Deck 1: Analysis Reporting

Question 1

While conducting an inspection, you notice what you believe to be a gas leak. Which of the following actions should you NOT take?

A)Vacate the home
B)Indicate the problem in the inspection report
C)Continue with the inspection
D)Notify all parties and the appropriate authorities

Answer 1

Continue with the inspection

Question 2

When completing the home inspection report, which of the following elements is NOT required?

A)Analysis of geological hazards
B)Comments on cosmetic features
C)Opinion of property location
D)All of the above

Answer 2

All of the above

Question 3

While inspecting the air conditioning system, you notice the return air ducts are inadequate. How do you handle this situation on the home inspection report?

A)Recommend undercutting all bedroom doors
B)Recommend installation of additional return air ducts, especially in bedrooms
C)Recommend installation of additional return air ducts, especially in bathrooms
D)Recommend a new air conditioning system

Answer 3

Recommend installation of additional return air ducts, especially in bedrooms

Question 4

What are home inspectors NOT required to describe when inspecting unfinished spaces?

A)Ventilation
B)Insulation
C)Temperature
D)Vapor retarders

Question 5

Regarding windows, which of the following elements does NOT require a comment in the home inspection report?

A)Absence of window panes
B)Absence of window screens
C)Condition of window screens
D)Condition of window treatments

Question 6

When inspecting the exterior of the home, you notice there are no rain gutters. Your report should reflect which of the following?

A)There are no rain gutters.
B)There are no rain gutters, and the home's foundation is compromised.
C)There are no rain gutters, and the owner must install them.
D)There are no rain gutters, and this is a code violation.

Question 7

After inspecting a vacant property, which of the following is the BEST statement to include in your report?

A)Unable to determine overall condition of electrical system at this time.
B)Pre-closing inspection is recommended.
C)Plumbing system is not available to inspect at this time.
D)Heating and cooling systems are not functional at this time.

Question 8

After completing the home inspection, how should you give your findings to the client?

A)In a written report
B)In a written report with photographs
C)Verbally and in a written report
D)Any of the above

Question 9

Home inspection reports must contain all but which one of the following elements?

A)Remaining life expectancy of appliances
B)Status of the home as occupied or vacant
C)Address of the property inspected
D)Weather conditions at time of inspection

Question 10

You open the electrical service panel and see rust inside the panel near the wires. Which of the following actions should you take?

A)Do nothing as long as the rust is not on the grounding bar.
B)Remove as much of the rust as possible regardless of its location.
C)Describe the findings in your report and recommend an electrician examine the panel.
D)Touch the wires to make sure they are safe to use.

Question 11

The following statement is included in an inspection report: "Gutters are filled with leaves and debris. Remove debris to prevent roof damage." How would you BEST describe this statement?

A)Correct description of relationship between components
B)Incorrect description of relationship between components
C)Inappropriate suggestion for remedy to correct problem
D)Appropriate suggestion for remedy to correct problem

Question 12

To complete the home inspection report, you need to know various acronyms. What does EIFS stand for?

A)Exterior insulation for security
B)Exterior insulation and finish system
C)Exterior installation of finishing system
D)Exterior installation for security

Question 13

While completing the inspection of the electrical system, you realize there is an electrical problem. Which of the following actions do you NOT take?

A)Identify the cause of the electrical problem.
B)Make a note of the electrical problem in your report.
C)Recommend the client contact a certified electrician.
D)Take a picture of the problem area.

Question 14

You test for carbon monoxide accumulation while conducting a home inspection. What should your report reflect?

A)Equipment you used to perform the test
B)Findings of the test in each room tested
C)Recommendations if deficiencies are found
D)All of the above

Question 15

Your client requests a "technically exhaustive" inspection. How do you respond?

A)You prepare to perform an in-depth inspection of all systems and concealed components.
B)You contact expert technicians to complete the in-depth inspections of systems.
C)You explain you are only able to perform a standard inspection.
D)You ask what a "technically exhaustive" inspection is before you complete one.

Question 16

If you find deficiencies during an inspection, your inspection report should include which of the following?

