Professional Home Inspector Exam NHIE / TREC #2

Size of a bored hole in a non-bearing wall stud or a doubled-bearing wall?

60% of stud's width

Roof minimum slope -

2:12 for asphalt 3:12 for wood 2 ½:12 for tile

On the interior door leading to the attached garage, the door: a. Must swing into the garage b. Must have self-closing hinges c. Must have metal on the garage side d. Must be 1 3/8" thick wood, metal, or fire-rated

D

The following is beyond the basic home inspection: a. Check the heat flow at all registers b. Check all ground faulted receptacles c. Check function of all plumbing fixtures d. Operate incoming water main valve

D

Insulated line on A/C runs from A-coil inside to the condensing unit outside

True

OSB is most commonly used as: a. Roof sheathing b. Inside wall sheathing c. Underlayment for tile floors in bath area d. Underlayment for linoleum floors

a. Roof sheathing

How far apart (maximum) can sill bolts be: a. 6" b. 3' c. 6' d. 3"

c. 6 feet

What size should TPR valve extension piping be? a. 1/2" b. 3/4" c. Doesn't matter d. Same size as the valve it's connected to

d. Same size as the valve it's connected to

Efflorescence on exterior of brick is caused by:

Moisture trapped behind the brick

Offset flues allow heat and gases to escape, which is a ___

safety hazard.

Closet lights - enclosed incandescent require __ clearance. Surface fluorescent or recessed incandescent - 6" clearance. No open incandescent bulb-type fixtures

12 inch

How far does a wall furnace have to be from an open door?

12 inches

Proper way to strap a water heater for an earthquake?

2 straps - upper and lower third - lower is above the gas valve

Size of a notch that is allowed in a bearing wall stud?

25% of stud's width

Size of a notch that is allowed in a non-bearing wall stud?

40% of stud's width

What is the required opening for an egress window?

5.7 sq ft opening and need to be a minimum of 20" wide and 24" tall

The real estate agent request a copy of your inspection report: a. You would give a copy as a professional courtesy b. You would get permission from the buyer c. You would never give a copy to a Realtor.

B

What protects a water heater in a garage against vehicle impact?

Bollard (concrete filled pipe)

The clearance from a wall furnace to the nearest wall is: a. 6" b. 8" c. 12" d. 16"

a. 6"

In an older home, a forced hot air furnace is replaced by a heat pump. The heat coming out of the register is: a. Hotter b. Cooler c. Same d. Depends on the air duct layout

Cooler

In a main panel, how many neutral wires are allowed to be run into one slot of the ground bar?

Depends on panel, usually just one. Read the mfg. label.

What happens if the A/C unit has a dirty evaporator coil with many bent fins?

Expect a higher differential/split temperature.

What is Swale?

Grading that directs water around a home.

What is Sump?

Hole, pit, or crock in the ground that collects water

What to do with a $20 tip from a broker after the inspection is completed?

It is unethical - give it back.

Tonnage can be determined by dividing FLA by 6-7?

Not any more with the new high efficiency a/c units. The math doesn't work anymore. Try it on a 13 or 14 SEER unit.

Lower part of downspout must be located

On the outside of upper downspout

A/C or heat pump -Gas turns to a liquid after it comes out of the condensing coil, which may be either physical coil depending on whether you are heating or cooling the house

True

A/C or heat pump : Liquid turns to a gas when it comes out of the evaporator coil, which may be either physical coil depending on whether you are heating or cooling the house.

