
A problem with dissimilar metals in contact
Posts in basements must bear on:
A proper footing.
According to national standards, a minimum of how many receptacles must be checked per space?
A representative number
A heat pump is able to either heat or cool a house through the use of ___________ on the compressor.
A reversing valve
The feature that allows a heat pump to heat or cool a house is:
A reversing valve
A combination sewer is:
A sewer that handles both storm water and sanitary sewage
A roof truss, which has been cut in order to accommodate a skylight, can be resupported by:
A special engineering design
When adding another layer of insulation on top of existing insulation in an attic:
A vapor barrier should not be added
A wet vent is:
A vent that also acts as a drain
In a split outlet, half of the receptacles have continuous power, and the other half are controlled by:
A wall switch.
A parapet wall is:
A wall that protrudes above a roofline
An inspector can identify a steam boiler by the presence of:
A water level gauge
The energy efficiency of any furnace is measured by its:
A.F.U.E.
What type of plastic pipe would NOT be used for a lawn irrigation system?
ABS
A closed hot water boiler system has the expansion tank:
Above the boiler
The smoke shelf of a conventional fireplace is located:
Above the damper
After the first six inches of insulation:
Added depth will be increasingly less cost effective
Rafter-only cathedral ceilings can be vented by using _______ installed in each rafter bay from the roof edge to peak.
Air chutes
A forced warm air system has:
All of the above
A roof consists of which of the following?
All of the above
A special consideration needed for a 240-volt circuit is:
All of the above
A switch to control an overhead light or to control a wall outlet is required:
All of the above
An electrical service panel or sub panel should not be installed:
All of the above
Electrical heat usually:
All of the above
Evaporative coolers:
All of the above
Foundation walls for wood-frame houses have adequate lateral support, provided that:
All of the above
GFCIs according to current standards:
All of the above
Independent air conditioning systems are often used on houses heated by:
All of the above
Interior stairways should have:
All of the above
Interior wall cracks can be caused by:
All of the above
National standards require inspectors to report on:
All of the above
National standards require which of the following items to be inspected:
All of the above
Noise in a plumbing system could be caused by:
All of the above
The combination of heat and moisture inside an attic will cause:
All of the above
The cooling capacity of an air conditioner reflects:
All of the above
The evaporator coil is:
All of the above
The main concern with Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) is that:
All of the above
The requirements for a habitable room are:
All of the above
To help prevent backdrafting, a homeowner should:
All of the above
Water may be removed from basements by:
All of the above
What of the following is true about vertical cracks in a foundation?
All of the above
What type of defects can be noted inside the main panel?
All of the above
When testing for carbon monoxide, the inspector should test around the:
All of the above
Roof flashing:
All of the above apply
Which of the following is NOT a roof style.
All of the above are roof styles
A good insulating material:
All of the above.
A masonry exterior may:
All of the above.
Stucco cracks occur due to:
All of the above.
If the inspector discovers a safety hazard during the inspection that could cause immediate harm, he/she should inform:
All parties present
A drainage system includes:
All the above
An electrical system inspection includes:
All the above
One concern with operating a dryer in the same room as gas-powered appliances is:
All the above
The grounding conductor should terminate at:
All the above apply
Short cycling of a forced air-heating unit can be caused by:
All the above.
Wall cracks develop because:
All/any of the above
The purpose of an expansion tank is to:
Alleviate pressure as the system heats up
The main purpose of counter flashing on the chimney structure is to:
Allow for independent chimney expansion
National standards require that an inspector report on:
Aluminum lower branch wiring
Refer to Figure 26. What is Component C:
Anchor bolt
The foundation of the home should:
Anchor it in place.
Refer to Figure 19. Identify component C:
Anode rod
An inspector has a conflict of interest if he has:
Any financial interest in the sale of the property
The air moving component of an air handler is:
Any of the above
The proper home inspection report format can be:
Any of the above
Refer to Figure 17, a gas-fired hot water furnace. Identify component G:
Aquastat
What information is NOT required to be included in the home inspection report?
Arbitration clause
The most common areas for water intrusion in EIFS is:
Around windows and doors.
Refer to Figure 6. From the choices below identify the fireplace component that is MISSING:
Ash clean-out door
What kind of roof covering would be effective for a roof with a slope of 1 in 12?
Asphalt shingles
To have adequate functional drainage, a fixture must drain:
At a reasonable rate
The chimney should be:
At least 3 feet above the roof line and 2 feet higher than any other obstruction within 10 feet
Cornice moldings are the moldings installed:
At the junction of walls and ceilings
Refer to Figure 11. Which configuration contains an S-trap?
B
Refer to Figure 11. Which kitchen sink and garbage disposal drain would allow sewer gas to vent directly into the home?
B and C
Insulation in a crawl space should be installed so that:
B if crawl space is heated, A if crawl space is not heated
Metal-sheathed cable is technically known as:
BX or AC
Refer to Figure 16. What method of framing is used for item A?
Balloon
What type of house framing system uses continuous studs that run from sill plate to eave line?
Balloon
Refer to Figure 18, an oil-fired furnace. Identify component A:
Barometric damper
Paths and walkways should:
Be at least 30 inches wide.
Refer to Figure 1. Identify component F of the roof truss structure:
Bearing Point
Refer to Figure 2. Identify component G of the roof rafter structure:
Bearing point for purlin strut
In colder climates, footing and piers must extend ________ and bear on undisturbed soil.
Below the frost line
Refer to Figure 18, an oil-fired furnace. Identify component G:
Blast tube
Refer to Figure 2. Identify component D of the roof rafter structure:
Blocking
If an inspector observes a deck nailed to the house, he should recommend that it be:
Bolted to the house.
The purpose of professional ethics is to ensure that:
Both A and B
What causes buckling in vinyl or aluminum siding?
Both A and B
A mutual chimney is a chimney which:
Both A and B A. Is shared by an adjacent house B. Has one or more flues for each house
The function of the compressor is to:
Both A and B A. Move the refrigerant B. Compress the refrigerant
Gurgling sounds in drain fixtures when you flush a toilet could indicate:
Both A and B A. Poor venting B. That water is being sucked from drain traps.
