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Professional Home Inspector state Exam
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The inspector is not required to determine ____ ___ of any system or component. - CORRECT ANSWER--Years of age -Life expectancy -Make model Horizontal waste pipe should slope ____ inch per foot - CORRECT ANSWER-1/4" per foot if < 3 inch pipe. 1/8" per foot if > or = to 3 inch pipe Drip screed - CORRECT ANSWER-Also called weep screed. Used at the base/bottom of stucco walls to release moisture. Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) - CORRECT 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 - CORRECT 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 - CORRECT 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 - CORRECT ANSWER-1 1/ inches overlap, and blind nailing recommended Distance required between wall cladding and roof covering materials? - CORRECT ANSWER-1" to 2" (1 inch minimum, some local code is 2") What is the concern with a Double sided key lock deadbolt - CORRECT 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? - CORRECT ANSWER-Improper installation. Sealing strip or nailing was not done properly.
What is the last part to fail in a slate roof system? - CORRECT 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? - CORRECT ANSWER-Removing the rust, priming and painting. What type of flashing is found on a gable edge? - CORRECT ANSWER-Rake edge or edge flashing. A gable Edge is called a rake. Which construction framing provides fire blocking? - CORRECT ANSWER-a platform- framed structure The Bottom chords of trusses were cut to fit other construction. What is the recommendation? - CORRECT ANSWER-Recommend a structural engineer. What purpose does a barometric damper serve? - CORRECT ANSWER-To control the draft Water is dripping from discharge piping coming from a hydronic heating system. What is most likely the cause? - CORRECT ANSWER-A leak Masonry Chimney is required to be _____ inches from wood framing in the attic? - CORRECT 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? - CORRECT ANSWER-Score or remove the vapor paper What two structural components would be tied together with hurricane ties? - CORRECT ANSWER-Truss/rafter to the top of walls What type of piping is used for a pool circulation system? - CORRECT ANSWER- Schedule 40 PVC Does the main water supply shutoff have to be above grade, below grade, or accessible? - CORRECT ANSWER-Accessible? Distance between interior electrical receptacles? - CORRECT ANSWER-12' A wood burning furnace should be how far away from combustibles - CORRECT ANSWER-18" Dishwasher drain line is installed where in reference to the trap? - CORRECT ANSWER-Above
Foundation anchor bolts shall be at least ___ inch in diameter and shall extend a minimum of ___ inches into the concrete or grouted cells of concrete masonry units. - CORRECT ANSWER-1/2 and 7 inches Foundation anchors should be ___ from ends and ___ apart/between. - CORRECT ANSWER-4-12 inches and 6 feet Floor joists are installed with the crown facing which direction? - CORRECT ANSWER- Up Grounding electrode should be a minimum of ___ feet below grade - CORRECT ANSWER-8' A window in a shower requires safety glazing if the bottom is ___ inches above the shower pan. - CORRECT ANSWER-Less than 60" in any bathing/swimming area Safety glazing is required where - CORRECT 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. - CORRECT ANSWER- 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 - CORRECT ANSWER-A graded flow path used in open drainage systems. Non-Metallic Sheathed Cable (NM) - CORRECT 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? - CORRECT ANSWER-Cool. The large (Suction) line should be cool, low pressure, returning to the condenser outside. Underground feeder (UF) - CORRECT ANSWER-Similar to Nonmetallic sheathed cable (NM), but UF is Designed for wet locations and may be buried. Compressor does what? - CORRECT ANSWER-Compresses cool gas to superheated high pressure gas to send through the condenser.