True

Maximum offset of a wall perpendicular to the joist from a bearing wall below? a. 1 joist depth b. 2 joist width c. 10" d. 12"

a. 1 joist depth

What is the typical clearance to combustibles for venting of a wall furnace? a. 1" b. 2" c. 4" d. 6"

a. 1"

What is the minimum curb height for a skylight? a. 4-inch b. 5-inch c. 6-inch d. No requirement

a. 4-inch

What is not a material typically used for gutters? a. Brass b. Plastic c. Aluminum d. Steel

a. Brass

Spacing of collar ties should be? a. Collar ties are spaced every 4' b. Collar ties are spaced every 6' c. Collar ties are spaced every 8' d. Collar ties are spaced every 10'

a. Collar ties are spaced every 4'

Which of the following is the least safe for the occupants: a. Dead bolts with a keyed interior arrangement b. A garage without a safety reverse c. A loose handrail d. No safety glass

a. Dead bolts with a keyed interior arrangement

What is the reasoning for gapped roof sheathing? a. Expansion b. Shrinkage c. Drafts d. Energy efficiency

a. Expansion

Concrete block retaining wall with 3-inch deflection. What should you say? a. Have structural engineer examine b. Normal position c. Up to 4-inches is ok d. Replace wall with new one

a. Have structural engineer examine

Installing a screened chimney cap does all of the following, except: a. Interrupts proper draft b. Keeps out birds and animals c. Keeps out dirt and debris d. Keeps rain from entering chimney

a. Interrupts proper draft

Where is A/C tonnage encoded? a. Model # b. Serial # c. RLA d. LRA

a. Model #

A wire is run 10', from a lug before the main breaker to a junction box: a. Not protected if main panel turned off b. 10' rule applies c. Ok if no more space in panel d. Ok due to NEC exception rule

a. Not protected if main panel turned off

When inspecting kitchen cabinets: a. Observe that they are securely attached to the wall b. Remove everything from the cabinets and inspect the attachment method c. Report 'unable to determine method'

a. Observe that they are securely attached to the wall

A downspout terminated 6" before the foundation - what should you say? a. Recommend an extension b. Recommend a splash block c. Recommend a French drain d. Recommend a new gutter

a. Recommend an extension

You are inspecting a house where the second-story balcony is observed and every cantilevered joist is rotted halfway out from the wall. a. Tell all appropriate parties that there is a hazard, and no one should step out on it. b. Say nothing c. Tell the client of the problem and report as such. d. Contact the city building inspector and let them know of the problem.

a. Tell all appropriate parties that there is a hazard, and no one should step out on it.

A deck is 4 feet off the ground and you note that the ledger board has four 16d nails in each bay: a. Tell the buyer that proper bolts should be installed b. Should add more 16d nails c. Place another 2x10, nailed under the ledger board d. Don't buy the house

a. Tell the buyer that proper bolts should be installed

Where is the draft hood for a wall-mounted furnace located: a. The front of the furnace - top front b. Combustion side of the furnace c. Enclosed in the wall

a. The front of the furnace - top front

Frost on evaporator coil: a. Too little air flow b. Too much air flow c. Too much refrigerant d. Too little condensate

a. Too little air flow

A #14 wire is not safe to be run to a 30 amp breaker? a. True b. False

a. True

Condensate line is not allowed in plumbing vent? a. True b. False

a. True

Dirty air filter will cause high a/c temperature differential? a. True b. False

a. True

In new construction, a high-efficiency furnace in a closet must have outside combustion air. a. True b. False

a. True

Can A/C have larger breaker than corresponding wire? a. True b. False

a. True (The minimum circuit ampacity (MCA) amd MOCP or max fuse/ circuit breaker rating may be different to allow for startup.

If a second roof is applied, where is it most likely to leak? a. Valley b. Ridge c. Gable d. Field

a. Valley

Vertical load on top of this truss has the following effect on foundation walls: a. Vertical pressure only b. Vertical and horizontal pressure c. Horizontal pressure only

a. Vertical pressure only

What type of roof requires on interlayment of felt between courses? a. Wood shakes b. Roll roofing c. Wood shingles d. Slate shingles

a. Wood shakes

Receptacles downstream of a GFCI .

are protected

If you have a gas furnace and a gas water heater in the basement and a gas furnace in the attic, how many flues to you need for proper venting: a. 1 b. 2 c. 3 d. 4

b. 2

An air handler is in the attic. What is the minimum width of a walkway for access: a. 18" b. 24" c. 36" d. 48"

b. 24"

What is the acceptable distance between collar ties: a. 2' b. 4' c. 6' d. 8'

b. 4'