When modifying a natural gas furnace for use with propane:
Both A and B A. The orifice must be changed B. The regulator must be changed
A concrete floor slab:
Both A and B above A. Should be a minimum of 4 inches thick with internal steel reinforcement B. Could have cracks hidden by carpet
On an air conditioning system, the suction line should be insulated:
Both A and B above A. To prevent condensation B. To decrease cooling losses
Ventilation in under floor areas may be provided by:
Both A and B apply A. Mechanical means B. Opening in foundations
Gas-fired systems are typically lit using:
Both A and B apply A. Pilot lights B. Electronic igniters
If a mold-certified inspector observes serious mold that falls outside the scope of his normal inspection, he can:
Both A and C
Dimensional changes of lumber:
Both A and C A. Are due to changes of moisture content. C. Are due to changes in temperature.
Radiant heat systems can use _______ to radiate heat.
Both A and C A. Buried pipes or panels C. An entire ceiling, wall, or floor
Doors should be described according to:
Both A and C A. Hardware operation C. How the door fits in the framework
Plumbing alterations should be reported because:
Both A and C A. Homeowners do a lot of plumbing repairs C. They indicate past problems
In crawl spaces, perimeter vents are:
Both A and C A. Preferably installed in two opposite walls for cross ventilation. C. For moisture reduction.
The purpose of bonding is to:
Both A and C A. Provide a low impedance path to ground during a fault C. Prevent severe arcing in the panel during a fault
Condensate drain systems:
Both A and C A. Should have a vacuum break or air gap C. Prevent moisture damage to the house
You can determine whether stucco has been applied over a wood frame or masonry structure by:
Both A and C above. A. Using a moisture meter. C. Tapping on it.
Water leaks that travel down walls often appear at:
Both A and C apply A. Cornice moldings C. Sill plates of windows
Code requires dryer vents to be no longer than 25-feet and terminate outside with a vent that has a:
Both A and C apply A. Flapper C. Back-draft damper
Cool dense air is harder to move than warm air, so:
Both A and C apply A. Larger ducts are needed C. Larger motor is needed
Gravity systems move air and water:
Both A and C apply. A. Without fans or blowers. C. Without circulating pumps
A Hartford loop is a piping arrangement that:
Both A and C. A. Equalizes pressure above and below the waterline. C. Prevents boiler water siphoning via a return leak.
A window near a walkway needs safety glass if the window is less than 18 inches from the ground AND the window:
Both A and C. A. Is greater than 9 square feet. C. Has a top edge 36 inches above the ground.
Building paper is used:
Both A and C. A. To provide water resistance and an air barrier. C. To lubricate and allow small dimensional changes.
Termite inspections and environmental inspections can be performed on a property after an inspection so long as:
Both B and C
The service entry size for a 200-amp service is:
Both B and C B. 2/0 gauge copper C. 4/0 gauge aluminum
Insulating a basement foundation wall that is chronically wet:
Both B and C B. Can result in frost damage to the foundation wall if done from the interior C. Is best achieved from the exterior during excavation for damp proofing
Doors and windows should be inspected for:
Both B and C B. Defects caused by improper installation in the rough opening. C. Unsatisfactory performance of moving parts.
Water in the basement:
Both B and C B. May be detected by efflorescence C. May be caused by hydrostatic pressure forcing water through cracks
Asbestos around a boiler or furnace can look like:
Both B and C B. Plaster C. Smooth stucco
Central air conditioning makes the indoor climate more comfortable by:
Both B and C B. Reducing humidity levels C. Reducing interior air temperature
Ponds and Lakes near a house:
Both B and C B. Reflect the natural water table level. C. Mean that water problems should be looked for.
Foundation wall penetration:
Both B and C above B. Should be reported if leakage signs exist C. May cause a wall to crack
Circulating fans and their components should be:
Both B and C above B. Solidly supported C. Noise free
The inspector should evaluate the condition of water heaters for:
Both B and C apply B. Presence of a TPR valve C. Proper connections to hot and cold
A concern about operating whole house fans is that:
Both B and C apply B. They can cause a negative pressure in the house C. They can create problems with humidity, dust, and pollen
The main function of gutters and downspouts is to:
Both B and C.
Decks with carpet installed on the surface:
Both B and C. B. Are prone to moisture problems. C. Cannot be adequately inspected.
Negative indoor air pressure caused by wind or appliances that vent indoor air can lead to:
Both B and C. B. Back drafting. C. Carbon monoxide build-up.
Refer to Figure 1. Identify component E of the roof truss structure:
Bottom Cord
Which of the following is not a typical gutter material?
Brass
During a home inspection, you can distinguish between brass and copper supply pipes because:
Brass pipes have threaded joints; copper pipes have soldered joints
What is the main defect associated with knob-and-tube wiring?
Brittle insulation
Resist uplift and prevent sagging
Built-up
Receptacles and switches marked __________ are meant to be used with aluminum wire.
CO/ALR
Aluminum lower branch wiring:
Can usually be made safe in the home
On an I-joist, the flange:
Cannot be modified
Where movement due to footing problems has been detected, future settlement:
Cannot be predicted
What are the limitations of a three-light GFI receptacle tester used by home inspectors:
Cannot detect a false (bootleg) ground
The most cost-effective way to conserve energy in a house is usually by:
Caulking and weather stripping
2 x 4 purlin struts are limited to an 8 foot length and must not bear on:
Ceiling joists
Refer to Figure 24. What is the main reason for using the type of foundation:
Climate
Refer to Figure 25. What is the main reason for installing this type of foundation:
Cold climate
Refer to Figure 2. Identify component B of the roof rafter structure:
Collar tie
Structure as used in the national standards means:
Combination of any of the above
Conventional forced-air furnaces use _______ to heat the exchanger.
