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Home Inspection State Exam /Final Exam -
Principles of Home Inspection v2.0/Building
Enclosures Practice Exam Comprehensive
Solutions for Every Question
If water infiltration is suspected behind a finished surface. What tool would be the best choice to verify dampness? - -correct ans- -A non-contact moisture meter Gas fired furnace heat exchangers most often fail from? - -correct ans- -Rust and metal fatigue Relative Humditiy (RH) is expressed as? - -correct ans- -Percentage Connections of dissimilar metal in plumbing system, such as galvanized steel pipe and copper pipe, will usually cause? - -correct ans- -Electrolysis Which has the least effect on the deflection of a dimension lumber floor system? - -correct ans- - Joist width The normal MAXIMUM rise of residential stair treads is? - -correct ans- -7 3/4 inches An ungrounded receptacle May be replaced by a ground fault circuit interrupter installed? - - correct ans- -Upstream from the receptacle Circuit breakers protect the wire from? - -correct ans- -An electrical overload
In a forced air heating system containing a split system air conditioner and a humidifier, humidity is reduced by? - -correct ans- -Condensation at the evaporator coil A home inspection MUST include the type of roof material and? - -correct ans- -The method of observation Water hammer can occur as a result of? - -correct ans- -A lack of air chambers If a system designed for use with natural gas is supplied with propane gas? - -correct ans- -The flame will be too high unless a smaller orifice is installed When looking at the exterior wall of a 60 year old brick masonry house with a gable roof, you notice a horizontal crack in the mortar and onward brick displacement along the gutter edge of the roof. The displacement is greater at the center of the top three courses of brick. This condition is most likely caused by? - -correct ans- -Improper ceiling joist installation You inspect a word framed cantilevered balcony of a second story bedroom. You find significant wood deterioration ( at least one half member depth) of all cantilever joists at the bearing point of the house. You should? - -correct ans- -Notify the occupants of the significant hazard, advise immediate repair to both the occupant and client in the report. When a cooling unit is located in an attic where damage may result from condensate overflow? - -correct ans- -An auxiliary condensate drain system is required Asphalt shingles are NOT allowed to be installed on roofs with slopes less than? - -correct ans- - 2in 12. If a poured concrete foundation has an usually large number of vertical cracks, each no wider than 1/32 inch, the cause is likely to be? - -correct ans- -Shrinkage of the concrete from excess water at the time of pouring.
When measuring the temperature drop across the evaporator in a central air conditioning system, they properly running unit on a humid summer day should read between - -correct ans- - 15 and 25 degrees F Knob and tube wiring may be acceptable if it's not? - -correct ans- -Covered by insulation The maximum acceptable variation in riser heights within a flight of stairs is? - -correct ans- -3/ inch While conducting an inspection, your ladder falls over and breaks the homeowners priceless Ming vase. What type of insurance is needed to cover the replacement? - -correct ans- -General liability What is the minimum allowable separation between a masonry chimney and combustible materials? - -correct ans- -2 inches Bonding of appliances can be confirmed by using an? - -correct ans- -Ohm meter. The service panel enclosure door is required to open at least? - -correct ans- -90 degrees One the purposes of a home inspection contract is to define the responsibilities limitations for? - -correct ans- -The client What is a required element of a contract? - -correct ans- -Consideration Home inspections agreeements (contracts) should? - -correct ans- -Establish the limitations of the inspection. Stringer, tread, and riser are all components of a? - -correct ans- -Stair system
The final decision to enter a crawl space is made? - -correct ans- -By the home inspector The purpose of a contract is to protect the? - -correct ans- -Home inspectors and client Conducting a complete and thorough home inspection minimizes the need for? - -correct ans- - Errors and omissions insurance What is the most common contributing factor to masonry retaining wall movement? - -correct ans- -Hydrostatic pressure Buckling in horizontal vinyl siding is generally caused by? - -correct ans- -Improper fastening At what level would water pressure within a single family dwelling begin to be considered excessive and require correction? - -correct ans- -80 psi A newer home with electric heat is being inspected. It has a below grade finished basement containing a bedroom. The inspector should look for a smoke alarm and? - -correct ans- -An escape and rescue opening. A swimming pool fence must prevent passage of a sphere that is larger than? - -correct ans- - inches A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is a safety device that disconnects? - -correct ans- -The power when sensing current leakage to the ground. An electrical system with a fuse on the neutral conductor and on energized (hot) conductors is? - -correct ans- -Hazardous and should be corrected.