#10 wire on a 50 amp breaker for an A/C compressor: a. Ok - because compressor protects it b. Not allowed c. Ok - because it's 240v d. Good idea

b. Not allowed

A dishwasher drain may be attached to the sink drain: a. Below the trap b. Above the trap c. Doesn't matter as long as it passes above the high water level of the sink

b. Above the trap

What flashing is used where chimney and roof meet? a. Modified Bitumen and Copper b. Counter flashing and step flashing c. Tar and gravel d. Copper and Galvanized

b. Counter flashing and step flashing

A house has recently been re-sided with vinyl. The new vinyl has been installed over the electric feed conduit from below the mast to the meter. This is okay? a. True b. False

b. False

What is the biggest hazard for a firebox: a. Too much wood b. Gap between frame & brick c. Missing doors d. Open damper

b. Gap between frame & brick

A house is built on a sloping hill. The surface water should be drained a. Directly into the sump pump b. Into a 4-inch perforated plastic drain line and directed downhill to daylight c. Into a gravel filled container (inside the basement) d. Drained laterally.

b. Into a 4-inch perforated plastic drain line and directed downhill to daylight

How can you determine if a home is on sinking soil or on unsteady soil: a. The streets and sidewalks in an older community are broken up. b. Only a geotechnical evaulation can make that kind of determination. c. You should make that conclusion from a standard home inspection.

b. Only a geotechnical evaulation can make that kind of determination.

You are inspecting a flat roof with a rock ballast finish. You see an A/C platform sitting on two 4"x4" SPF boards: a. Say nothing. b. Tell buyer that the 4x4's should be replaced with pressure treated wood. c. Inform the client that this arrangement may damage the roof system.

b. Tell buyer that the 4x4's should be replaced with pressure treated wood.

Why would you install a pressure regulator: a. You are near a fire main. b. The pressure in the home is too high. c. You do not have enough water pressure in the house. d. You are controlling the amount of water coming into the home.

b. The pressure in the home is too high.

What is efflorescence? a. Concrete mixture with too much fluoride b. The remaining dissolved salts stuck to the concrete as a result of water penetration c. The material used inside of a fluorescent bulb to help conduct electricity

b. The remaining dissolved salts stuck to the concrete as a result of water penetration

You inspect a home with a wood stove 18" from the wall. You notice that the unit does not have a UL approved sticker. You should tell the client: a. The stove has to go b. The stove is too close to the wall c. Do not buy the house d. Everything is okay

b. The stove is too close to the wall

You are inspecting a wood retaining wall. You notice 6"x 6" squares every four feet along the wall: a. These are a decoration b. These are part of the tie back system c. These do not mean anything

b. These are part of the tie back system

Why is there a drip loop? a. To keep the wires close to the ground b. To keep water from running down the mast head c. To allow sediment to collect d. To add architectural effect

b. To keep water from running down the mast head

Where should TPR extension terminate? a. Plumbing vent pipe b. Within 6" of floor or ground c. Plumbed to drain line d. Attic

b. Within 6" of floor or ground

A 15 amp breaker or fuse blows at: a. 10 amps b. 14 amps c. 15 amps d. 20 amps

c. 15 amps

What is the proper spacing between foundation anchor bolts: a. 2' b. 4' c. 6' d. 8'

c. 6'

How often should an oil furnace be tuned up? a. Biannually b. Biennially c. Annually d. Semiannually

c. Annually

Wall furnace vent is what type? a. B b. L c. BW d. A

c. BW BW can be used anywhere a type B vent is used. BW is usually specifically used for wall furnaces.