Combustion
Refer to Figure 18, an oil-fired furnace. Identify component D:
Combustion blower
Refer to Figure 7. Identify furnace component C:
Condensate drain
On a heat pump, the coil located inside the house requires a/an:
Condensate tray
Staining that looks like a roof leak running down on the side walls of a cathedral ceiling may actually be caused by:
Condensation due to lack of ventilation.
During the heating months, the indoor coil of a heat pump is the:
Condenser coil
The component of a central air conditioner which releases heat is the:
Condenser coil
Steam boilers capitalize on the fact that the large quantity of heat given off as steam:
Condenses back into water
The function of a sill plate is to:
Connect the floor framing system to the top of the foundation.
If an inspector finds over-fused circuit deficiencies in the main panel, the report should advise the client to:
Consult an electrician
When a bathroom toilet is flushed, the inspector hears a persistent gurgling noise coming from the sink drain. What is the best recommendation in this situation:
Contact a plumbing contractor
Cathedral or vaulted-ceiling roofs can best be vented using:
Continuous ridge and soffit vents
In a zone heating system, each zone is:
Controlled by its own thermostat
Roof slopes with a pitch between 4 in 12 and 6 in 12 are considered to be:
Conventional Roofs
The most extensively used supply piping material in modern home construction is:
Copper
The most common problem associated with ceramic tile flooring is:
Cracking due to a floor system that is not stiff enough
The most common symptom of footing failure is:
Cracking in foundation walls.
Refer to Figure 26. Identify the type of foundation:
Crawlspace
Refer to Figure 11. Which kitchen sink and garbage disposal drain is correct?
D
Exhaust ducts, which pass through unheated spaces, should:
D. Both A and B A. Discharge through the space and not into it B. Should be insulated to prevent condensation
Existing knob-and-tube wiring should be replaced:
D. Both A and B A. If it is damaged B. If a grounded circuit is required
If a sub panel has been added, the wires connecting it to the service panel must be protected by over current protection in the:
D. Both A and B Apply A. Main service panel B. Sub panel, if the cable is enclosed in conduit and does not exceed 5 feet
A sub panel must have:
D. Both A and B apply A. Over current protection at the main panel A. Over current protection at the main panel
All methods that join aluminum and copper wires together:
D. Both A and C A. Create copper pigtails C. Require maintenance
Adding insulation to an existing wood-frame exterior wall:
D. Both B and C B. Is often not cost-effective C. Can be achieved from either the interior or the exterior
Refer to Figure 6. From the choices below identify the fireplace component that is MISSING:
Damper assembly
Electrical resistance:
Decreases with increasing wire diameter
Water cooled condensers:
Depend on both water temperature and pressure
When an inspector states that a roof has asphalt shingles that are five years old, the inspector is ____________ a condition.
Describing
A non-conducting adapter used to splice together dissimilar metals such as a copper pipe to a galvanized pipe is called a:
Dielectric connector
Refer to Figure 19. Identify component D:
Dip tube
Refer to Figure 19. Identify component B:
Discharge tube
Radiators on two-pipe steam boiler systems:
Do not need relief valves.
Bathroom vent fans are required by most codes where the bathroom:
Does not have an operable window
All headers in bearing walls and any header more than 4-feet long must be:
Doubled
Joists under and parallel to bearing walls must be:
Doubled
A gas-fired furnace requires a __________ to counteract downdrafts.
Draft diverter hood
Refer to Figure 25. Identify component N:
Drain
Corner-shaped metal strips that are nailed along the edges of the roof are called:
Drip edge
Concrete or masonry walls put together without the use of mortar are referred to as:
Dry stacked
In an oil-fired system, if the oil fails to ignite, a ________ will shut off the fuel pump.
Either A or C A. Stack switch C. Photocell device
Which of the following does not have a conventional heat exchanger?
Electric furnace
What is the most accurate deficiency description for a gas water heater than shows rust and corrosion around the bottom and top and makes a hissing noise when the elements turn on.
End of Service Life
The purpose of a barometric damper on an oil-fired furnace is to:
Ensure proper combustion
When an inspector states that a 60-amp electrical service is inadequate for the home, the inspector is _____________ a condition.
Evaluating
A home inspector using a carbon monoxide meter, detects unsafe levels of carbon monoxide coming from a forced air furnace supply vent after activating the normal furnace control. What is the home inspector's most appropriate action:
Exit the property immediately and tell all parties
If components or systems within the scope of the inspection were not inspected, the report should:
Explain why they were not inspected
In a platform framing, the wall studs:
Extend only the height of each story.
The ability of a water heater to re-supply hot water is measured by
FHR
When insulating a sub floor above an unheated crawl space, a foil or paper side of the insulation (which is a vapor barrier) should be installed:
Facing the sub floor
A home inspector can offer to fix roof problems found during the inspection if the client has signed a pre-inspection agreement.
False
A natural gas or propane range without a dedicated exhaust flue should be reported as a safety hazard: (True or False)
False
A proper sink fixture has the cold water on the left and the hot water on the right.
False
A water conditioning equipment inspection (if applicable) is required by national standards.
False
An inspector may offer a finder's fee to Realtors who refer business so long as the inspector has no financial interest in the property.
False
Different types of lawn irrigation emitters are designed to be mixed within the same lateral in order to irrigate small and large areas at the same time. (True or False)
False
Foundation ventilation openings do not require protective coverings.
False
In most jurisdictions, roof drains may be connected to the plumbing drains, provided only that they do not interfere with proper venting of the drainage system.
False
In the majority of transactions, the home inspector and the Realtor are the only parties whose sole allegiance is to the buyer.
False
It is preferable to have downspouts discharge below grade rather then above grade.
False
National standards require inspectors to operate all windows and doors.
False
Stucco over wood framing will exhibit significantly fewer cracks than stucco over masonry walls.
False
Window glazing with defective seals can be repaired.
False
The _________ is used to support the gutter system and enclose the ends of the eaves.
Fascia
Water heaters fueled by gas typically have a _____________ than electric-powered units.
