Download NHIE Exam Practice Questions and Answers 2024/2025 and more Exams Construction law in PDF only on Docsity! FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 1. Where you have found evidence of footing settlement, how can you predict whether there will be further settlement? (a) You can count the number of planes of movement. (b) You can determine the type of foundation material. (c) You cannot predict settlement from a single inspection. (d) You can determine the depth of the footing. - correct answer ✅You cannot predict settlement from a single inspection 2. You typically identify a Freon leak (a) As an oil stain (b) As refrigerant coming out of the Freon line in the form of a cold mist. (c) By the strong odor. (d) By looking for evidence of ice along the refrigerant lines - correct answer ✅As an oil stain 3. Typical wood frame wall assemblies include all of the following components EXCEPT. (a) Studs (b) Bridging FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 (c) Sheathing (d) Siding - correct answer ✅Bridging 4. All of the following are common approaches to improving chimney draft EXCEPT (a) Adding a draft inducer fan. (b) Adding a rain cap. (c) Extending the chimney upward. (d) Resloping the cap. - correct answer ✅Resloping the cap 5. All of the following statements are true of shrinkage cracks EXCEPT that (a) Shrinkage cracks do not typically go into the footings. (b) Shrinkage cracks do not necessarily have corresponding cracks elsewhere in the building. (c) Vertical shear is associated with shrinkage cracks. (d) Shrinkage cracks are common with poured concrete foundation walls. - correct answer ✅Vertical shear is associated with shrinkage cracks FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 (c) If the wall has moved inward, cracks will typically be wider on the outside face. (d) You should not be concerned unless the crack is at least ¼ in width. - correct answer ✅If the wall has moved inward, the cracks would typically be wider on the inside face 11. On most steep roofs, exposed fasteners are (a) Used for anchorage against wind. (b) A sign of poor installation. (c) A sign of good installation. (d) Used to prevent ice dams. - correct answer ✅A sign of poor installation 12. All of the following are slab-on-grade-construction techniques EXCEPT (a) Monolithic slab. (b) Floating slab. (c) Inverted slab. (d) Reinforced slab. - correct answer ✅Inverted slab FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 13. Masonry chimneys should have a clearance from combustible framing members of (a) 1 inch. (b) 2 inches. (c) 4 inches. (d) 12 inches. - correct answer ✅2 inches 14. Efflorescence (a) Is associated with water moving through masonry walls. (b) Can only appear on the cold side of a wall. (c) Only occurs in freezing climates. (d) Is an organic growth. - correct answer ✅Is associated with water moving through masonry walls 15. On a conventional split-system air-conditioning system, the high-pressure side is the portion of the refrigerant line from the (a) Compressor to the expansion device. (b) Metering device to the evaporator coil. (c) Expansion device to the compressor. FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 (d) Evaporator to the compressor. - correct answer ✅Compressor to the expansion device. 16. The presence of step flashing on an asphalt shingle roof can typically be verified by (a) Looking at the counter flashing. (b) Knowing the age of the shingles on the roof. (c) Knowing the number of layers of shingles on the roof. (d) Lifting the shingles adjacent to the chimney or wall - correct answer ✅Lifting the shingles adjacent to the chimney or wall 17. Why are you more likely to see a house with a full basement in cold northern climates than in warm southern climates? (a) People in cold climates have snow removal equipment to store. (b) Having to excavate below the frost line for the footings makes a basement cost effective. (c) Homes with basements need heat. In southern climates, it is a waste of energy to heat the basement. (d) There is a lot of bedrock in the southern climates " blasting would be required to make a basement. - correct answer ✅Having FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 (c) Look for other signs of distress and, if none, do nothing. (d) Advise further evaluation by a specialist. - correct answer ✅Advise further evaluation by a specialist 21. CPVC water pipe may not be used for hot and cold supply lines (a) In single-family residences. (b) In multifamily residences. (c) Inside a building. (d) Below grade. - correct answer ✅In multifamily residences 22. Garage door problems include all of the following EXCEPT (a) A seven-inch step down into garage. (b) Poor weatherstripping. (c) That it has no self-closer. (d) If it opens into a bedroom. - correct answer ✅A seven-inch step down into garage 23. Which of the following statements is TRUE? FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 (a) Uniform settlement is most often the result of building on undisturbed