home inspection 700-750 Frequently Tested Questions And Verified Answers With Rationales

Joists are used to attach decks to homes. What is the BEST way to secure joists?

With metal brackets

When concrete is not installed properly, defects inevitably become apparent. What cause do most concrete problems have in common?

Excess water is added

If the garage is attached, what type of door is required between the house and garage?

Self-closing door

Which of the following statements about attic ventilation is true?

Attic ventilation is needed during each season.

Which of the following terms represents rates of energy transfer in an electrical system?

Watt

What is the safest way to inspect the roof?

With binoculars

Which of the following statements is true about septic tanks?

-You may not be able to determine the presence of a septic tank.

-You do not have to inspect a septic tank so it does not matter.

What types of concerns are associated with installed countertops?

=Granite countertops may emit radon

-Zinc countertops can warp

-Quartz countertops are difficult to repair

Where is the BEST location for heat registers in any home?

Below windows

The theory of air movement results in unpleasant outcomes for homes. Which of the following outcomes is NOT a common result of the theory of air movement?

Unpredictable heat gain

While inspecting a home recently built on a slab, you notice a hairline crack on the flooring. Since there appears to be vertical displacement as well, what do you identify as the problem?

A settlement crack

Which of the following examples is NOT a type of junction box?

Metal flapjack box

What is the average temperature differential an AC unit should produce during the summer?

15-20°F

What is the purpose of an anchor bolt?

-To attach structures or objects to concrete

-To prevent structure collapse during earthquakes

-To keep structures and objects in alignment

What is the safety standard for setting water heater temperatures to avoid scalding?

120°F

Which of the following is NOT a possible indication of exhaust spillage from a gas furnace?

Cold air in the draft hood

Crawl spaces should be insulated. What do home inspectors tend to find when inspecting crawl spaces?

-Missing sections of insulation

-Destroyed sections of insulation

-Hanging sections of insulation

During the exterior inspection of a home built in 1972, you notice paint chips on windowsills and on the ground near wood railings. Why should you be concerned?

The paint chips may contain lead.

Which of the following statements is the BEST reason to inspect for proper ventilation in a home?

Ventilation prevents deterioration and decay in the home.

Which of the following coats is NOT part of a three-coat stucco system?

Black coat

Where are you likely to find evidence of black mold during a home inspection?

-On walls in any room

-In kitchen cabinets

-In closets throughout the home

During your inspection of the plumbing system, the owner mentions frequent drain clogs. You decide to check the slope of the drainpipes. Which of the following slopes is recommended for drain lines?

At least 1/4" per foot

The basement of the home you are inspecting has evidence of water leakage. Which of the following problems is NOT a possible cause of water leakage in basements?

Absence of a sump pump

When identifying deficiencies, home inspectors must determine if each deficiency poses a safety hazard. Which of the following deficiencies is the greatest safety concern?

Aged electrical wiring

Which of the following deficiencies is a warning sign of a serious electrical problem?

Discolored electrical outlets

Frequent tripping of circuit breakers

Flickering lights

To determine whether sufficient insulation is in place, home inspectors need to know the different types of insulation available for home use. Which of the following is NOT a type of insulation?

Roll foam

The home you are inspecting may have a solid fuel heating device that needs to be checked. Which of the following heating devices is NOT an example of a solid fuel heating device?

Electric heater

Which type of window is known to be problematic?

Steel casement windows

What is it called when waste pipes are also vent pipes?

Wet venting

R-value is associated with which of the following components?

Insulation

What is the minimum size requirement for emergency escape windows in basements?

5.7 square feet

Which of the following components is not part of a natural gas furnace?

Expansion valve

Which of the following toxins is odorless, invisible, and caused by deposits of natural uranium?

Radon gas

Which of the following constructs are structural components of a home?

-Roof trusses

-Joists

-Floor trusses

What BEST describes the purpose of a flue?

To dispel exhaust gases from fireplaces

In addition to checking for safe handrails, home inspectors need to consider the width and depth of stairs. If stairs have railings on both sides, what is the recommended minimum width for stairways?

36 inches

Asbestos can be found in which of the following materials?

-Wall cladding

-Vinyl flooring

-Roofing shingles

-Insulation

What is a floating foundation?

Foundation that does not include footings

What characteristics of mortar joints do you want to see when inspecting the exterior of a chimney?

-Compressed

-Concave

Which of the following examples is NOT a type of deck?

Swale

Most homes have gutters that require inspections. Which of the following examples is a type of gutter?

Seamless

Which of the following statements related to electrical systems that use aluminum wiring is true?

A certified electrician is the only one able to determine if the wiring is safe.

Which of the following deficiencies is a common defect of combustion venting systems?

-Noises in the heating system

-Smoke from the heating system

-Burn marks on the furnace

Fixtures and faucets are components of the plumbing system. Common defects of fixtures and faucets include all but which one of the following deficiencies?

Low water pressure

Why are restraining cables needed for garage doors?

To prevent injuries if the garage door spring breaks

Lawn irrigation systems tend to have which one of the following defects?

Pipes that need to be replaced

A home inspection contract or agreement must include which of the following elements?

-Limits of the inspection

-Dispute resolution process

-General exclusions

Scope of the inspection

After delivering the inspection report to the client, you receive a call from the seller who wants a copy of the report. How do you handle this situation?

You discuss nothing with him over the phone and do not mail a copy of the report to him.

A real estate agent contacts you and proposes a partnership so she can include your home inspection services in her marketing materials. In accordance with professional standards and the code of ethics for home inspectors, you

thank her but refuse because you do not want to compromise your integrity.

Home inspectors are not required to test for mold or identify mold that is found during an inspection as stated under which section of the home inspection agreement?

General exclusions