Faster recovery time
The main defect associated with aluminum wiring is:
Fire from overheating at loose connections
Refer to Figure 4. How should flue A be reported on:
Flue shaft is too close to roof surface
In cathedral and vaulted-ceiling roofs, _______ should be installed continuously along each rafter bay to help ensure airways are maintained.
Foam baffles
A home inspector notices a large vertical crack in one corner of the foundation where water is pooling and there are also signs of water in the crawlspace opposite the crack. Who is the best specialist to recommend:
Foundation contractor
If a plumbing vent extends too far above the roofline, there is a risk of:
Frost closure
Refer to Figure 5. What most likely caused the crack identified by item B:
Frost heaving or soil expansion
Refer to Figure 5. What most likely caused the crack identified by item D:
Frost heaving or soil expansion
When installing a basement stairwell, an important consideration often overlooked is:
Frost penetration to the soil below the footing
In the inspection report, the home's water pressure is referred to as:
Functional flow
A home inspector inspects a rural property and observes a natural gas gravity furnace working properly that is more than 30 years old. What is the best way to report this situation?
Functioning Properly
An inspector should not disconnect any element in the electrical system except: _____.
GFCIs
Refer to Figure 3. Identify the type of roof for item A:
Gable
Older homes typically have warmer air venting out through ________ on each end of the building.
Gable vents
Rusty looking water from the fixtures and toilets when you first open the valve is an indication of:
Galvanized pipes rusting from the inside out
Refer to Figure 3. Identify the type of roof for item D:
Gambrel
Suspected gas leaks are confirmed using:
Gas leak detection soap.
The home inspector is required to report the location of the:
Gas service valve
As they rust, steel lintels over doors and windows in masonry walls will:
Generate horizontal cracks in the mortar joints at the top corners of the windows.
If a client insists on a recommendation for repairs, a home inspector should:
Give the client several repair companies from which to choose
Rigid Board Insulation is manufactured from:
Glass fiber or foam plastic
Refer to Figure 10. What does component E represent?
Grounding conductor wire
Every kitchen counter at least 12 inches wide should have a:
Grounding receptacle
Refer to Figure 9. What does component B represent?
Grounding terminal
Refer to Figure 1. Identify component C of the roof truss structure:
Gusset plate
The five swimming pool/spa suction entrapment hazards are mechanical, limb, body suction, evisceration/disembowelment, and _____ entrapment.
Hair
A solid masonry wall can visually be identified by:
Header courses
Bricks laid with the short end at the face of the wall are called:
Headers
Refer to Figure 6. Identify the fireplace component for item F:
Hearth
Instead of using a compressor to drive the system, a gas chiller uses:
Heat
A high-efficiency natural gas furnace requires an additional ______________.
Heat exchanger
Which of the following is the most critical component of a forced-air furnace?
Heat exchanger
__________ causes the most damage to asphalt shingle roofs.
Heat from sunlight
What type of fireplace has two top registers and two bottom registers that circulate air?
Heatilator
Refer to Figure 5. What most likely caused the crack identified by item A:
Heaving and settlement
All of the following are functions of grounding EXCEPT:
Helps achieve proper bonding
Refer to Figure 7. Identify the type of furnace:
High Efficiency
The COPALUM connector system attaches a copper wire to an aluminum wire using:
High-compression
Refer to Figure 3. Identify the type of roof for item C:
Hip
The main water supply line belongs to the:
Homeowner
The most serious kind of cracks are:
Horizontal and step cracks
If a gas furnace is replaced by an electric furnace, which of the following is most likely to occur?
Humidity levels in the house will increase
A home inspection report:
Identifies deficient components
A bathroom window requires safety glass:
If the window is less than 60 inches above a tub
Refer to Figure 18, an oil-fired furnace. Identify component B:
Ignition transformer
Chimney separation from the house is most often the result of:
Improper footing
An example of where a combination vent could be used is:
In a floor drain
A grounding bus should be found:
In all subpanels
National standards require a heat source:
In each habitable room.
Increasing the insulation level of a masonry wall is:
In most cases, not cost-effective
Ground fault circuit interrupters are required:
In whirlpool baths
A written home inspection report should:
Include items required by the scope of the inspection
The most effective solution to ice damming is:
Increased attic insulation and ventilation
Evaporator inlet and outlet temperatures taken after a system is stabilized:
Indicate how well the system is performing
A type of plumbing vent that can be used when there is no access to traditional vents is a/an:
Indoor vent
Return registers can be located in all of the following EXCEPT:
Inside garages
The attic has an 22 by 30 inch opening without a staircase. The minimum method of inspecting this component is to:
Inspect the attic from the access opening
National standards require an inspector to do all of the following EXCEPT:
Inspect the interior of the chimney flue.
Since a checklist report uses abbreviations, it should always contain:
Instructions on how to read the report
Dryer vent pipes that pass through unheated attic spaces should be:
Insulated to stop condensation
Condensate from the condensate tray can be discharged:
Into a drain line, or the ground outside
The potentially damaging slam, bang, or shudder that occurs when a water valve is shut:
Is called a water hammer
The plumbing system is considered shut down by national standards if the main water supply valve:
Is closed
Smoke detector testing:
Is not required by national standards
An appliance inspection:
Is not required in by national standards
A retaining wall:
Is used to prevent soil movement.
You should allow 5 minutes from system shutdown to restart because:
It allows the system pressures to equalize
Refer to Figure 10. Which statement is correct about component A:
It is 240v
One disadvantage of insulating the interior of a basement wall with polyurethane rigid plastic insulation is:
It must be covered by a non-combustible material.
One drawback with using spray-foam insulation is that:
It requires covering with a fire-resistant material
If a GFCI control is attached to an ungrounded outlet:
It will not function
Refer to Figure 17, a gas-fired hot water furnace. Identify the expansion tank:
Item B
Refer to Figure 10. Which statement is correct:
Item B is a main panel; item A is a subpanel
Refer to Figure 7. Identify the primary heat exchanger:
Item D
Refer to Figure 17, a gas-fired hot water furnace. Identify the Circulator pump:
Item H
The most important characteristic of any roof style or design is:
Its ability to shed water
Optimally, the connection between the deck and the house should be:
Kept dry by adding flashing.
