Download Professional Home Inspector Exam: Questions and Answers for NHIE and TREC and more Exams Advanced Education in PDF only on Docsity!
Professional Home Inspector Exam NHIE
/ TREC
The inspector is not required to determine ____ ___ of any system or component. - answer -Years of age -Life expectancy -Make model Horizontal waste pipe should slope ____ inch per foot - answer 1/4" per foot if < 3 inch pipe. 1/8" per foot if > or = to 3 inch pipe Drip screed - answer Also called weep screed. Used at the base/bottom of stucco walls to release moisture. Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) - answer Used for Backflow Prevention. Lawn Irrigation systems: installed vertically 6 to 12 inches above highest outlet/emitter and before the irrigation system valves. Lintel - answer L shaped steel installed to support brick veneer above openings such as windows and doors. Should bear on 6 inches or greater of the supporting veneer. Rusted lintels may expand and cause cracks around openings. Guardrail for decks and patios - answer A deck 30" above grade requires a guardrail. Required if deck is > or = to 30 inches above grade. Balusters and openings should not exceed 4 inches in diameter. Rail height must be > or = to 36 inches from deck. Minimum overlap on vertically installed fiber cement siding - answer 1 1/4 inches overlap, and blind nailing recommended Distance required between wall cladding and roof covering materials? - answer 1" to 2" (1 inch minimum, some local code is 2") What is the concern with a Double sided key lock deadbolt - answer All means of egress (escape), must be operable from the inside without special knowledge or tools. A keyed lock is a danger.
Fiberglass shingle roof that is 5 years old is losing granular and cupping. Attic insulation and venting is adequate. What is the most reasonable explanation? - answer Improper installation. Sealing strip or nailing was not done properly. What is the last part to fail in a slate roof system? - answer The slate itself. Flashings eventually wear out, but long before the slate. Metal roof has minor rust in spots. What is the corrective action? - answer Removing the rust, priming and painting. What type of flashing is found on a gable edge? - answer Rake edge or edge flashing. A gable Edge is called a rake. Which construction framing provides fire blocking? - answer a platform-framed structure The Bottom chords of trusses were cut to fit other construction. What is the recommendation? - answer Recommend a structural engineer. What purpose does a barometric damper serve? - answer To control the draft Water is dripping from discharge piping coming from a hydronic heating system. What is most likely the cause? - answer A leak Masonry Chimney is required to be _____ inches from wood framing in the attic? - answer 2" When new insulation is placed directly over old in the attic, what is the correct way to place / handle Kraft paper on new insulation? - answer Score or remove the vapor paper What two structural components would be tied together with hurricane ties? - answer Truss/rafter to the top of walls What type of piping is used for a pool circulation system? - answer Schedule 40 PVC Does the main water supply shutoff have to be above grade, below grade, or accessible? - answer Accessible? Distance between interior electrical receptacles? - answer 12' A wood burning furnace should be how far away from combustibles - answer 18" Dishwasher drain line is installed where in reference to the trap? - answer Above
Foundation anchors should be ___ from ends and ___ apart/between. - answer 4- inches and 6 feet Floor joists are installed with the crown facing which direction? - answer Up Grounding electrode should be a minimum of ___ feet below grade - answer 8' A window in a shower requires safety glazing if the bottom is ___ inches above the shower pan. - answer Less than 60" in any bathing/swimming area Safety glazing is required where - answer Panes larger than 9 square feet if all the following are true: Bottom less than 18" from floor Top edge over 36" from floor Walkway within 36" of glazing The shower opening (or access and egress opening) should be at least _____ finish- width and ___ inches unobstructed in front of the door. - answer 22 inches wide opening, and 24 horizontal inches in front of door Also, the door should always open outward or OK if it opens both in and out. Swale - answer A graded flow path used in open drainage systems. Non-Metallic Sheathed Cable (NM) - answer _________ is a factory assembly of two or more insulated conductors having an outer sheath of moisture resistant flame- retardant, non-metallic material. Commonly called Romex. Should be supported every 4 1/2 feet, and within 1 foot of boxes and terminations. Should have a nail guard when run closer than 1 1/4 inches from framing members. What is the Temperature on the large refrigerant line when AC is in cool mode? - answer Cool. The large (Suction) line should be cool, low pressure, returning to the condenser outside. Underground feeder (UF) - answer Similar to Nonmetallic sheathed cable (NM), but UF is Designed for wet locations and may be buried. Compressor does what? - answer Compresses cool gas to superheated high pressure gas to send through the condenser. Condenser does what? - answer The condenser takes high pressure heated gas from the compressor, and runs the gas through coils where the fan helps remove heat from the gas, and resulting in a warm, high pressure liquid to return to the evaporator.