Inspecting a very old country house, a gurgling sound is heard from the tub drain when the toilet is flushed. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for the sound? - -correct ans- - Water discharging from the toilet is pulling water from the tub trap. You are inspecting an older home which has replacement windows and new vinyl siding. The new siding is backed up with rigid foam insulation that covers the service entrance cable from the weather head to the meter. You should report that this is? - -correct ans- -An improper installation that should be corrected. Oriented strand board (OSB) is used MOST frequently in? - -correct ans- -Roof, floor, and exterior wall sheathing. Which of the following is NOT a component of wood stairs? - -correct ans- -Header When inspecting the structural system, the inspector is required to report? - -correct ans- -All structural deficiencies observed. A ground fault occurs when a hot conductor? - -correct ans- -Touches a grounded surface or grounding conductor. Electrical receptacles in bathrooms should be? - -correct ans- -GFCI protected. Medium efficiency furnaces have a draft inducer fan and are connected directly to the vent system instead of having a draft hood. There are white and yellowish deposits below the draft inducer fan. A possible explanation for these deposits is that? - -correct ans- -Moisture is condensing in the vent and running back into the draft inducer fan. The purpose of a trap in the waste drainage system is to? - -correct ans- -Block sewer gases.
A home inspection typically includes an examination of? - -correct ans- -Vents, flues, and chimneys. The reason a dielectric union would be used in plumbing distribution pipes is to? - -correct ans- - Separate two dissimilar metals to prevent corrosion. A basin makes a gurgling sound at the end of draining the fixture. This may be due to? - -correct ans- -Inadequate venting. Condensation between glass layers of thermal pane windows indicates the need to replace? - - correct ans- -Glazing, sash, or window. Dielectric unions prevent? - -correct ans- -Galvanic action The MINIMUM clearance between a wood stove single wall vent connector and combustible materials should be? - -correct ans- -18 inches Garage door openers electronic eye sensors are properly installed when facing each other? - - correct ans- -4 to 6 inches above garage floor. Capillary tubes are part of the what coil? - -correct ans- -Evaporator coil As a lintel over doors and windows in a masonry wall rusts it may cause cracks at the? - -correct ans- -Tops of openings. Which of the following is a common maintenance task for a residential refrigeration system? - - correct ans- -Clean the condenser coil.