At areas where roof angles meet the EIFS there should be:
Kick out flashing.
Which type of wiring should not be buried beneath any type of insulation?
Knob-and-Tube
The plumbing inspections does not include the:
Lawn sprinkler systems
What type of supply piping has been known to cause health problems and should be identified in accordance with national standards?
Lead
The slope of a roof valley is:
Less than the slope on either side
What ensures that two fuses or circuit breakers are disconnected at the same time?
Linking
Refer to Figure 6. Identify the fireplace component for item K:
Lintel
Vermiculite comes in the form of:
Loose fill
Which type of insulation would NOT be appropriate for below-grade applications?
Loose-Fill
Which type of insulation would be best for filling irregular or inaccessible spaces and for topping up existing insulation in attic?
Loose-Fill
Refer to Figure 3. Identify the type of roof for item B:
Mansard
Refer to Figure 6. Identify the fireplace component for item B:
Mantel
These windows are notorious for premature wood rot due to the wood preservative used.
Marvin
Near or below the balance point, heat pumps operating in heating mode:
May not be able to generate enough heat to warm the house
The preferred material for valley flashing is:
Metal
Of the options below, the best type of insulation to use around masonry chimneys would be:
Mineral Wool
The main purpose of ventilation in attics and areas immediately below the roof structure is to:
Minimizing condensation on roof sheathing
Deterioration of brick chimneys is usually the result of:
Moisture penetration
When an inspector observes old chimney flashing near the end of its service life, the report should advise the client to:
Monitor the condition
Refer to Figure 24. Identify the type of foundation:
Monolithic Slab
A bathroom light switch reachable from a tub or shower should be:
Moved
A major drawback of evaporative coolers is that they:
Must be ducted into the house
Asbestos concrete shingles covering the exterior of a house:
Must be treated as hazardous material if removed.
The technical abbreviation for Romex wire is:
NM
The most common problem associated with slate roofs is:
Nails rusting through that hold slates
Refer to Figure 8. What does component C represent?
Neutral bus
Double trapping of fixtures is:
Never permitted
Refer to Figure 12. Would window component A require safety glass?
No, it is more than 18-inches above the ground
Refer to Figure 12. Would window component D require safety glass?
No, its area is less than 9 sq. ft. and the top is less than 36-inches above the ground
Most brick observed on the exterior of typical modern homes is:
Non-structural
What is the most accurate deficiency description for a toilet that keeps running after being flushed:
Not Functioning Properly
Staples or approved hangers must be used:
Not more than 4 1/2 feet apart
National standards require the inspector to walk on the roof under which circumstances:
Not required
If the dual circuit breaker for the air conditioning system is OFF when you check the electrical service panel you should:
Not reset the breaker and report the condition
The most important condenser consideration is:
Nothing should prevent air entering the cabinet or leaving the fan
A home inspector observes that the neutral service entry cable attached in the main panel is one wire size smaller than the #4 copper hot wires. What should the inspector report?
Nothing. The service neutral can be one wire size smaller
Hardwood flooring should be:
Offset 45 degrees to 90 degrees from diagonally laid sub floor
Refer to Figure 18, an oil-fired furnace. Identify component H:
Oil pump
Refer to Figure 18, an oil-fired furnace. Identify component E:
Oil supply line*
Ethically, an inspector can perform repairs on property he has inspected provided that:
One year has passed since the inspection
Brick can be corbelled a max of 1-inch beyond the row of bricks below. However, the total corbelling must not exceed:
One-third the wall thickness
For unheated crawl spaces, the vents should be:
Open year round
Plumbing code regulations allow the following trap(s):
P-traps
Cellulose fiber insulation is made from:
Paper
When inspecting an unfinished basement, the home inspector can see a white residue on the concrete blocks that make up the foundation walls. What is the most likely cause of this condition:
Past water penetration
A ground source heat pump collects or dissipates heat through:
Piping buried in the ground
Proper fastening of wooden planks is important because:
Planking must expand and contract without splitting.
Refer to Figure 16. What method of framing is used for item B?
Platform
Which type of supply piping is known to have problems with leaks due to flaking and break down of its interior walls?
Polybutylene
Black staining on the roof decking in the attic is an indication of:
Poor ventilation
Squeaky sub floors in homes are usually the result of:
Poorly secured sub flooring
The inspection report should use phrases and terminology that are:
Precise enough to explain the conditions
Refer to Figure 17, a gas-fired hot water furnace. Identify component F:
Pressure relief valve
The purpose of drainage traps is to:
Prevent sewer gas from entering the house
The function of a drip loop is to:
Prevent water from entering the masthead
The purpose of a chimney cap is to:
Prevent water from penetrating the top of the chimney
Refer to Figure 18, an oil-fired furnace. Identify component C:
Primary controller
The primary purpose of siding on the exterior is to:
Protect the framework from the wind and weather.
The primary function of the drainage waste vent system is to:
Protect the trap seal from siphonage
The purpose of roof purlins is to:
Provide support for the roof structure
Refer to Figure 2. Identify component C of the roof rafter structure:
Purlin
Refer to Figure 2. Identify component F of the roof rafter structure:
Purlin strut
The typical R-value of a double glazed window is _____.
R-2
The R-value per inch of vermiculite is:
R-2.3
Plumbing pipes and heating pipes, which pass through unheated areas, should be insulated to a minimum of:
R-4
A method to insulate areas with limited space can be achieved using a/an:
Radiant heat barrier
Refer to Figure 2. Identify component E of the roof rafter structure:
Rafter tie/Ceiling Frame
Refer to the photo below. Which choice has item A, B, C, D in that corresponding order?