When a heat pump is in heating mode, the condenser acts as? - answer Reverse roles. In heating mode, The condenser acts as An Evaporator Coil. And the evaporator acts as a condenser. What issue would be caused if a dryer exhaust vent terminated to the exterior directly above the condenser? - answer Poor HVAC operations. Due to the heat/water and lint expelled from the dryer. Exhaust Must be at least 3 feet from dryer exhaust ducts. Crawl space ventilation should be within ___ feet of each corner - answer 3' At least one vent < or = 3 feet from each corner Which type of insulation is combustible? - answer Cellulose (recycled newspaper) Vermiculite Insulation - answer Looks like pea gravel. Sometimes contains asbestos if from Libby Montana mine. Clothes Dryer vent should be installed at least ___ feet from building opening - answer 3 The minimum size water service pipe shall be _____ inch. - answer 3/4 inch Minimum size of toilet drain piping? - answer 3" Minimum drain size for shower? - answer 1 1/2 inches (Some standards require 2") The Texas Real Estate Commission assesses inspectors a fee to fund the Real Estate Inspection Recovery Fund based on the - answer fund balance, which must remain at a required minimum level. The inspector should ____ and ___ their client's interest. - answer Protect/Promote There is no need for inspectors to maintain and increase their level of knowledge of the field - answer False An inspector must complete as part of the plumbing inspection. - answer Observe the functional drainage at accessible plumbing fixtures. According to the Standards of Practice, oven thermostats tested at 350 degrees F should be accurate within what range? - answer +/- 25 degrees F. When inspecting cooling equipment, the inspector shall report all of the following: - answer 1. Type of system.
- Inadequate access to the unit.
- Dirty evaporator coil, where accessible.
An inspector can pre-print the Report, with ruled lines for comments: - answer True The inspector is not required to use the TREC form for: - answer 1. Quality control construction inspections
- Inspections of remodeling
- Re-inspections The inspector is required to operate the TPR if one is present and will cause damage: - answer False. Not required if it may cause damage to person or property. The inspector must report on optional systems noted in the Standard of Practice if they are present: - answer False The inspector is required to report unit power issues: - answer 1. When power is not present
- Polarity is incorrect
- The unit is not grounded The inspector shall report the type of branch circuit wiring - answer True An inspector shall exclude from the inspection any part, component or system which the inspector is not competent or qualified to inspect: - answer True An inspector must include in the report all components or systems that are found in a home: - answer False The inspector is not required to report: Anything that is not accessible - answer True The inspector is not required to enter a crawl space where Headroom is less than: - answer 18 inches The inspector is not required to enter a crawl space if the width of the access opening is less than: - answer 2 feet (24 Inches) The inspector is not required to: Determine the presence of, or extent or type of, insulation or vapor barrier in the exterior walls - answer True The inspector is required to: Report the need of repair damaged glazing in windows and exterior doors - answer True The inspector is required to: Report the need of repair of missing or damaged windows and door screens - answer True The inspector must report: Any locks on the interior doors that do not operate - answer False
The inspector needs to report: Any locks on exterior doors that do not operate - answer True The inspector is not required to report: Conditions of paint stains or other surface coatings - answer True The inspector is not required to report: The adequacy of the draft of the fireplace - answer True The inspector is not required to report: Fireplace dampers that do not work - answer False The inspector is not required to: Determine the remaining life expectancy of the roof covering - answer True The inspector is required to: Report the type of roof covering - answer True According to the Texas Standards of Practice, the inspector must report the method used to inspect the roof, if the inspection is performed from other than roof level: - answer True The inspector is not required to report on: Efficiency, adequacy, or capacity of the system - answer True The inspector is required to report on: The approximate depth of insulation, where visible - answer True The inspector is required to report on: Inadequate attic space ventilation - answer True The inspector is not required to report on: Visible evidence of moisture penetration - answer False The balusters of a detached deck over 30 inches off the ground must have a spacing of no more than 4 inches between them: - answer True The balusters of a deck less than 30 inches off the ground must have no more than 4 inches between them: - answer False The inspector shall report the type of cooling system and energy source: - answer No, only type. Not energy source The inspector shall operate the cooling system when the outside temperature is - answer 60 degrees or greater