A)Summary of deficiencies with repair recommendations
B)Summary of deficiencies with recommendation to buy or sell
C)Summary of deficiencies with commentary about condition of home
D)Summary of deficiencies with a note the home did not pass inspection

Question 17

Which of the following observations is acceptable to include in a home inspection report?

A)Home is structurally sound
B)Roof will last for at least another five years
C)Electrical system is perfectly safe
D)None of the above

Question 18

The reason weather conditions need to be noted on the inspection report is because

A)Inspections in cold weather do not last as long so they cost less.
B)Accumulated snow or ice can prevent proper inspection of exterior components.
C)Inspections in hot weather take longer and cost more.
D)Accumulated rain water can affect the soil around the foundation of a home.

Question 19

What should you do if you are not able to inspect a particular component for some reason?

A)Mark the item as "not inspected" on the report and provide an explanation.
B)Mark the item as "failed" on the report and provide an explanation.
C)Mark the item as "good" on the report and assume everything is fine.
D)Leave the item blank on the report.

Question 20

While inspecting, you notice that the floorboards squeak throughout the home. How do you address this in your report?

A)Recommend wall-to-wall carpeting as a remedy.
B)Recommend dehumidifiers in multiple rooms to eliminate water vapor.
C)Make note of it but make no recommendation for repairs.
D)Make note of it and recommend a structural engineer take a look at the home.

Question 21

You include the following statement in your report: "The basement is dry and is in good condition." How would you label this statement?

A)Recommendation
B)Disclaimer
C)Description
D)Conclusion

Question 22

While performing an inspection, you notice tiny white bugs in the corner of a room. How do you report your findings?

A)Make note of observation and recommend client hire a pest control expert.
B)Make note of observation and recommend client find another property.
C)Do not make note of observation since you are not a pest control expert.
D)Do not make note of observation because it was just a few termites.

Question 23

Home inspection reports include all of these findings EXCEPT which one?

A)When a component is defective
B)When a component is cosmetic
C)When a component is hazardous
D)When a component is not present

Question 24

The client wants to know if the appliances are working properly. How do you respond?

A)If you do not inspect appliances, inform your client in advance.
B)If you do not inspect appliances, suggest the client get another inspector.
C)If you do inspect appliances, include your findings in the report.
D)Any of the above is an acceptable response.

Question 25

Ivy is taking over part of an exterior wall of the home. How do you BEST address this in your report?

A)Conclude it may damage the exterior wall.
B)Conclude it may eventually decrease the home's value.
C)Conclude it may affect the home's interior temperature.
D)Conclude it may discolor the exterior wall.

Question 26

When describing the siding of a home, which of the following is an appropriate response?

A)It looks to be about 25 years old and should be replaced.
B)It looks to be about 25 years old and needs to be repainted.
C)It is made of aluminum and has multiple missing nails.
D)It is made of aluminum and has been painted an ugly green.

Question 27

Home inspectors are not required to inspect recreational facilities. Which of the following is NOT considered a recreational facility?

A)Swimming pool
B)Sauna
C)Steam bath
D)Walk-in shower

Question 28

When performing an inspection, you need to determine if individual components are safe. Which of the following actions can cause a component to be unsafe?

A)Damage to the component
B)Improper installation of the component
C)Deterioration of the component
D)All of the above

Question 29

A standard home inspection is different from a technically exhaustive inspection. Which of the following elements is NOT included in a standard home inspection?

A)Inspection of installed components and systems
B)Inspection of hidden components and systems
C)Inspection of visually observable components and systems
D)Inspection of readily accessible components and systems

Question 30

When you notice a problem with a component or system during an inspection, which of the following should you include in your report?

A)Recommendations to ignore the deficiency
B)Recommendations to correct the deficiency
C)Recommendations to monitor the deficiency
D)Both A and B are acceptable recommendations
E)Both B and C are acceptable recommendations

Question 31

Heating systems often use PEX tubing. What does PEX stand for?