soils. (b) Expansive soils expand as they dry. (c) Lowering the basement floor to the top of the footing can cause settlement where there was no settlement initially. (d) Uniform settlement may stress utility pipes. - correct answer ✅Uniform settlement may stress utility pipes. FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 24. Foundation irrigation is (a) A method of stabilizing expansive clay soils. (b) A method of strengthening the foundation concrete-the concrete is kept damp for a couple of days. (c) A foundation-drainage technique. (d) Used to prevent basement leakage. - correct answer ✅A method of stabilizing expansive clay soils 25. A horizontal fracture in the foundation (a) Is a shrinkage crack. (b) Is not as serious as a vertical crack. (c) Reduces the foundation's ability to resist soil pressure. (d) Cannot be caused by adfreezing. - correct answer ✅Reduces the foundation's ability to resist soil pressure 26. Water hammer can be solved or greatly reduced by (a) Installing modern quick-closing faucets (b) Using 12-inch vertical extensions at ends of lines. (c) Avoiding long, vertical rises in the pipe. FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 32. Which of the following statements is FALSE with respect to electric water heaters? (a) Most water heaters have two elements. (b) The upper element usually comes on first (c) The upper element has priority (d) It can be difficult to tell if one of the two elements is burned out - correct answer ✅The upper element usually comes on first 33. If you drilled a hole through a properly laid asphalt-shingle roof, how many shingles would you go through? (a) One (b) Two (c) Three (d) Four - correct answer ✅Two 34. Which phrase does NOT describe a home inspection? (a) Field review of performance (b) Evaluation of physical condition FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 (c) Visual inspection of readily accessible, installed component (d) Appraisal inspection - correct answer ✅Appraisal inspection 35. All of the following statements about hardboard siding are true except one. Which statement is FALSE? (a) Hardboard is a type of fiberboard. (b) Hardboard is non-combustible. (c) Common thicknesses are 5/16-1/2 inch. (d) It is denser than conventional wood siding. - correct answer ✅Hardboard is non-combustible 36. Exhaust flues on gas-fired or oil-fired water heaters should (a) Have a minimum length of 10 feet. (b) Slope down away from the water heater to allow for condensation. (c) Have a slope of ¼-inch per foot up away from the heater. (d) Be friction fit together. - correct answer ✅Have a slope of ¼-inch per foot up away from the heater FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 37. The most serious implication of any insulation, air/vapor barrier, or ventilation deficiency is (a) Excess heat loss. (b) Excess heat gain (in summer). (c) Reduced comfort levels. (d) Rot. - correct answer ✅Rot 38. Which of the following statements about home inspectors' liability is TRUE? (a) As long as you provide written reports, you have no liability. (b) Your liability is greater if your buyers' expectations are not realistic. (c) Home improvement contractors play no part in home inspector liability. (d) The last-one-in syndrome helps to reduce liability. - correct answer ✅Your liability is greater if your buyers' expectations are not realistic 39. The condensate drain pan or tray on a split-system air conditioner is typically located below the FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 44. Which statement about crawlspaces is FALSE? (a) Crawlspaces can be heated or unheated. (b) The floor will be more comfortable if the crawlspace floor is insulated. (c) It is typically easier to insulate the walls than the crawlspace ceiling. (d) Insulating the walls can be done on the inside or outside - correct answer ✅The floor will be more comfortable if the crawlspace floor is insulated. 45. An auxiliary drain pan is needed on a split-system air conditioner when (a) The condensate cannot be drained by gravity. (b) There is no trap in the condensate line. (c) Leakage in the primary pan may damage interior finishes. (d) A high volume of condensate is anticipated. - correct answer ✅Leakage in the primary pan may damage interior finishes 46. Engineered wood FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 (a) Includes wood I-joists and open web steel joists. (b) Cannot use joist hangers. (c) Do not require rim joists. (d) Often need more end bearing than conventional lumber joists. - correct answer ✅Often need more end bearing than conventional lumber joists 47. You inspect a 4-year-old asphalt shingle roof. It seems well insulated and the attic is properly ventilated. Roughly 25 percent of shingles show irregular cracks in the surface. You report that FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 (a) The shingles are suffering freeze-thaw damage. (b) This is a common cosmetic condition that does not affect performance or life expectancy. (c) There is a possible