8 hours of Non-Elective coursework in Legal and ethics, SoP's: Report writing consisting of 4 hours of Legal and ethics and 4 hours of SoP review. An inspector cannot repair replace or upgrade a property that he/she inspected for: - answer 12 Months Must provide proof of Professional Lability Insurance of - answer $100, Fees (535.210) The Commission shall charge and collect the following fees for renewal of a license in a timely manner: - answer -Apprentice Inspector $ -Real Estate Inspector $
- Professional Inspector $
- Renewal 1-90 days after renewal date is 1 ½ times original fee
- Renewal 91-<6 months of expiration dates is 2 times the original fee How many apprentice inspectors can an inspector have at separate jobs sites at the same time? - answer 1 Notify the Commission within ___ of a change of Name, Address or if applicable an e-mail address. - answer 30 To Sponsor an apprentice inspector the Professional inspector must have ____ inspections as a professional inspector. - answer 200 3 attempts to pass License Exams, then: - answer More education is required Real Estate Recovery Fund - Payments from the fund (including attorney fees, court costs and interest) for a single transaction may not exceed ____ regardless of number of people. - answer $12, Real Estate Recovery Fund - Payments against an inspector based on judgments cannot exceed ___ until the inspector has reimbursed the fund for all the money paid - answer $30, Real Estate Recovery Fund - The Commission may revoke a license of an inspector if a payment is made out of the recovery fund for a judgement against the inspector: The inspector is not eligible for reinstatement of their license... - answer until they have paid the fund back plus any interest. Inspection Report must be delivered within ___ of the inspection unless otherwise agreed upon by the parties. - answer 3 Days Acceptable Report Changes - answer - Font not less than 10
- Check Box and Typeface color
- Delete the "Sponsoring Inspector" space if performed by a Professional.
- Add a cover page
- Add footers to each page other than the first
- Add headers to each page
- Add Property Identification and page numbers at the top or bottom of each page.
- Add Subheadings under items but you cannot renumber or organize
- Delete the "Other" categories when unused. Inspection Report Change Restrictions do not apply: - answer - To banks, lenders or other government agencies that require a different form.
- Re-inspections for the same client.
- Quality Control or Phase inspections but the report must include specific language ( TREC SoP 535.223 1.(4) )
- Inspection of a building or addition not substantially complete
- A single component inspection provided the required statement is on the first page of the report (TREC SoP 535.223 1.(4) ) The administrative penalty range of ___ may be assessed for violations - answer $100 - $1,500 per violation per day for form and administrative violations $500 - $3,000 per violation per day for SoP violations, negligence. $1,000 - $5, per violation per day intentional acts, fraud, deceit, lack of E&O insurance The Commission may assess an administrative penalty of up to __ times if a person has a history of previous violations Act. - answer two An inspector may depart from the inspection of a component or system required by the standards of practice only if: - answer 1. the inspector and client agree the item is not to be inspected
- the inspector is not qualified to inspect the item
- conditions prevent inspection, or materials are hazardous to the health or safety of the inspector, or may cause damage to the property If an inspector departs from the inspection of a component or system required by the standards of practice, the inspector shall: - answer 1. Notify the client at the earliest practical opportunity that the component or system will not be inspected; and 2. Make an appropriate notation on the inspection report form, stating the reason the component or system was not inspected. If the inspector routinely departs from inspection of a component or system required by the standards of practice, and the inspector has reason to believe that the property being inspected
(2) deficiencies in performance or mounting; and (3) missing or damaged components. Bathroom Exhaust and heaters: ducts that do not terminate outside the building should be: - answer reported as deficient Garage doors operators: photoelectric sensors must be located - answer less than six inches from the garage floor Dryer Exhaust pipe must be smooth on the inside - answer True Irrigation systems: The inspector shall manually operate... - answer all zones or stations on the system through the controller Irrigation systems - Report as deficient: - answer (i) the absence of a rain or moisture sensor, (ii) inoperative zone valves; (iii) surface water leaks; (iv) the absence of a backflow prevention device; (v) the absence of shut-off valves between the water meter and backflow device; (vi) deficiencies in the performance and mounting of the controller; (vii) missing or damaged components; and (viii) deficiencies in the performance of the water emission devices; such as, sprayer heads. Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs - The Inspector Shall report: - answer The type of construction Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs - The Inspector Shall report as deficient: - answer (i) the presence of a single blockable main drain (potential entrapment hazard); (ii) electrical equipment that lacks bonding; (iii) safety barriers (iv) water leaks in above-ground pipes and equipment; (v) absence/failures of ground-fault circuit interrupter protection devices (vi) deficiencies in surfaces, steps, rails, and all other equipment. Water Wells - The inspector shall: (A) operate at least two fixtures simultaneously; (B) recommend or arrange to have performed coliform testing; (C) report: - answer (i) the type of pump and storage equipment; (ii) the proximity of any known septic system; (iii) Deficiencies in pressure, flow, condition of equipment. Drainage and clearances. Septic Systems - The Inspector shall Report: - answer (i) the type of system; (ii) the location of the drain or distribution field;
(iii) the proximity of any known water wells, underground cisterns, water supply lines, bodies of water, sharp slopes or breaks, easement lines, property lines, soil absorption systems, swimming pools, or sprinkler systems; buyer is out of town and agent sets up the inspection with you. Who signs the inspection agreement? - answer The Agent who is acting as an "Authorized agent for the client" The inspection report shall include: (1) the name and license number of each inspector who participated (2) the address or other unique description of the property on each page of the report; and (3) the client's name. - answer True When inspecting cooling equipment, the inspector shall report the type of refrigerant. - answer False The job of the inspector is to: - answer Disclose the condition of the property The inspector is not required to enter a crawl space if the width of the access opening is less than: - answer 2 feet The inspector is not required to: Determine the presence of, or extent or type of, insulation or vapor barrier in the exterior walls - answer True Is an Inspector required to Determine the remaining life expectancy of the roof covering
- answer No Dead Front - answer The types of connectors which do not allow accidental contact with the wire terminals. Is the inspector required to Determine the accuracy of breaker labeling - answer No An inspector is required to operate all accessible wall and appliance switches: - answer True When inspecting pools and spas and their equipment, an inspector should: Determine the effectiveness of entrapment covers - answer False. Unable to report on "effectiveness" the inspector needs to report only on the condition of the floor, wall or ceilings: - answer False. "Condition" The absence of performing emergency escape and rescue openings in all sleeping rooms (Egress) - answer Report as Deficient
If you are found guilty of inspecting a property without a license, what would be your consequences? - answer Class A Misdemeanor An inspector's license was reprimanded and he was penalized _____ for making material misstatement of fact regarding criminal offense on renewal. - answer (see penalty matrix) The TREC Standards are the _____ guideline for ethical practice. - answer Minimum A client thinks an inspector was negligent, they should contact _____ to discuss filing a lawsuit. - answer An Attorney An inspector was fined ______ after they engaged in the conduct of a home inspection after their license was revoked. - answer (see penalty matrix) If a client has questions regarding their inspection report, they should ask? - answer The Inspector Ground-fault circuit interrupter protection must exist in: - answer Kitchens, Bathrooms, anywhere near water. An inspector's license was reprimanded and he was penalized _____ for failing to protect the public against fraud, misrepresentation or unethical practices in the field of real estate and/or inspection business while associated with him - answer (see penalty matrix) An inspector shall exclude from the inspection any part, component or system which the inspector is not competent or qualified to inspect. - answer True you show up and the house is owned by your grandmother. What do you do? - answer tell client and ask them how they wanted to proceed. The balusters of a deck less than 30" off the ground must have no more than 4" between them. - answer False Is the inspector is required to operate steam heat systems? - answer No Gas log lighter valves that do not function. - answer required to report on Deficiencies in combustion air vent - answer required to report on self-cleaning functions of appliances - answer Not required to inspect According to the TREC SOP, the inspector must report the method used to inspect the roof, if the inspection is performed from other than a roof level - answer True