A)Polyethylene exchange
B)Polyvinyl exchange
C)Cross-linked polyethylene
D)Cross-linked polyvinyl

Question 32

Your inspection report must contain details on which of the following problems?

A)Unsafe components or systems
B)Improper functioning of components or systems
C)Components or systems that are nearing the end of their service life
D)All of the above

Question 33

Which of the following are you required to inspect during your inspection of the home's exterior?

A)Sheds
B)Docks
C)Fences
D)Carport

Question 34

Your client is interested in starting a home-based business in the home you are inspecting. When asked if the home is suitable for the type of business planned, how do you respond?

A)"I believe it is a suitable use for the property."
B)"I am unable to determine the suitability of the property."
C)"It is not appropriate for me to make a recommendation either way."
D)"I believe you should find another type of home-based business."

Question 35

When you turn on the faucets, you notice the water pressure is typical. You indicate this in your report, but your client wants to specifically know if it is sufficient for a family of four. How do you respond?

A)Indicate that as long as they conserve water, it should be fine.
B)Indicate you do not make determinations of adequacy for any component or system.
C)Indicate you are happy to make repairs to improve water pressure.
D)Indicate the water pressure will only get worse over time.

Question 36

You are inspecting a home in a community with recently implemented ordinances pertaining to noise control. Your client wants to know if the walls are soundproof enough to allow for social gatherings while still meeting ordinance requirements. How should you respond?

A)Remind your client the inspection does not include determining compliance with ordinances.
B)Recommend your client hire a structural engineer to test the walls' soundproofing.
C)Suggest your client hire a soundproofing expert to renovate the walls in order to be compliant.
D)Tell your client about a friend of yours who specializes in soundproofing homes.

Question 37

Your client mentions he plans to flip the property after buying it and wants you to perform your inspection from the standpoint of determining value and marketability of the home. How do you reflect this information in your report?

A)You provide the best estimate possible in your report.
B)You have an appraiser review your report and get an estimate for your report.
C)You do not include any information on property value or marketability in your report.
D)You talk to neighbors to determine local property values and include estimate in your report.

Question 38

Which types of warning devices are you required to discuss in your inspection report?

A)Carbon monoxide detectors
B)Smoke detectors
C)Security alarms
D)Only A and B
E)Only B and C

Question 39

Home inspection reports are required to include the location of which of the following components?

A)Security alarm panel
B)Main water shut-off valve
C)Fuel shut-off valve
D)All of the above
E)Only B and C

Question 40

While conducting an inspection, you notice the foundation walls have major cracks. What do you say about your findings in the inspection report?

A)Describe the cracks and indicate they can be repaired at minimal cost.
B)Describe the cracks and suggest the client stay out of the basement.
C)Describe the cracks and recommend the client hire a structural engineer.
D)Describe the cracks and inform the client of the decrease in property value.

Question 41

While inspecting the furnace, you notice the heat exchanger is rusted. What is the proper way to describe this in your inspection report?

A)Describe your findings and submit the report.
B)Describe your findings and recommend the furnace be replaced.
C)Describe your findings and suggest the furnace not be used.
D)Describe your findings and indicate the furnace is no longer effective.

Question 42

What is the expected service life of vinyl siding?

A)10 years in humid climates
B)15 years in cool climates
C)20 years in dry climates
D)25 years in all climates

Question 43

You notice bulging plaster on one of the living room walls. You determine this is a

A)Possible safety concern
B)Problem with the installation
C)Cosmetic problem with the wall
D)Dilemma that requires an expert's opinion

Question 44

Why should you NOT recommend copper gutters to your client after your inspection reveals the existing gutters to be pitted?

A)Because pitted gutters are just fine
B)Because pitted gutters are a cosmetic problem
C)Because it is not your place as an inspector
D)Because it is not a good recommendation

Question 45

If you include photographs with your inspection report, do you need to provide a disclaimer?

A)No, the photographs speak for themselves so a disclaimer is redundant.
B)No, the photographs are not required so any type of disclaimer is not needed.
C)Yes, the photographs should not be viewed critically since you are an amateur.
D)Yes, the photographs may not reflect all deficiencies found during the inspection.