At what point in an A/C cycle does the gas turn to a liquid: a. Coming out of evaporator coil b. Coming out of the compressor c. Coming out of the condensing coil d. After the expansion device

c. Coming out of the condensing coil

At what point in an A/C cycle does the liquid turn to gas: a. Passing through the expansion coil b. Coming out of the compressor c. Coming out of the evaporator coil d. Coming out of the condensing coil

c. Coming out of the evaporator coil

If the furnace blower stops running after the burners have shut off and then the blower turns back on without the burners on - what is the most likely situation: a. Bad thermocouple b. Bad gas valve c. Fan/Limit control switch does not operate properly d. Fan/motor does not work properly

c. Fan/Limit control switch does not operate properly

The following can be run under a concrete floor, except: a. Water line b. Drain line c. Gas pipe d. Electrical conduit

c. Gas pipe

What is a common reason for water overflowing a gutter: a. Roof too steep for the gutter system design. b. Downspout too small for the gutters. c. Gutter not large enough for the area of roof covered. d. None of the above

c. Gutter not large enough for the area of roof covered.

Flushing a toilet in a house that has been vacant for six months produces a gurgling in the tub drain. This is because: a. It is drawing water from the tub trap b. It is forcing water into the tub drain c. It is improperly vented (or unvented) d. The drain is plugged

c. It is improperly vented (or unvented)

All of the following may be used as gas lines inside, except: a. Black pipe b. Galvanized pipe c. Plastic pipe d. Flared copper pipe

c. Plastic pipe

Why would you put your mirror under a water heater draft hood? a. To look up the flue b. To check for CO c. To detect back drafting d. To look at the sky

c. To detect back drafting

When converting a gas-forced air furnace to heat pump, the ductwork is: a. Oversized and will not perform properly b. Oversized but will perform properly c. Undersized and may or may not perform adequately d. Properly sized

c. Undersized and may or may not perform adequately

A masonry building, circa 1910, has a horizontal metal star bolted to it on the outside at the top of first floor. These pieces are: a. To fill holes from a portion of structure that was removed b. Used to secure area around window openings c. Used to anchor the wall structure to the roof d. Installed for decorative purposes

c. Used to anchor the wall structure to the roof

A house rests on an 8" concrete block foundation 8' high. One wall is backfilled 6' high while the opposite wall is exposed with a downhill slope in front. The backfilled wall has a horizontal crack across its length. The cause may be anything except: a. Force of ground against wall b. Freezing c. Weight of house on foundation d. Rusting of reinforcement rod

c. Weight of house on foundation

The clearance from a wall furnace to the ceiling is: a. 8" b. 12" c. 16" d. Per manufacturer's instructions

d. Per manufacturer's instructions

When is NOT the time to have your inspection agreement signed: a. When you first meet the client at the home. b. In the Realtor's office, before the inspection c. Via fax d. After the home inspection has been completed

d. After the home inspection has been completed

OSB: a. Will deteriorate from rain if left exposed on the job site b. Can be used for flooring c. Is structurally sound d. All of the above

d. All of the above

A cedar shake roof will (wear out first) or (show light through the felt first) a. At the valley b. At the shake ends c. At the ridge d. Between shakes

d. Between shakes

A vent for a high efficiency furnace pitches: a. Downward toward outside b. Downward toward furnace c. Upwards away from furnace d. Both b and c above

d. Both b and c above

Romex is a: a. Pipe b. Conductor c. Tradename d. Both b and c above

d. Both b and c above

A flat roof with a two-foot surrounding parapet wall, what must be provided to allow drainage: a. Gutters b. Scuppers c. Roof drain with secondary overflow drain d. Either b or c above

d. Either b or c above

An HVAC installation requires the following: a. Insulating the supply duct b. Insulating the return duct c. Insulating supply and return ducts d. Insulating ducts outside building envelope only

d. Insulating ducts outside building envelope only

Common metal roof material includes all, except: a. Copper b. Aluminum c. V-seam d. Metallica

d. Metallica

The following roof type requires waterproof underlayment: a. Asphalt b. Metal c. Tile d. None of the above

d. None of the above

A home is built with a second floor and a trussed attic/roof above it. Which one of the following is not a consideration when determining joist depth: a. The eventual use of the attic b. The weight of the roof system c. The design of the roof system d. The depth of the insulation to be installed

d. The depth of the insulation to be installed

The following roof type has the greatest life expectancy: a. Asphalt b. Fiberglass c. BUR d. Tile

d. Tile

Barometric damper - allows for constant ___ in the chimney when the system is on.

draft