Condenser does what? - CORRECT 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? - CORRECT 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? - CORRECT 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 - CORRECT ANSWER-3' At least one vent < or = 3 feet from each corner Which type of insulation is combustible? - CORRECT ANSWER-Cellulose (recycled newspaper) Vermiculite Insulation - CORRECT 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 - CORRECT ANSWER- The minimum size water service pipe shall be _____ inch. - CORRECT ANSWER-3/ inch Minimum size of toilet drain piping? - CORRECT ANSWER-3" Minimum drain size for shower? - CORRECT 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 - CORRECT ANSWER-fund balance, which must remain at a required minimum level. The inspector should ____ and ___ their client's interest. - CORRECT ANSWER- Protect/Promote There is no need for inspectors to maintain and increase their level of knowledge of the field - CORRECT ANSWER-False
The report can be changed to include circles of brackets instead of check boxes: - CORRECT ANSWER-False If an item is inspected and no repairs are necessary and no comments are needed, how should the inspector fill it out: - CORRECT ANSWER-Mark the I (inspected) box for that item The inspector may provide a different report as an attachment to the Standard Texas Report: - CORRECT ANSWER-True In a pre-printed version of the Texas Standard Report, the inspector can include a list of items in the Comment space: - CORRECT ANSWER-True An inspector may modify or delete the sections on the form, such as the language under II.B: - CORRECT ANSWER-False An inspector can pre-print the Report, with ruled lines for comments: - CORRECT ANSWER-True The inspector is not required to use the TREC form for: - CORRECT 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: - CORRECT 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: - CORRECT ANSWER-False The inspector is required to report unit power issues: - CORRECT 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 - CORRECT ANSWER-True An inspector shall exclude from the inspection any part, component or system which the inspector is not competent or qualified to inspect: - CORRECT ANSWER- True An inspector must include in the report all components or systems that are found in a home: - CORRECT ANSWER-False
The inspector is not required to report: Anything that is not accessible - CORRECT ANSWER-True The inspector is not required to enter a crawl space where Headroom is less than: - CORRECT ANSWER-18 inches The inspector is not required to enter a crawl space if the width of the access opening is less than: - CORRECT 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 - CORRECT ANSWER-True The inspector is required to: Report the need of repair damaged glazing in windows and exterior doors - CORRECT ANSWER-True The inspector is required to: Report the need of repair of missing or damaged windows and door screens - CORRECT ANSWER-True The inspector must report: Any locks on the interior doors that do not operate - CORRECT ANSWER-False The inspector needs to report: Any locks on exterior doors that do not operate - CORRECT ANSWER-True The inspector is not required to report: Conditions of paint stains or other surface coatings - CORRECT ANSWER-True The inspector is not required to report: The adequacy of the draft of the fireplace - CORRECT ANSWER-True The inspector is not required to report: Fireplace dampers that do not work - CORRECT ANSWER-False The inspector is not required to: Determine the remaining life expectancy of the roof covering - CORRECT ANSWER-True The inspector is required to: Report the type of roof covering - CORRECT 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: - CORRECT ANSWER-True The inspector is not required to report on: Efficiency, adequacy, or capacity of the system - CORRECT ANSWER-True
The inspector is required to: Report in need of repair, a shower enclosure that leaks - CORRECT ANSWER-True The inspector is required to: Inspect the fire sprinkler system - CORRECT ANSWER- False The inspector is required to: Inspect water softeners - CORRECT ANSWER-False The inspector is required to: Report deficiencies in functional drainage - CORRECT ANSWER-True The inspector is required to: Report on 240 volt breakers missing trip ties - CORRECT ANSWER-True The inspector is required to: Determine service capacity amperage or voltage - CORRECT ANSWER-False To be eligible for a real estate inspector license, an applicant must: Hold an apprentice inspector license for - CORRECT ANSWER-at least three months To be eligible for a real estate inspector license, an applicant must complete ____ classroom hours of core real estate inspection courses - CORRECT ANSWER- Real Estate Inspector or Professional Inspector license renewal requires: 32 Hours of Continuing education which shall include the following: - CORRECT ANSWER-24 hrs of qualifying hours and no more than 16 on one subject. 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: - CORRECT ANSWER-12 Months Must provide proof of Professional Lability Insurance of - CORRECT ANSWER- $100, Fees (535.210) The Commission shall charge and collect the following fees for renewal of a license in a timely manner: - CORRECT 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? - CORRECT ANSWER-