Question 46

What is another way to describe the roof deck?

A)Trussing
B)Joisting
C)Sheathing
D)Shingling

Question 47

Which of the following are you required to inspect?

A)Driveways
B)Patios
C)Adjacent walkways
D)All of the above
E)Only A and B
F)Balconies
G)Porches
H)Steps with railings
I)Steps without railings

Question 48

Which one of the following is an acceptable format for a home inspection report?

A)Narrative report only
B)Checklist report only
C)Narrative and checklist report
D)Any of the above

Question 49

Which of the following are common tools used by home inspectors?

A)Marble
B)Flashlight
C)Awl
D)Only A and B
E)All of the above

Question 50

Why do home inspectors keep magnets on hand during inspections?

A)To make sure the surface of refrigerator doors work properly
B)To verify mirrors in the home are authentic
C)To test plumbing pipes for iron material
D)To post notes for the owner

Question 51

What is the "representative number" of components that must be examined during an inspection?

A)One of similar components in each room
B)One of similar components in the entire home
C)At least half of the similar components in each room
D)At least half of the similar components in the entire home

Question 52

What type of information should you include in your inspection report concerning pitched roofs?

A)The roof needs to be cleaned.
B)There are sections that have been patched.
C)Certain areas appear to be sagging.
D)All of the above

Question 53

Which of the following descriptions is a good indication there is a problem with a flat roof?

A)Proper drainage system in place
B)Recent replacement of split sections
C)Evidence of ponding water
D)Proof eroded areas have been repaired

Question 54

What are the white mineral deposits that often coat brick chimneys on some homes called?

A)Evanescence
B)Efflorescence
C)Effervescence
D)Fluorescence

Question 55

Which of the following are common materials used to build chimneys?

A)Concrete block
B)Stone
C)Brick
D)All of the above

Question 56

Single-ply membranes are associated with which of the following systems?

A)Roofing system
B)Plumbing system
C)Electrical system
D)Ventilation system

Question 57

Which of the following is the correct meaning of HVAC?

A)Heat vacuum exchange
B)Heat, vent, and air condition
C)Heaters, ventilation, and air conditioners
D)Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning

Question 58

Which of the following systems are inspectors NOT required to inspect?

A)Lawn sprinkler
B)Solar water heating
C)Water conditioning
D)All of the above

Question 59

Which of the following is the BEST reason why home inspectors are not required to inspect window air conditioning units?

A)There are too many types of units to know
B)Units are treated similar to appliances
C)Units do not involve ductwork or vents
D)Units are considered to be optional

Question 60

Your client wants to know about the quality of the water supply. How should you respond?

A)Explain that home inspectors do not test water supply quality.
B)Explain that it costs extra for you to test water supply quality.
C)Explain that there is no need to test water supply quality.
D)Explain that there is no way to test water supply quality.

Question 61

Which one of the following actions is NOT required of home inspectors?

A)Identifying gas shut-off valves
B)Finding water shut-off valves
C)Operating manual stop valves
D)Describing location of shut-off valves

Question 62

What is required of home inspectors specific to fireplaces?

A)Inspectors are required to ignore fireplaces.
B)Inspectors are required to test fireplaces.
C)Inspectors are required to describe fireplaces.
D)Inspectors are required to move logs to inspect fireplaces.

Question 63

What should you recommend when you notice the temperature and pressure relief valve on the water heater is leaking?

A)Recommend the water heater be replaced.
B)Recommend the relief valve be replaced.
C)Recommend the client find another property.
D)Recommend nothing since there is no safety hazard.

Question 64

While inspecting a home, you come across knob-and-tube wiring. What do you say in your report?

A)There is nothing to say because this type of wiring does not exist.
B)There is nothing special to note about this type of wiring.
C)Describe its presence but make no other comments.
D)Describe its presence and indicate it is an obsolete type of wiring.

Question 65

During your inspection, you use a three light electrical tester to test outlets. This is acceptable as long as

A)You use the most expensive tester available.
B)You also use a multimeter.
C)You provide details about the tester make and model in your report.
D)You know how to read tester results.