A newly built ventilated crawl space with a vapor retarder is REQUIRED to have one square foot of net ventilation opening per? - -correct ans- -1,500 square feet of crawl space. A standard claims made errors and omissions insurance policy includes claims filed? - -correct ans- -During the time the policy is in effect. A poured concrete retaining all with weep holes is rotating. What is the most likely reason for the rotation? - -correct ans- -There is no gravel behind the wall. A poured concrete basement wall has a 1/4 inch wide crack where the wall is blowing slightly. Brown stains are below the crack. What is the most likely reason for this condition? - -correct ans- -The gutters are blocked. A concrete block basement wall has significant efflorescence, what is the most likely reason for this condition? - -correct ans- -The soil has settled at the foundation A concrete driveway is 1/2 inch higher than the adjecent concrete walkway. What is the most likely reason for this condition? - -correct ans- -The soil under the walkway was not compacted. Which is th most acceptable fastener for connecting a deck ledger to a band board? - -correct ans- -1/2 inch diameter hot-dipped galvanized steel machine bolt. A movement joist should be installed in brick veneer? - -correct ans- -At support by different structural components. Adhered masonry veneer is installed in the same manner as? - -correct ans- -Stucco
Which roof covering is most appropriate for a roof with a slope of 1/2:12 above a family house? Assume standard installation of any required underlayment? - -correct ans- -Modified bitumen What is the most appropriate fastener material for a sale shingle roof covering? - -correct ans- - Copper nails A scupper would most likely be located in? - -correct ans- -Parapet wall A sidewall extends past a roof. Hardboard siding is water damaged a few illes beyond where the roof and sidewall meet. The roof covering is asphalt strip shingles. What is the most likely cause of this condition? - -correct ans- -Kick out flashing was not installed. A 1/2 inch wide gap exists between the drywall wall and ceiling. The seller reports that this gap opens in the winter and closes in the summer. What is the most likely cause of this condition? - - correct ans- -A truss uplift A color tie would most likely be found in? - -correct ans- -Upper part of the attic. A concrete basement wall has a crack that varies in width between 3/8 inch at the floor to 1/8 in 2 ft down from the wall top. What is the most likely cause of this condition? - -correct ans- -The soil is unstable under the footing. A notch in a 12 foot long 2x10 floor joist is located 5 ft. From the joist end. What is the MAXIMIUM allowed notch depth? - -correct ans- -0 inches Racking is most likely to occur from failure to install? - -correct ans- -Wall bracing You see a ceramic tile floor numerous cracks running through the grout and the tiles. The floor system is constructed 2x10 floor joists. Which is the most likely cause of this condition? - -correct ans- -The floor joist span is too long.
The effect of high humditiy on air comditioning system will be? - -correct ans- -A decrease in the sensible load. What is most likely to cause the greatest reduction of air flow in a flexible air duct? - -correct ans- -A 90 degree bend in the duct. What is the most likely result of insufficient air flow across the evaporator coil? - -correct ans- - Ice forms on the evaporator coil. Which is the best example of the heat flow by conduction? - -correct ans- -Heat flowing from the inside to the outside of a radiator. When should combustion air NOT be drawn from inside a building? - -correct ans- -The building is built using tight construction methods. The flame from a properly adjusted oil burner should be what color? - -correct ans- -White What component is involved in controlling when a hot water boiler activates? - -correct ans- -An aquastat. Where would an equalizer pipe be found? - -correct ans- -Near a steam boiler. Brown-colored particles under the flue collar of an induced draft gas furnace are most likely an indication of which defect? - -correct ans- -An excessively long vent connector. Permeability is the property of a material that allows the passage of? - -correct ans- -Water vapor
In a cold climate, a vapor retarder should be installed on which sides of a wall? - -correct ans- - The side facing conditioned space. Fiberglass batt insulation slows heat movement by? - -correct ans- -Slowing air movement within the insulation What action would most likely reduce fiberglass batt insulation R-value by the largest amount? - -correct ans- -Not placing the insulation in contact with an air barrier. Where would a radiant barrier be MOST effective? - -correct ans- -In an attic in Phoenix AZ. Why should 50%-60% of the attic ventilation opening be at the eaves? - -correct ans- -Pressure in the attic will be neutral or positive Which may be used as water distribution pipe in a house? - -correct ans- -PEX What is the best definition of a cross-connection? - -correct ans- -A plumbing water distribution pipe is connected to a contaminant source. What is the MOST likely results of thermal expansion? - -correct ans- -A clothes washing machine hose bursts. Where is an S trap most likely to be located? - -correct ans- -Under a kitchen sink. The label on a 240 volt electric water heater indicates that the element wattage should be 4,500. The measured current is 14.6 amps. The most likely explanation is that? - -correct ans- -The wrong size has been installed.