The inspector shall report the type of cooling system. - answer True a shower enclosure that leaks - answer Report in need of repair The inspector is not required to enter a crawl space if the width of the opening is less than? - answer 2 feet What size drain does a shower pan have? - answer 2 inches The maximum clearance between grade and the bottom of a swimming pool fence is: - answer 2 inches The maximum cord length for a 240V window A/C unit is: - answer 6 feet What type of duty an inspector has - contractual or fiduciary? - answer Failing to provide indirect supervision or a real estate inspector sponsored by the professional inspector in a manner to protect the public is a violation of? - answer (See Penalty Matrix) An inspector's license was reprimanded and he was penalized for failing to protect the public against fraud, misrepresentation or unethical practices in the field of real estate inspections and/or inspection business while associated with him. - answer $1,000-$5, The inspector is required to? a. Report of he/she deemed the furnace to be inaccessible b. Determine the adequacy of heating systems c. Operate steam heat systems d. Program digital type thermostats - answer a. Report of he/she deemed the furnace to be inaccessible The inspector is not required to report: Anything that is not accessible. - answer True Type L venting systems shall terminate not less than ___ feet above the roof and not less than ___ above any portion of the building within 10 feet. - answer 3 and 2 feet A T&P relief valve should be designed to perform at what temperature?? - answer 210 Degrees According to the rules of the Texas Real Estate Commission, each TREC licensee shall furnish a permanent address to the commission and all subsequent changes within __ business days after a change of address. - answer 30
What is the minimum width of the exit door of a home? - answer 36 inches What is the minimum clearance for the incandescent light in a closet? - answer 12 inches Green Lumber has a moisture content of what % or more? - answer 20 The rattling of plumbing pipes that occurs when water flow is suddenly reduced, causing a shock wave is called: - answer Water hammering The minimum acceptable head room in a stairwell is: - answer 80 inches The T&P relief line must be a minimum of: - answer The same size or larger than the opening of the TPRV valve. Usually ¾ inch During an inspection, an inspector needs to remove the service panel cover to determine: Type of branch circuit wiring? - answer True During an inspection the inspector finds clothes in a closet touching a circuit panel. What comments should the inspector write on his/her report? - answer Report as in need of repair Before a Professional Inspector may sponsor an Apprentice, the Professional must have completed the minimum of how many inspections as a Professional Inspector? - answer 200 Does an inspector have to test the shower pan? - answer? What is the size of a plumbing vent? - answer 1 1/4 inches? Real estate inspections and inspectors must follow rules Set forth by the state legislature - answer True The inspector is required to provide a written report in the format required by the state unless a different format is required by an agency of the federal government - answer True Roof inspections always require: (a) Inspecting the roof from the roof surface (b) Identifying the roof covering material (c) reporting on the remaining life expectancy of the roofing material (d) a and b - answer (d) a and b Inspectors should report the approximate depth of attic insulation whenever the insulation is visible - answer True
Inspectors are required to report: missing storm doors and storm windows - answer False During the inspection of a fireplace, inspectors inspect: presence and adequacy on non- combustible hearth extension - answer True During the inspection of a fireplace, inspectors inspect: presence and condition of coping or crown flashing, spark arrestor, and rain cap - answer True Electrical receptacles are usually not inspected for: (a) Reverse polarity (b) Scorch marks (c) grounding (d) correct voltage - answer d GFCI protection is required for receptacles in the Attic - answer False GFCI protection is required for receptacles in the garage - answer True GFCI protection is required for receptacles within how many feet of sinks? - answer 6 Inspectors are required to: inspect condensing units for the cleanliness and condition of fins - answer True Inspectors are required to: observe for the presence and condition of insulation on air conditioner vapor lines - answer True What voltage should be read when sticking the red and black probes of a volt meter in the small and large slot of an outlet? - answer 120 volts What would be the concern if you put a volt meter in a home receptacle and the voltage reading was 242v? - answer There should be a reading of 120v Inspectors must observe: (a) functional water flow at 2 plumbing fixtures operated simultaneously (b) plumbing vent system termination (c) functional drainage of plumbing fixtures (d) all of the above - answer (d) all of the above TPRV with a threaded discharge end should be reported as unsafe - answer True An item that is not an item of concern for a gas fired water heater is: (a) the lack of an appropriate electrical disconnect (b) a water heater that is set on the garage floor (c) signs of flame roll out