Rafter, Purlin, Strut, Deck
The home inspector notices a gas odor coming from a capped off natural gas line behind an electric clothes dryer. What is the home inspector's most appropriate action:
Report it to the gas company and describe in report
A client attends the home inspection. The water is shut-off so the home inspector calls the realtor. The realtor cannot come out to the property but says the home inspector has permission to turn the water on. The best way to deal with this situation is to:
Report that the plumbing was not tested because the water service was shut-off
Collar ties are installed in roof framing to:
Resist uplift and prevent sagging
If a final inspection report is given to the client immediately following an inspection, the inspector must:
Retain a duplicate of the report for his records
Refer to Figure 2. Identify component A of the roof rafter structure:
Ridge board
The type of insulation with the highest R-value per inch of thickness is _________ insulation.
Rigid Board
The amount of slope of a roof is determined by the:
Rise and run
__________is the number one cause of roof failure.
Roof flashing failure
One of the benefits of a water boiler versus a steam boiler is that the water boiler:
Runs quieter and can release heat within walls and floors
Refer to Figure 19. What should the inspect report?
Safety hazard
Refer to Figure 14. How should an inspector report on this main service panel?
Safety hazard, consult a professional
A home inspector notices #4 copper conductors attached to the hot side of a 200-amp main breaker. What should be reported.
Safety hazard. The service entry wires are undersized for the breaker
An inspector should operate a pressure relief safety valve under the following conditions:
Safety valves should not be tested
Which type of cathedral ceiling has the most space between the ceiling and the roof sheathing?
Scissor truss ceilings
Refer to Figure 5. Identify the type of crack for item C:
Sheer Crack
Knob-and-tube wiring running through an attic:
Should never be covered by cellulose insulation
Motorized garage doors:
Should stop and reverse when they hit an obstacle.
The plumbing fixture notorious for leakage through small openings in the grout, caulking or weather stripped areas is the:
Shower enclosure
Refer to Figure 5. What caused the crack identified by item E:
Shrinkage
What is the most accurate deficiency description for an improperly double-tapped circuit breaker in the main electrical panel:
Significantly Deficient
The strength of mortar in brick walls should compare to the brick in what way?
Similar to but not greater than.
The maximum number of breakers that can exist in the service panel without a main disconnect is:
Six
Refer to Figure 6. Identify the fireplace component for item D:
Smoke Shelf
The best type of attic ventilation occurs when cooler air can enter the attic through ________ vents and vent out through vents mounted on or near the top of the roof.
Soffit
Rafter spread can be visually identified by:
Soffits pulling away from the house wall
Horizontal cracks and step crack combinations are signs of:
Soil movement
Chimneys on buildings with wood shingle roofs are required to have:
Spark arresters
The purpose of a spark arrester on a chimney is to prevent:
Sparks from escaping the chimney
Refer to Figure 1. Identify component D of the roof truss structure:
Splice
Refer to Figure 23. Identify the type of foundation:
Stem Wall Slab
Refer to Figure 23. What is Component E:
Stem wall
_________ is installed beneath the shingles and surrounds the base of the chimney.
Step flashing
Which of the following is not a type of roof flashing:
Stipple edge
The most common cause of basement leakage is:
Storm water from surface drainage
On a hot day, the refrigerant lines of an operating system should feel:
Suction line cold, liquid line hot
Refer to Figure 5. What caused the crack identified by item C:
Sudden rotation
If an inspector observes a 60-amp service, he should:
Suggest an electrical upgrade
Which of the following piping systems are normally pressurized?
Supply piping
Foundation walls should:
Support the structure and connect to the footing.
Refer to Figure 27. Identify the type of foundation for Item C:
Supported Slab
Doors should not:
Swing out over stairs.
Refer to Figure 19. Identify component A:
TPR valve
What is is the most likely indicator that an asphalt roof is near the end of its service life.
Tabs break when bent
If the condenser and evaporator coils have different capacity ratings, the total capacity is determined by:
Taking the outdoor coil rating and going 1,000 BTU in the direction of the indoor coil rating
Built-up roofs are commonly known as:
Tar and gravel roofs
Use of the manual fan control causes:
The airflow to continue when the burner cycles.
An outlet has reversed polarity when:
The black and white wires are reversed on the outlet
A structural, or load bearing, brick wall is a wall in which:
The brick supports the weight of the structure.
The inspector should only disclose the results of the inspection to:
The client
A stairway tread is:
The component upon which people step
The home inspector inspects a home with a crawlspace but cannot enter the crawlspace because there is less than 24 inches of vertical clearance. The home inspector shines his flashlight inside and sees some details of the crawlspace. The best way to report on this situation is to state that:
The crawlspace was not inspected because there is less than 24 inches of vertical clearance
The component of a central air conditioner that produces condensate is the:
The evaporator coil
If the bypass duct on a standard drum-type humidifier is not closed during cooling season:
The evaporator coil may ice up
Refer to Figure 4. How should flue B be reported on:
The flue has proper clearance
Refer to Figure 20. How would an inspector best report on flue location in example A:
The flue is too close to the roof deck
A stairway feature which most often has defects is:
The handrail
What is the least likely indication that a gas water heater is near the end of its service life.
The hot water has a rotten egg smell
The voltage capacity of a residence can be determined by:
The number of conductors entering the building
When examining the interior of an empty swimming pool, the inspector notices gaps or cracks in the coping and an uneven water level around the pool. What has happened?
The pool may have floated out of the ground, then re-settled
In balloon framing, the wall studs are continued from the sill plate to:
The rafters
The home inspector cannot inspect a 3-year-old asphalt shingle roof because it is covered in snow, but a thorough attic inspection shows no signs of any leaks or problems. What is the best way to report this situation?
The roof was not inspected because it was covered in snow
In a water-cooled air conditioning system, the condenser coil is cooled by using water from:
The supply plumbing system
The inspector notes that tree branches cover part of the electrical service drip loop. What course of action should the home inspector recommend for this deficiency:
The tree must be trimmed or removed by a professional
If an inspector observes grids or vents above or below a wood-burning fireplace:
The vents are part of an air circulation system called a Heatilator
On which side of the insulation should the vapor barrier be installed?