manufacturing defect and life expectancy may be shortened. (d) This is a result of expansion and contraction of waferboard sheathing as a result of changes in humidity. - correct answer ✅There is a possible manufacturing defect and life expectancy may be shortened 48. Common problems with clay or slate shingles include all of the following EXCEPT (a) Missing shingles. (b) Loose shingles. (c) Buckled shingles (d) Broken shingles. - correct answer ✅Buckled shingles 49. On which roof are exposed fasteners most likely to be acceptable? (a) Metal FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 53. Obsolete service boxes typically have (a) Rusted covers (b) Black covers (c) Exposed terminals (d) Undersized fuses - correct answer ✅Exposed terminals 54. You are examining the side flashing for a masonry chimney. Where the asphalt shingles meet the counter flashing, roofing cement has been applied. Your report should include which of the following? (a) It is difficult to say if proper step flashings were installed. (b) Roofing cement should only be considered a temporary repair. (c) This is not a good building practice. (d) It should include all of the above. - correct answer ✅It should include all of the above 55. Common drainage piping problems include all of the following EXCEPT (a) Clogging FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 (b) Cross connections (c) Undersizing (d) Slopes of ¼-inch to ½-inch per foot - correct answer ✅Slopes of ¼-inch to ½-inch per foot 56. Jack studs (a) Support lintels (b) Are full-length studs (c) Support window sills (d) Support beams - correct answer ✅Support lintels 57. Wood deterioration is typically discovered during a home inspection by (a) Probing with an awl or similar tool (b) Visual observation (c) Tapping with a hammer (d) Both a and b - correct answer ✅Both a and b FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 58. Common and dangerous cracks in the hearth of a wood-burning fireplace are often found (a) At the back of the hearth (b) Between the hearth and hearth extension (c) At the front of the hearth extension (d) At the sides of the hearth extension - correct answer ✅Between the hearth and hearth extension 59. There are two layers of shingles on the roof, with the most recent installation less than two-years-old. At the chimney, the original steel flashings are rusted. The shingles are sealed to the older metal with asphalt cement. The roofer should have (a) Used caulking instead of asphalt cement (b) Installed new flashings (c) Stripped off the old shingles first (d) Replaced only the flashings that are rusted through - correct answer ✅Installed new flashings 60. Masonry veneer walls are FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 (a) Roofing nails (b) Hot-dipped galvanized nails (c) Drywall screws (d) Electroplate galvanized nails - correct answer ✅Hot-dipped galvanized nails 66. At roof-to-wall flashings, where wood siding is the counter- flashing, the siding should be kept (a) Less than one inch above the roof (b) One to two inches above the roof (c) Two to three inches above the roof (d) Four to five inches above the roof - correct answer ✅One to two inches above the roof 67. Which statement about suspended ceilings is FALSE? (a) Home inspectors should not lift the tiles because they can be difficult to get back in (b) They reduce the ceiling height (c) They are also called acoustic tile FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 (d) They are often installed below damaged plaster ceilings - correct answer ✅Home inspectors should not lift the tiles because they can be difficult to get back in 68. The minimum head room for stairs in a home is roughly (a) 72 inches (b) 80 inches (c) 84 inches (d) 88 inches - correct answer ✅80 inches 69. Where a steeply pitched shingle roof meets a lower-pitched shingle roof, the valley may be especially vulnerable to (a) Unusually rapid deterioration (b) Water penetration under the shingles on the lower-pitched side (c) Excessive shingle wear adjacent to the valley on the steeper- pitched side (d) Buckling of the flashing material - correct answer ✅Water penetration under the shingles on the lower-pitched side FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 70. Gravity, warm-air furnaces are different from forced-air furnaces in each of the following respects EXCEPT that FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 75. Where ceiling joists or rafters are cut to make an opening (skylight, dormer etc.) the load from the cut members must be transferred to adjacent members. The framing installed to do this is called a (a) Trimmer (b) Swale (c) Strut (d) Header - correct answer ✅Header FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 76. The exterior sides and bottom of the service box are rusting. The interior of the service box is not affected. There is a water stain on the foundation wall below the service box. The box is below grade. Your BEST conclusion from these clues is (a) Plumbing leakage; check for a pipe above (b) No sealant between the wires and the inside of the conduit (c) Defective service cap (weatherhead). (d) Leakage at the foundation wall conduit hole - correct answer ✅Leakage at the foundation wall conduit hole 77. If, when looking at a slate roof, you see ribbons, you should tell your client that (a) These may be weak areas and the slate is not high quality (b) These are signs of particularly good, strong slates (c) These slates are rare and tend to be more expensive (d) These slates have changed color because of air pollution - correct answer ✅These may be weak areas and the slate is not high quality 78. Common shower stall problems include all of the following EXCEPT FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 (a) Slow drains (b) Rust (c) Water damage around sills and thresholds (d) Missing overflow - correct answer ✅Missing overflow 79. Common switch problems include all of the following EXCEPT (a) Damaged switches (b) Inoperative switches (c) Dimmer switches with a positive shut off (d) Switches for garbage disposals on the front of base cabinets - correct answer ✅Dimmer switches with a positive shut off 80. Which single-ply roofing system typically uses a base sheet and cap sheet? (a) PVC (b) Metal (c) Mod bit (d) Roll roofing - correct answer ✅Mod bit FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 (c) A weeping tile or drainage holes are often recommended (d) Tied-back walls do not usually require drain holes - correct answer ✅Soils that drain well, such as clay, should be used behind retaining walls 86. Missing firestopping is more common on platform construction. (a) True (b) False - correct answer ✅False 87. The function of a footing is to (a) Provide lateral support for foundation walls. (b) Transmit the weight of the house to the soil. (c) Provide support for the basement floor slab. (d) Resist hydrostatic pressure. - correct answer ✅Transmit the weight of the house to the soil FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 88. Footing failures can most positively be diagnosed by (a) Sagging floors. (b) Vertical cracking in foundation walls. (c) Horizontal cracking above windows. (d) Bowing foundation walls. - correct answer ✅Vertical cracking in foundation walls 89. When lowering a basement floor, if the soil is excavated only to the bottom of the footing (i.e., not below the footing), which problem may have been created? (a) Inadequate end bearing for floor joists (b) Excessive grade height (c) Disturbed soil below footing (d) Lost lateral support for the footing - correct answer ✅Lost lateral support for the footing 90. All of the following are dead loads EXCEPT (a) The weight of the structure above the foundation. (b) Snow loads. FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 (c) The weight of the soil surrounding the foundation. (d) The weight of the shingles on the roof. - correct answer ✅Snow loads 91. Footings that are continuous around the perimeter of the house are called (a) Pad footings. (b) Grade beams. (c) Spread footings. (d) Piers. - correct answer ✅Spread footings 92. Which of the following is the soil type for building homes? (a) Fine sand (b) Organic (c) Gravel (d) Course sand - correct answer ✅Gravel 93. Differential settlement is FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 97. Made from slag and has a rougher, darker texture than concrete block 98. A cold joint is (a) A deliberate crack built into the foundation to allow for concrete shrinkage. (b) A result of pouring the concrete foundation at two separate times. (c) A result of pouring the concrete when the temperature is below the freezing point. (d) A joint between concrete blocks where insufficient mortar thickness was used. This joint will be substantially reduced in strength. - correct answer ✅A result of pouring the concrete foundation at two separate times. 99. Horizontal cracks in foundation walls are usually caused by all of the following EXCEPT (a) Soil pressure. (b) Improper backfilling (c) Sinking footings. (d) Hydrostatic pressure. - correct answer ✅Sinking footings FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 100. Piles are (a) Used where soil quality is poor. (b) Driven into the ground as far as the frost lines. (c) Always driven into the ground until they hit bedrock. (d) Never driven to bedrock. - correct answer ✅Used where soil quality is poor. 101. Interior footings (under columns, for example) are usually subject to what kinds of loads? (a) Almost purely horizontal (b) Horizontal and vertical (c) Almost purely vertical (d) Primarily tension - correct answer ✅Almost purely vertical 102. Which of the following statements is true of a settlement crack? (a) Settlement cracks do not usually have corresponding cracks elsewhere in the building. FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 (b) Control joints are used to prevent settlement cracks from developing. (c) Settlement cracks will occur at weak spots in the wall. (d) Settlement cracks typically do not extend into footings. - correct answer ✅Settlement cracks will occur at weak spots in the wall 103. In which situation are you most likely to see settlement cracks? (a) Houses built on reclaimed land (b) Houses built with slab-on-grade construction (c) Houses with stone or brick foundations (d) Houses built in an area with very low water table 104. Vertical joints every two-to-four feet in the bottom section of the foundation wall could be evidence of (a) Mud-jacking. (b) Control joints. (c) Foundation irrigation. (d) Underpinning. - correct answer ✅103. (a) 104. Underpinning FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 (a) Insect activity. (b) Transverse loading. (c) Poor-quality mortar. (d) Moisture in the brick. - correct answer ✅Moisture in the brick. 