A chimney should NOT be located on an exterior wall because? - -correct ans- -Flue temperature may be too cold. A wood burning stove is listed for 12 inches clearance to combustibles. What is the minimum clearance to combustibles for this stove when using sheet metal and air space clearance reduction device? - -correct ans- -12 inches Inspection of which appliance is NOT within the scope of home inspection? - -correct ans- -A refrigerator A properly installed food waste disposer that makes no sound when activated can sometimes be activated by? - -correct ans- -Pressing the thermal cutoff button. What is the prescriptive MINIMUM distance between the bottom of a microwave oven and a range cooking surface? - -correct ans- -There is no prescriptive minimum distance. What is LEAST likely to be an approved pool access barrier? - -correct ans- -A self latching pedestrian gate. Which is NOT a type of pool filter? - -correct ans- -Pea gravel A double gate that allows access to the pool should be? - -correct ans- -Self latching The primary function of a skimmer is to provide? - -correct ans- -A means to remove debris from the surface of the water. Which of these irrigation components is MOST often required in areas where water is scarce? - - correct ans- -Rain sensor
Which is MOST likely to be a problem when an emitter is located near the house? - -correct ans- -Water will enter the crawl space or basement. Which would NOT be an approved irrigation system pipe? - -correct ans- -Schedule 20 PVC The home inspector is NOT required to report the location of the? - -correct ans- -Water meter Th home inspector is required to report the location of the? - -correct ans- -Electric service equipment What information is NOT required in an inspection report? - -correct ans- -The property's legal description The closet where the water heater is located was locked. Hot water was available where required. The best way to report this situation is the water heater? - -correct ans- -Was not inspected because the door was locked. The MINIMUM inspection of an accessible attic involves viewing the attic? - -correct ans- -From the access opening. A toilet water supply valve is shut off. The best way to deal with this situation is to? - -correct ans- -Report that the toilet was not tested because the valve was off. A roof is accessible by ladder and the home inspector believes the roof is safe to walk on. The minimum method of inspecting this roof involves? - -correct ans- -Viewing the roof from the ground. A roof covering is concealed by snow. The attic inspection reveals no evidence of water leaks. The best method of reporting this situation is to state the roof covering was? - -correct ans- - Concealed by snow and not inspected.
There is a crack at the upper corner on the side of an interior door. The crack gets wider as it runs toward the ceiling. The door scrapes against the lock side jamb. What is the best recommendation in this situation? - -correct ans- -Evaluation by a contractor. Gravity warm air furnaces are different from forced air furnaces in each of the following respects except - -correct ans- -A) the furnace is always located in the center of the house. B) the supply and return duct systems are large, round, and sloped up from the furnace. C) there is no fan. D) there is no high temperature limit switch. Which of the following statements is true of knee walls and struts? B) Knee walls and struts supporting purlins sometimes bear close to, but not directly on, bearing walls. - -correct ans- -A) None of these statements are true. B) Knee walls and struts supporting purlins sometimes bear close to, but not directly on, bearing walls. C) Where knee walls and struts supporting purlins bear directly on supporting walls, the joists should be the next size larger than they otherwise would be. D) Knee walls and struts should not bear directly on a supporting wall.
The introductory discussion with the client
. - -correct ans- -should include setting out your goals for the inspection An auxiliary drain pan is needed on a split-system air conditioner when B) leakage in the primary pan may damage interior finishes. - -correct ans- -A) the condensate cannot be drained by gravity. B) leakage in the primary pan may damage interior finishes. C) there is no trap in the condensate line. D) a high volume of condensate is anticipated. Which of the following statements about water heater discharge tubes for temperature/pressure relief valves is not true? - -correct ans- -The tubes have to extend 6 to 12 inches above the floor or, outdoors, 6 to 24 inches above grade. Columns are most likely to rot at the - -correct ans- -bottom. The function of the condenser fan in split-system air conditioners is to D) cool the refrigerant by turning it into a liquid. - -correct ans- -A) cool the refrigerant by boiling it.