The warm side
A damaged or nicked wire is a safety hazard because:
The wire's effective resistance has increased
An I-joist requires squash blocks where:
There are point loads from above
Refer to Figure 9. What would you report?
There is a double-tapped breaker
Refer to Figure 13. How would an inspector report on plumbing vent B:
There is no defect
Refer to Figure 20. How would an inspector best report on the flue in example B:
There is no defect
Gas burners have a safety device called a _______ that closes the gas to the system if the pilot goes out.
Thermocouple
Central air conditioners and heat pumps are called split systems because:
They have an outdoor and indoor coil
A mast must be used with a service drop if the weatherhead does not clear the roof by _____ feet.
Three
Refer to Figure 15. What type of electrical service does component B represent?
Three-phase
A three-pole main disconnect indicates:
Three-phase power
A direct-vent gas fireplace vents the products of combustion:
Through a dedicated vent
Plywood sheathing is commonly used:
To brace the framework and provide shear.
Refer to Figure 1. Identify component B of the roof truss structure:
Top chord
The function of a footing is to:
Transmit the weight of the house to the soil.
A direct-vent gas fireplace needs a gas shut-off in the same room as the fireplace unit. True or False?
True
A third party can sign a home inspection contract for if that party has been legally authorized by the client. (True or False)
True
Advertising is any exposure that brings a product or service to the attention of potential or current customers, so long as the exposure is purchased. (True or False)
True
All products of combustion with fuel burning equipment must be vented:
True
All wiring junctions in attics should be inside enclosures with covers.
True
Aluminum wires must have a larger diameter to have the same rating as copper wires.
True
An inspection cannot determine the function and adequacy of in-ground drains. (True/False)
True
As a general rule, you can target a product or service at any group that can generate sales. (True or False)
True
Because they take longer to produce, most narrative inspection reports are presented to the client the following day. (True or False)
True
Chimney and exhaust flues are required to have extended clearance from obstructions because wind bouncing off nearby obstructions could interfere with the flue operation and cause back drafting. (True or False)
True
Circuit breakers and fuses perform equally well in providing overcurrent protection.
True
Ethically, a home inspector should not accept any kind of compensation for an inspection other than the normal inspection fee.
True
Every habitable room should have at least one supply register.
True
Exterior glass doors should be safety glass:
True
For properties with pools, all exterior 125V receptacles on the entire property must be GFCI protected, regardless of the distance away from the pool. (True or False)
True
Homes that use forced air heating need a minimum of one return register per floor.
True
Interior doors that stick at the jambs could indicate settlement:
True
It is rare to find a modern home made of structural brick.
True
It is unethical for a home inspector to perform an ancillary inspection without a separate agreement or contract with the client
True
Performing a lawn irrigation system inspection during a home inspection requires a separate agreement with the client. (True or False)
True
Recessed ceiling lights should not be buried in insulation unless indicated on the installer's tag.
True
Recommending a friend or contractor to do repair work for a client is a conflict of interest.
True
Some cathedral and vaulted-ceiling roofs were never designed with ventilation.
True
T or F. All piping on the property leading from the street connection including water, sanitary sewer and gas lines are the property owner's responsibility to have fixed or to upgrade.
True
The release mechanism for a self-latching pool gate should be at least 3 inches below the top of the gate on the side facing the pool. (True or False)
True
The report should identify the reason(s) the inspector judged a component or system to have a deficiency. (True or False)
True
The report should recommend a course of action for any systems or componets marked deficient. (True or False)
True
The standards do not require a home inspector to open or test the main water shut-off valve.
True
With the exception of wood, all types of retaining walls should have weep holes.
True
National standards require the inspector to operate at least ______ plumbing fixtures simultaneously from the highest level of the home to test for functional flow.
Two
A typical cause of pipe corrosion is:
Two dissimilar metals in contact
When observing a drip edge, the part that rests on the roof surface should be installed:
Under the roof felt
When observing insulation in an unheated attic space, the vapor barrier should be:
Underneath the insulation
What is the most accurate deficiency description for a stairway handrail that cannot be grasped:
Unsafe
An immediate concern of a leaning or bowing solid masonry wall is:
Unsafe end bearing for joists.
What is not a course of action a home inspector should use when reporting on a deficient component?
Use with caution
A header is:
Used to transfer span loads over or around openings
Professional ethics prohibit home inspectors from:
Using an inspection to solicit repair work
Refer to Figure 13. How would an inspector report on plumbing vent A:
Vent is too close, within 3-feet of a window
If you find an add-on cooling system, you should:
Verify that both heating and cooling systems cannot be on at the same time
What is the minimum a home inspector must do to inspect a roof:
View it from the ground
Refer to Figure 25. Identify component I:
Visquine barrier
An inspector should not advertise:
Warranties or guarantees for the inspection
Ice dams on roof edges are potentially serious because:
Water can back-up under the roof shingles
A water stain on a ceiling below a flat roof does not necessarily indicate a leak immediately above because:
Water can travel between roof plies before emerging on the interior
The home inspector is not required to report the location of which component:
Water meter
Where a steeply pitched roof meets a lower pitched roof, the valley created may be especially vulnerable to:
Water penetration under the shingles on the lower pitched side
Refer to Figure 1. Identify component A of the roof truss structure:
Web
A web stiffener is lumber or panel blocking nailed to the:
Web of an I-joist
Regularly-spaced mortar gaps in the first course of bricks on a brick veneer wall are:
Weep holes.
The ________ serves to limit the amount of water that can flow near the surface, causing a special basket to fill up with debris as the water passes over it.
Weir
The electrical service size into a home can be determined by:
Whatever is the least of A, B, or C A. The size and material of the service conductors B. The rating of the service equipment C. The rating of the main disconnects
When a component is marked deficient, the report should indicate:
Whether it is significantly deficient, not functioning properly, unsafe or at the end of its service life
A window that is near a door may require safety glass if the window is:
Within 24 inches of the door
A clothes dryer vent should NOT discharge:
Within a crawl space or attic
Stucco cracks and bulges often appear near floor levels because:
Wood framing shrinks most in these areas.