111. Are beams allowed to rest on concrete block walls? FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 (a) Only if there are wood shims between the beam and the block. (b) Only if at least the top seven inches of block is filled with concrete. (c) Only if there is at least six inches of end bearing. (d) This is not allowed. - correct answer ✅Only if at least the top seven inches of block is filled with concrete. 112. Notches in beams should (a) Not be present. (b) Not be in the middle 1/3 of the beam span. (c) Be in the middle 1/3 of the beam span. (d) Be in the bottom ¼ of the beam. - correct answer ✅Not be present 113. If a 2x8 joist has a 3 inch x 3 inch notch at the bottom where it rests on a beam (a) The beam should also be notched. (b) The head room is reduced below. (c) The beam should be steel. FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 (d) The joist may have a crack that extends horizontally from the notch. - correct answer ✅The joist may have a crack that extends horizontally from the notch 114. Holes are (a) Best near the top of joists. (b) Best near the bottom of joists. (c) Best near the middle of joists. (d) Not allowed in joists. - correct answer ✅Best near the middle of joists. 115. Partition walls (nonload-bearing walls) (a) Add very little load to the floor joists below. (b) Are best if they are parallel to and directly above a floor joist below. (c) Are best if they are perpendicular to floor joists below. (d) Should not be offset from the beam or wall below. - correct answer ✅Are best if they are perpendicular to floor joists below. 116. The subflooring material most likely to fail by swelling is FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 120. Double-top plates on wood frame walls (a) Can be omitted if joists are directly above studs. (b) Can be omitted if the top plate is oak. (c) Are needed on partition walls. (d) Must be locked at their joints with metal ties. - correct answer ✅Can be omitted if joists are directly above studs. 121. Sheathing functions include all of these EXCEPT (a) Supporting siding. (b) Stiffening walls to prevent racking, for example. (c) Helping to keep wind out of the building. (d) Supporting metal ties for brick veneer. - correct answer ✅Supporting metal ties for brick veneer 122. Partition or nonload-bearing walls (a) Can be identified by tapping on them. (b) Always have structural support below. FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 (c) Do not provide end support for joists. (d) Must have sheathing. - correct answer ✅Do not provide end support for joists 123. Masonry veneer has a function similar to FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 (a) Studs (b) Sheathing (c) Buttresses (d) Aluminum siding - correct answer ✅Aluminum siding 124. Brick ties are (a) Usually aluminum (b) Visible (c) Fastened to studs (d) Fastened to sheathing - correct answer ✅Fastened to studs 125. Steel lintels (a) Should not be used in masonry walls. (b) Are usually stainless steel. (c) Need six inches of endbearing in most areas. (d) Have a minimum span of six feet, six inches - correct answer ✅Need six inches of endbearing in most areas FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 129. The span of a rafter is defined as the (a) Horizontal projection of the rafters from one side of the house to the other. (b) Length of the rafter, from the collar tie to the ridge board. (c) Horizontal projection, from one support to another. (d) Distance from the center of one rafter to the center of the next; most commonly 16 inches. - correct answer ✅Horizontal projection, from one support to another. 