Notify the Commission within ___ of a change of Name, Address or if applicable an e-mail address. - CORRECT ANSWER- To Sponsor an apprentice inspector the Professional inspector must have ____ inspections as a professional inspector. - CORRECT ANSWER- 3 attempts to pass License Exams, then: - CORRECT 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. - CORRECT 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 - CORRECT 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... - CORRECT 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. - CORRECT ANSWER-3 Days Acceptable Report Changes - CORRECT 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: - CORRECT 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) )
Dielectric union - CORRECT ANSWER-To connect two dissimilar metal pipes, to prevent corrosion. If the size of the Temperature Pressure Releif valve (TPR) is ¾ inch, what size does the pipe have to be for discharge? - CORRECT ANSWER-3/4 inch, the same. The inspector is not required to: verify the effectiveness of the temperature and pressure relief valve, discharge piping, or pan drain pipes - CORRECT ANSWER-True The inspector is not required to: operate the temperature and pressure relief valve if? - CORRECT ANSWER-the operation of the valve may, in the inspector's reasonable judgment, cause damage to persons or property Evaporative cooler: What is the best example of a cross connection? - CORRECT ANSWER-Water in pan back flowing to service due to gravity report as Deficient: water pressure in excess of ___ PSI - CORRECT ANSWER- Water Heaters: The inspector shall report: - CORRECT ANSWER-(I) the energy source; (II) the capacity of the units; What to do if a downdraft stove top is venting to the exterior under the slab in a PVC pipe. - CORRECT ANSWER-Report as deficient, Improper duct material. Ovens should be reported as deficient if thermostat accuracy is within ___ - CORRECT ANSWER-25 degrees of a setting of 350 Microwaves: The inspector shall inspect built-in units and report as Deficient: - CORRECT ANSWER-1) inoperative units; (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: - CORRECT ANSWER-reported as deficient Garage doors operators: photoelectric sensors must be located - CORRECT ANSWER- less than six inches from the garage floor Dryer Exhaust pipe must be smooth on the inside - CORRECT ANSWER-True Irrigation systems: The inspector shall manually operate... - CORRECT ANSWER-all zones or stations on the system through the controller Irrigation systems - Report as deficient: - CORRECT 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: - CORRECT ANSWER-The type of construction Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs - The Inspector Shall report as deficient: - CORRECT 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: - CORRECT 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: - CORRECT 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? - CORRECT 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. - CORRECT ANSWER-True
The maximum number of residential dwelling units Per the Texas SoP that an inspector may be responsible for: - CORRECT ANSWER- An inspector is not required to enter an attic space unless the headroom is at least: - CORRECT ANSWER-30 inches When inspecting the chimney, the inspector should perform a smoke or chimney test: - CORRECT ANSWER-False If an inspector has knowledge of a possible violation of the rules of TREC, the inspector ____ report the possible violation to the Texas Real Estate Commission. - CORRECT ANSWER-Should Section . Professional Conduct and Ethics outlines the rules of professional conduct for home inspectors. - CORRECT ANSWER-535. If you operate both an inspection business and a home repair business, you can do repairs on the same home you inspect. - CORRECT ANSWER-False The aggregate total against any one inspector is? - CORRECT ANSWER-$30, A licensed real estate person can also inspect the property if they hold both licenses. - CORRECT ANSWER-False Failing to provide indirect supervision for a real estate inspector sponsored by the professional - CORRECT ANSWER-(look up) Inspectors can use the TREC logo on their advertisements. - CORRECT ANSWER- False Inspectors should ___ with other inspectors. - CORRECT ANSWER-Cooperate TREC _____ the use of contracts for inspections. - CORRECT ANSWER-Does not require The inspector _______ the duty of protecting the public against fraud misrepresentation or unethical practices in the field of real estate inspections. - CORRECT ANSWER- Accepts If you are found guilty of inspecting a property without a license, what would be your consequences? - CORRECT 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. - CORRECT ANSWER-(see penalty matrix)