Question 66

While inspecting a home that was built in the last 20 years, you notice the garage walls are covered with perforated hardboard panels. What should your report reflect?

A)The garage walls are quite functional.
B)The garage walls appear to be quite attractive.
C)The garage walls appear to be sufficiently fire resistant.
D)The garage walls are a fire hazard.

Question 67

What section of your inspection report will contain details about drainage tile?

A)Section on plumbing system
B)Section on electrical system
C)Section on roofing system
D)Section on drainage system

Question 68

Why is it important to notify clients when there are receptacles that have reversed polarity?

A)There is an increased chance of getting shocked.
B)There is an increased chance of burning out computers.
C)There is an increased chance major appliances will not work.
D)There is an increased chance of saving money on electrical bills.

Question 69

You notice an electrical wire is hanging from the ceiling in the basement. The owner says it has always been like that and believes it is not connected to anything. How do you determine if the wire is live?

A)Reach up and touch it.
B)Throw water on it.
C)Assume it is hot.
D)Use a voltage detector.

Question 70

Which of the following statements is true as it relates to a "representative number" of outlets in the home you are inspecting?

A)You need to test one 3-prong outlet anywhere in the home.
B)You need to test two 2-prong outlets anywhere in the home.
C)You need to test one 2-prong outlet in every room in the home.
D)You need to test two 3-prong outlets in every room in the home.

Question 71

How would you describe a component that requires some level of destruction or dismantling before it can be inspected?

A)It is not visually accessible.
B)It is not readily accessible.
C)It is visually accessible.
D)It is readily accessible.

Question 72

What does it mean when a home inspector determines a component is "significantly deficient?"

A)It is unsafe.
B)It is too short.
C)It is low quality.
D)It is not attractive.

Question 73

Which of the following statements is true about expected service life and remaining service life?

A)It is possible to calculate remaining service life of a component or system.
B)It is safe to manipulate the remaining service life of a component or system.
C)The expected service life of a component or system is an average.
D)The expected service life of a component or system is a guarantee.

Question 74

While inspecting the plumbing, you notice a bulge in a water service pipe. What is most likely to be the cause of this bulge?

A)Aluminum
B)Lead
C)Copper
D)None of the above

Question 75

Which of the following statements is an appropriate description to include in your report after inspecting the garage?

A)The wall between the home and garage is not a fire hazard.
B)The wall between the home and garage does not have electrical outlets.
C)The wall between the home and garage is not needed.
D)The wall between the home and garage includes an attractive door.

Question 76

When inspecting components and systems, safety is a primary concern. Which of the following conditions is considered the WORST safety hazard?

A)Stairways with no handrails
B)Deck that is leaning
C)Attic that is not ventilated
D)Heat exchanger with a pinhole

Question 77

Which of the following statements is true about an arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI)?

A)There is no such thing.
B)It works just like a GFCI.
C)It cuts off power after identifying arcing in wiring.
D)It opens electrical circuits after detecting arcing in the electrical system.

Question 78

Which of the following disclaimers should you include in all inspection reports?

A)That the report is a professional opinion
B)That the report is a warranty for services
C)That the report is a guarantee of findings
D)That the report replaces the inspection agreement

Question 79

It is a good idea to include which of the following statements in your inspection report?

A)Regardless of inspection findings, client should plan to replace appliances.
B)Regardless of inspection findings, client should plan for unexpected repairs.
C)Based on inspection findings, client can expect to spend $1,000s in repairs annually.
D)Based on inspection findings, client will not need to make repairs for several years.

Question 80

Following is an example of an inspection finding: "Fans in the bathroom are not vented properly. The attic may develop moisture/mold problems as a result of the improper venting in the bathroom. Fans should be vented to outside of the home." Is this an appropriate description to include in the inspection report?

A)No, it is too complicated for the client to understand.
B)No, it does not include the name of a technician who can make the repair.
C)Yes, it is an expected finding in the bathroom.
D)Yes, it covers the major requirements of a finding.