130. All of the following statements are true of ridge boards EXCEPT (a) Ridge boards are only used on roofs with a slope of 2-in-12 or less. (b) Ridge boards are typically a nominal one-inch board. (c) Ridge boards are usually one size larger than the rafters. (d) If there is a ridge board, some authorities may allow opposing rafters to be offset by their width. - correct answer ✅Ridge boards are only used on roofs with a slope of 2-in-12 or less. 131. All of these are components of asphalt shingles EXCEPT FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 (a) Sealing strips (b) Organic felt (c) Synthetic rubber (d) Granule surfacing - correct answer ✅Synthetic rubber 132. Purlins are (a) Horizontal members supporting the midspan of rafters. (b) Part of the framing of a truss roof system. (c) Part of the framing of a raised foundation. (d) None of the above. - correct answer ✅Horizontal members supporting the midspan of rafters 133. What are some of the properties of trusses? (a) Middle web boards can be altered as needed. (b) They typically need no midlength support. (c) They are engineered structural members. (d) Both b and c describe properties of trusses. - correct answer ✅Both b and c describe properties of trusses FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 134. What is another term for beam? (a) Span (b) Girder (c) Joist (d) Header - correct answer ✅Girder 135. What is the likely cause of sag in roof sheathing where the trusses are 24 inches on center with a clear span of 36 feet? (a) Undersized trusses (b) Sheathing is too thin (c) Undersized purlins (d) Inadequate fastening of sheathing to trusses - correct answer ✅Sheathing is too thin 136. Collar ties are installed in roof framing to (a) Prevent purlin sag. (b) Provide lateral support for the top of the walls. (c) Support the end walls of gable roofs. FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 (b) A gusset plate is used only in earthquake-prone and hurricane- prone areas. (c) It connects edges of roof sheathing together when they do not bear directly on top of a rafter or truss. (d) It connects the purlins to the rafters. - correct answer ✅It connects members of a truss together 142. While inspecting the attic of a row house built in the mid- 1970s, you notice that the plywood next to the party wall is delaminating and has a white powder underneath. Which of the following might explain this? (a) The attic is much colder near the party walls, and there is almost always more condensation on the underside of the sheathing in this area. (b) This condition is an example of pyrolysis, where the sheathing in contact with the masonry party wall deteriorates prematurely. (c) The plywood next to the party wall is probably FRT plywood. FRT plywood has been found to deteriorate prematurely. (d) This type of plywood has oriented strands and can only be installed in one direction. Often the last piece is installed in the wrong direction to make it fit between the party walls. - correct answer ✅The plywood next to the party wall is probably FRT plywood. FRT plywood has been found to deteriorate prematurely FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 143. The webs of a truss (a) Are compression members. (b) Are tension members. (c) May be in compression or tension. (d) Have no load on them. - correct answer ✅May be in compression or tension 144. For a house with wood frame walls, the roof structure can be nailed directly to the wall structure. If the exterior walls are solid masonry, how is the roof framing attached to the walls? (a) A wood sill is bolted to the top of the wall, and the roof framing is nailed to this sill. (b) Each rafter is bolted to the masonry wall with bolts that are about ½-inch-indiameter and about 3½ inches long. (c) If the exterior walls are solid masonry, the roof structure an simply rest on top of the wall. There is no need to secure them as long as the bottoms of opposing rafters, are tied together to prevent rafter spreading. FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 (d) It is attached by joist hangers and concrete nails. - correct answer ✅A wood sill is bolted to the top of the wall, and the roof framing is nailed to this sill. 145. Which of the following truss types will have two top chords and two bottom chords? (a) Fink (b) Howe (c) Scissor (d) Belgian - correct answer ✅Scissor 146. Jack rafters are (a) Rafters at hips and valleys. (b) Rafters that tie into a header at an opening in the roof (such as a skylight). (c) Rafters that have been doubled. (d) The same as I-joists. - correct answer ✅Rafters at hips and valleys. FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 (b) 10-20 years (c) 15-25 years (d) 30-35 years - correct answer ✅10-20 years 154. A difference between a gas range and an electric range is that electric ranges (a) Are typically wider. (b) Are typically deeper front-to-back. (c) Require a 240-volt electrical supply. (d) Electric Range will cook better - correct answer ✅Require a 240- volt electrical supply 155. What feature on range-control knobs helps prevent children from turning them on? (a) The knobs are difficult to turn. (b) The knobs have to be pushed in before turning them. (c) The knobs are too large for a child's hand to grasp. (d) When the knobs - correct answer ✅The knobs have to be pushed in before turning them FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 156. Cooktops with down-draft vents should be vented (a) Into the basement. (b) Into the return air ductwork. (c) Outdoors. (d) Indoors. - correct answer ✅Outdoors 157. Gas ranges can be connected to gas pipe by (a) Flexible metal piping. (b) Plastic piping. (c) Rubber hoses. (d) Garden hoses - correct answer ✅Flexible metal piping. 