The TREC Standards are the _____ guideline for ethical practice. - CORRECT ANSWER-Minimum A client thinks an inspector was negligent, they should contact _____ to discuss filing a lawsuit. - CORRECT ANSWER-An Attorney An inspector was fined ______ after they engaged in the conduct of a home inspection after their license was revoked. - CORRECT ANSWER-(see penalty matrix) If a client has questions regarding their inspection report, they should ask? - CORRECT ANSWER-The Inspector Ground-fault circuit interrupter protection must exist in: - CORRECT 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 - CORRECT 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. - CORRECT ANSWER-True you show up and the house is owned by your grandmother. What do you do? - CORRECT 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. - CORRECT ANSWER-False Is the inspector is required to operate steam heat systems? - CORRECT ANSWER-No Gas log lighter valves that do not function. - CORRECT ANSWER-required to report on Deficiencies in combustion air vent - CORRECT ANSWER-required to report on self-cleaning functions of appliances - CORRECT 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 - CORRECT ANSWER- True The inspector shall report the type of cooling system. - CORRECT ANSWER-True
KD-19 wood is dried to a moisture content of what % or less? - CORRECT ANSWER- 19 Kiln Dried - 19 % Gas disconnects for fireplaces shall be controlled by listed and labeled shutoff valves, located in the same room outside the hearth and no more than ___ feet from the firebox. - CORRECT ANSWER-3 feet What is the maximum distance of stairs before needing a landing? - CORRECT ANSWER-12 feet Corner pops in a concrete foundation with brick veneer walls are due to: - CORRECT ANSWER-Excessive spalling of the concrete Overhead service conductors shall have a minimum clearance from final grade over public streets, alleys, and road subject to truck traffic of: - CORRECT ANSWER-18 feet The minimum ceiling height in a habitable room is: - CORRECT ANSWER-7 feet The minimum width of a stairway above handrails is: - CORRECT ANSWER-36 inches Down warping occurs when: - CORRECT ANSWER-Expansive clay soil dries and then shrinks along the foundation perimeter causing the foundation to settle The color of the ground wire in a 3 wire electrical system is? - CORRECT ANSWER- Green All swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs must be enclosed with a fence, building wall, a wall that completely surrounds and obstructs access to the swimming pool. The top of the obstruction, whether a fence or a wall, must be the minimum of ___ inches above grade. - CORRECT ANSWER- What is the minimum live load on a balcony? - CORRECT ANSWER-40 psf If a person's license is expired for more than one year, he or she may not renew the license. - CORRECT ANSWER-True An inspector is required to: Report as in need of repair a suction line that lacks insulation? - CORRECT ANSWER-True An inspector is required to: Report as in need of repair a primary condensate drain pipe that lacks insulation? - CORRECT ANSWER-True
An inspector is not required to: Report as in need of repair condensing unit fins which are bent - CORRECT ANSWER-False What is the minimum width of the exit door of a home? - CORRECT ANSWER- inches What is the minimum clearance for the incandescent light in a closet? - CORRECT ANSWER-12 inches Green Lumber has a moisture content of what % or more? - CORRECT ANSWER- The rattling of plumbing pipes that occurs when water flow is suddenly reduced, causing a shock wave is called: - CORRECT ANSWER-Water hammering The minimum acceptable head room in a stairwell is: - CORRECT ANSWER-80 inches The T&P relief line must be a minimum of: - CORRECT 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? - CORRECT 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? - CORRECT 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? - CORRECT ANSWER- Does an inspector have to test the shower pan? - CORRECT ANSWER-? What is the size of a plumbing vent? - CORRECT ANSWER-1 1/4 inches? Real estate inspections and inspectors must follow rules Set forth by the state legislature - CORRECT 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 - CORRECT 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 - CORRECT ANSWER-(d) a and b