Refer to Figure 12. Would window component B require safety glass?
Yes, it is part of a door and greater than 3-inches wide
Refer to Figure 12. Would window component C require safety glass?
Yes, it is within 24-inches of the door
The way that a product or service fulfills a customer's need is called:
a benefit
An example of an optional accessory that is found in more complex pools is
a chlorinator
If a pool interior is made of vinyl, it will have
a metal shell
Which is not required to create a contract:
a negotiation
The standard of care that is used in negligence cases is that of:
a reasonably prudent person
General liability insurance is used to protect against:
accidental damage
The purpose of zoning a lawn irrigation system is to
all of these choices
If the home serves as one side of the barrier, all doors leading to a swimming pool area should have
an alarm
A process where an unbiased, neutral, third-party decides the best course of action based on the evidence presented:
arbitration
An anti-siphon valve or similar device in a lawn irrigation system is positioned where
at the highest point in the lateral being served
A pool gate should always open in which direction.
away from the pool
The pool deck should gently slope ______________ in all directions.
away from the pool
What device is required on lawn sprinkler systems to prevent contamination of the potable water supply?
backflow preventer
A failure to perform any part of a contract, written or oral, without a legitimate legal excuse:
breach of contract
If a basement has a 1/2-inch wide crack in a wall and the inspection report described no damage, what would the home most likely be legally responsible for:
breach of contract
The most likely cause of a law suit against a home inspector for damages:
breach of contract
Refer to Figure 21. Identify the sprinkler component for item D:
check valve
Abnormally high pressure at the inlet side of a pool filter is a possible indication of a
clogged filter
The most common construction material for pool decks
concrete
For a solid pool barrier, the most important consideration would be
deep indentations or protrusions
If a checklist report has listed a serious problem, it should be _________ on the report form.
described
Rank the three kinds of pool filters form best to worst at removing impurities from pool water
diatomaceous, cartridge, sand
When present, a pool heater should always be located _________ of the pool filtration system.
downstream
What happens if a lawn sprinkler system is running and the timer/controller power supply suddenly fails?
electric valves close automatically on loss of power
A check valve should be present between a pool heater and a
filter system
A safety device built into a swimming pool heater that shuts off the heater early to help cool off the system before the circulation pump stops is called a
fireman switch
What is most likely to make a home inspection contract legal and enforceable:
follows state laws
When an inspector advertises to Realtors it is best to do what:
have something new to talk about
An S-Corporation can last for how long:
in perpetuity
What is the most likely problem with a contract that was signed after a home inspection:
it becomes an adhesion contract
When a home inspector advertises his/her E&O policy:
it creates a target to sue
What is the most likely reason for a home inspector to purchase Errors and Omissions insurance:
it insures against negligent acts by the inspector
What advantage does a Limited Liability Company have over an S-Corporation:
less paperwork
If the air conditioner circuit breaker was previously deactivated during the off-season and is re-energized and immediately turned on, what could happen?
liquid refrigerant could mix with compressor oil
A type of water heater designed to fit in areas with low ceiling height:
low-boy
What is the main concern when a lawn sprinkler system has too much water pressure?
misting and evaporation
What is not required for mediation:
neutral third-party makes final decision
Perimeter foundation drainage tile should be located where:
next to the foundation wall below the basement floor level
For a natural gas range over 25 years old, what deficient condition would most likely be reported as unsafe?
no anti-tip bracket
When inspecting a lawn spinkler system water is puddling at lower elevations after the system is turned off. What is happening?
no check valve at higher elevation
The home inspector walks on a cantilevered deck and there is a significant bounce when it is stepped on. The inspector cannot view the underside deck joists because they are covered. What is the most accurate deficiency description:
not functioning properly
The two types of Errors and Omissions policies are Claims Made and:
occurrence
What best describes the function of a surety bond:
pays a judgment if the bond holder doesn't pay
What is the minimum clearance required for a microwave oven installed above a cooktop range?
per manufacturer
In order to meet the threshold for negligence a plaintiff, the most difficult element to prove is:
proximate cause
A device which prevents the controller from activating the valves when a preset amount of rainfall is detected
rain sensor
If an inspector notices rust stains on the bottom of a plaster swimming pool, this could be an indication of
rebar too close to the surface
Which kitchen appliance would not be part of the inspection and why:
refrigerator, considered personal property
The most important thing to remember when dealing with customer complaints is to:
respond promptly and with respect
Refer to Figure 21. Identify the sprinkler component for item B:
riser
A ________ filter system will have a series of valves that will allow the pool water to run backwards to backwash the filter and is recognizable by its large bulbous shape.
sand
Refer to Figure 22. Identify the pool component for item B:
skimmer
The drain along the top of a pool or spa that draws in water near the surface is called the
skimmer
What part of an electric valve on a lawn sprinkler system usually fails first?
solenoid
The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act is primarily concerned with
suction entrapment
The entrance to an above ground pool at least 48 inches high can be secured by having a removable ladder or steps, or by
surrounding a ladder or steps with a barrier
A type of Errors and Omissions insurance that extends the coverage period of a Claims Made policy that has been terminated:
tail coverage
The true capacity of a water heater is determined by
tank and recovery time
If an electric water quickly goes from delivering very hot water to lukewarm water it usually means that
the bottom element has burned out
General liability insurance may deny a claim if:
the claim is part of the home inspection process
While inspecting a pool or spa for safety you notice that a drain cover appears to be missing. How should it be reported?
the cover must be professionally replaced before the pool is used again
Which would most likely be inspected if household appliances are included in the inspection:
trash compactor
During an inspection of a food waste disposer, an activation switch is not on the wall nearby. What should the inspector do next:
twist the drain plug back and forth
The mechanism that makes an atmospheric anti-siphon valve function is a
vacuum pressure breaker
How a home inspector's product or service ranks in the market in terms of quality and cost is:
value position
Refer to Figure 22. Identify the pool component for item D:
weir