158. If a gas leak is detected in a home, you should (a) Turn off the power immediately. (b) Phone the gas company from the house. (c) Leave the house without operating anything. (d) Say nothing - correct answer ✅Leave the house without operating anything FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 159. An electric oven uses which element for baking? (a) Upper element (b) Lower element (c) Both elements (d) Upper and lower element at the same time - correct answer ✅Lower element 160. A convection oven is different from a conventional oven in that (a) A convection oven uses microwaves. (b) A convection oven has the boiler on all the time. (c) A convection oven has a fan that circulates hot air. (d) A convection oven uses hot water - correct answer ✅A convection oven has a fan that circulates hot air. 161. How hot will an electric self-cleaning oven get during the cleaning process? (a) 500 degrees F (b) 700 degrees F FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 165. Which food waste is compatible with a waste disposal system? (a) Bones (b) Cornhusks (c) Celery (d) Mushrooms - correct answer ✅Bones 166. Central-vacuum systems with a filter in the canister should discharge (a) Outside only. (b) Inside only. (c) Either inside or outside (d) Attic only - correct answer ✅Either inside or outside 167. Weak suction in the central vacuum system is NOT typically the result of a (a) Faulty motor (b) Full canister (c) Dirty filter FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 (d) The operator - correct answer ✅Faulty motor 168. A waste standpipe for a washing machine connection should extend (a) 2-4 inches above the trap. (b) 12-20 inches above the trap. (c) 18-30 inches above the trap. (d) 30-30 inches above the trap - correct answer ✅18-30 inches above the trap. 169. The main difference between waste disposers and trash compactors is that trash compactors (a) Cannot be located in kitchens. (b) Cannot be located under counter tops. (c) Do not take the waste out of the house. (d) Just sits there - correct answer ✅Do not take the waste out of the house 170. How do you check to see if a home has EIFS siding? FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 (a) probe (b) take receptacle covers off (c) siding compression sensor (d) You don't - correct answer ✅take receptacle covers off FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 (b) 5'-10' (c) 3'-4' (d) There is no min.-max. - correct answer ✅There is no min.-max. 177. You are inspecting a home with a overhead garage door opener what are the safety items you need to be concerned with? (a) Electronic sensors (b) Auto and manual reverse (c) Rope (d) Emergency manual release and door operation - correct answer ✅Emergency manual release and door operation 178. What type of insurance does a home inspector carry encase they break something during the inspection? (a) Home inspection warranty (b) Public protection insurance (c) General Liability (d) Errors and Omission - correct answer ✅General Liability FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 179. When a bedroom window has security bars installed, what should you report? (a) Hindrance to emergency egress (b) Contact emergency contractor (c) Use the key provided to operate for inspection (d) Mark as inaccessible - correct answer ✅Hindrance to emergency egress 180. What non-contact tool can be used to test for live or a ungrounded circuit? (a) Clamp meter (b) Amp probe (c) Plug tester (d) Voltage detector - correct answer ✅Voltage detector 181. What does a heat pump have that a conventional HVAC unit does not? (a) High pressure line (b) Low pressure line FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 (c) Reversing valve (d) Filter - correct answer ✅Reversing valve 182. You observe a regulating device on the house side of the water meter. What is this used for? (a) Increasing pressure (b) Decreasing pressure (c) Increasing flow rate (d) Decreasing flow rate - correct answer ✅Decreasing pressure FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 (d) Perform an unbiased inspection - correct answer ✅Disclose and decline FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 189. A stairway serving a deck has open risers with a riser height of 7" and tread thickness of 1". What should be on the report? (a) Riser too tall (b) Tread too narrow (c) Stairway is unstable (d) Opening between tread is too tall - correct answer ✅Opening between tread is too tall 190. How could you check the safety reverse of a garage door opening? (a) Roll of toilet paper (b) Two x four laid flat (c) 4" x 4" board (d) Place hand at center of door when half closed - correct answer ✅Place hand at center of door when half closed 191. When you see a crack in a concrete retaining wall, you suspect excessive (a) Hydrostatic pressure FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 (b) Weep control (c) Vertical lift (d) Hydromatic - correct answer ✅Hydrostatic pressure 192. When inspecting a solid fuel burning fireplace, which is a fire hazard (a) Loose mantel (b) No automatic starter (c) Broken damper (d) Missing refractory brick - correct answer ✅Missing refractory brick 193. A home inspection report must include (a) Deck and balconies condition (b) Indoor air quality (c) Dead grass (d) Color of the home - correct answer ✅Deck and balconies condition FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 (d) Call a plumber - correct answer ✅Report surface damage 200. Which one is always included in the inspection contract? (a) Name of E&O carrier (b) Limit of liablity to seller (c) Written guarantee (d) A scope of work - correct answer ✅A scope of work Buckling in a horizontal vinyl siding is generally caused by A. reflected light B. improper fastening C. condensation in the walls D. improper house wrap - correct answer ✅B. improper fastening At what level would water pressure within a single-family dwelling begin to be considered excessive and require correction? A. 60 psi B. 80 psi C. 100 psi D. 120 psi - correct answer ✅B. 80 psi FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 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 A. an escape and rescue opening B. a carbon monoxide alarm C. a fire extinguisher D. a safety ladder - correct answer ✅A. an escape and rescue opening A swimming pool fence must prevent passage of a sphere that is larger than A. 2 inches B. 3 inches C. 4 inches D. 5 inches - correct answer ✅C. 4 inches 5. Refer to the photograph to answer this question What should an inspector recommend to the client regarding the conditions shown in relation to the downspout/rain leader? A. Nothing, the downspout is properly installed B. Gravel should be installed under the downspout FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 C. The downspout should be moved away from the siding D. A contractor should evaluate the downspout and recommend repairs - correct answer ✅D. A contractor should evaluate the downspout and recommend repairs If water infiltration is suspected behind a finished surface. What tool would be the best choice to verify dampness? A. an infrared thermometer B. a pin-type moisture meter C. a non-contact moisture meter D. a digital camera - correct answer ✅C. a non-contact moisture meter Gas fired furnace heat exchangers most often fail from A. low temperatures B. lack of use C. improper gas pressure D. rust and metal fatigue - correct answer ✅D. rust and metal fatigue Relative Humidity (RH) is expressed as FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 A. the buyer monitor the floor. Floor systems such as this have redundant framing and removal of one joist is insignificant B. a contractor should support the cut joist with new piers and posts from below C. the cut joist should be headed off to adjacent framing members to distribute the load D. a contractor be contacted to determine with is needed and make repairs - correct answer ✅D. a contractor be contacted to determine with is needed and make repairs Most problems with concrete are caused at the time of installation. What single factor causes the MOST problems? A. The concrete has insufficient thickness B. Too much water is added to the mix C. Too much Portland cement is in the mix D. The wrong kind of sand is in the mix - correct answer ✅B. Too much water is added to the mix Brick chimneys on older properties with oil heat sometimes curve above the roof line, with no visible cracks. Which is a possible cause of this curving? A. settlement of the chimney footing FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 B. expansion of mortar C. absence of a cricket flashing at the roof D. lack of a rain cap on the flue - correct answer ✅B. expansion of mortar Which set of building terms do NOT belong together? A. cripple trimmer, purlin B. arch, header, lintel C. rafters, ceiling joists, trusses D. sheathing, flooring, decking - correct answer ✅A. cripple trimmer, purlin Which has the LEAST effect on the deflection of a dimension lumber floor system? A. joist width B. joist grade C. joist species D. joist spacing - correct answer ✅A. joist width The normal MAXIMUM rise of residential stair treads is A. 5 1/4 inches FULL NHIE EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2024/2025 B. 7 3/4 inches C. 8 1/2 inches D. 9 3/4 inches - correct answer ✅B. 7 3/4 inches An ungrounded receptacle may be replaced by a ground fault circuit interrupter installed A. on the same phase as the receptacle B. upstream from the receptacle C. downstream from the receptacle D. anywhere in the receptacle branch circuit - correct answer ✅B. upstream from the receptacle Circuit breakers A. protect inhabitants by limiting shock duration. B. regulate power to the attached equipment C. protect the wire from an electrical overload D. measure the current in a circuit - correct answer ✅C. protect the wire from an electrical overload In a forced air heating system containing a split system air conditioner and a humidifier, humidity is reduced by