Deck 2: Building Science

Question 1

When the electrical service is less than 100 amps at 110/220 volts, which of the following is MOST LIKELY to occur?

A)Power distribution becomes uneven.
B)Circuit breaker trips more frequently.
C)Major electrical appliances don't run.
D)Electrical fuses blow more often.

Answer 1

Circuit breaker trips more frequently.

Question 2

Which of the following is the primary reason a bathroom requires ventilation?

A)To allow odors to escape
B)To keep condensation off the vanity mirror
C)To prevent mold from developing
D)To avoid slipping on the floor

Answer 2

To prevent mold from developing

Question 3

Which of the following insects may damage wood in homes?

A)Powderpost beetles
B)Subterranean termites
C)Drywood termites
D)Carpenter ants
E)All of the above

Answer 3

All of the above

Question 4

You need to test for electrical safety when conducting an inspection. Which one of the following areas DOES NOT require ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs)?

A)Living room
B)Bathroom
C)Unfinished basement
D)Crawl space
E)Garage

Question 5

Which of the following can cause a pitched roof to sag in sections?

A)Inadequate spacing of the frame supports
B)Insufficient bracing of the ridge beam
C)Any type of structural failure
D)All of the above

Question 6

What are the most common types of siding found on American homes?

A)Brick
B)Aluminum
C)Vinyl
D)Wood
E)All of the above

Question 7

Where should every home inspection begin?

A)Inside
B)Outside
C)Basement
D)Attic

Question 8

Which of the following should you expect to be able to see while inspecting the exterior of a home?

A)Fascias
B)Eaves
C)Soffits
D)None of the above
E)All of the above

Question 9

When you inspect the roof of a home, what are you NOT examining?

A)Roofing installation
B)Roofing materials
C)Roofing contractor expertise
D)Roofing drainage components and systems

Question 10

Most American homes have what type of shingles on roofs?

A)Asphalt
B)Wood
C)Tile
D)Slate

Question 11

What type of shingle has the longest expected service life?

A)Asphalt
B)Wood
C)Tile
D)Slate

Question 12

Which of the following are home inspectors required to inspect on the roof?

A)Chimney interiors
B)Holiday lights
C)Antennae
D)None of the above

Question 13

Which of the following is a type of window?

A)Jalousie
B)Jalopy
C)Jaunty
D)Jostling

Question 14

You are in the basement performing an inspection and notice the washing machine and dryer. Which of the following statements is true?

A)You are required to turn both appliances on to verify they work.
B)You are not required to inspect the connections of the washing machine.
C)You are required to determine the remaining life expectancy of the appliances.
D)You are not required to check the exhaust vent of a gas dryer.

Question 15

Home inspectors are required to inspect the plumbing system to identify deficiencies. Which of the following rooms have to be inspected?

A)Bathroom
B)Kitchen
C)Laundry room
D)All of the above

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT part of the overall plumbing system?

A)Roofing system
B)Ventilation system
C)Waste system
D)Drain system

Question 17

Part of the plumbing inspection includes which of the following elements?

A)Hot water supply system
B)Water heating equipment
C)Both A and B
D)Neither A or B

Question 18

Which of the following are appropriate actions to take when inspecting the plumbing system?

A)Assessing vent systems
B)Checking flues
C)Examining chimneys
D)All of the above
E)None of the above

Question 19

Which one of the following statements about aluminum siding is true?

A)Aluminum siding only lasts for 10 years.
B)Aluminum siding must be repainted every five years.
C)Aluminum siding might need to be grounded.
D)Aluminum siding typically looks cheap.

Question 20

During an inspection, you find evidence of wood decay, which is most often caused by which of the following?

A)Carpenter ants
B)Drywood termites
C)Excessive exposure to the sun
D)Excessive exposure to moisture

Question 21

You notice the chimney is leaning. The owner tells you it has been in that condition since he purchased the home 20 years ago. What is your response?

A)Determine the owner is lying to you because a leaning chimney would not last that long.
B)Determine the chimney needs to be repaired regardless of the duration of the problem.
C)Determine the owner has been lucky the chimney has not collapsed during that time.
D)Determine nothing is wrong with the chimney since it has lasted that long.

Question 22

Home inspectors are required to inspect stairs for safety. Which of the following is the maximum acceptable height difference between risers?

A)0"
B)1/4"
C)3/8"
D)1/2"

Question 23

You notice the owner has installed a divider wall between the kitchen and dining room. You measure it and find it is 4½ feet tall. How do you handle this situation?

A)Do nothing because there is nothing unusual about it.
B)Include the presence of the divider wall in your report.
C)Ask to see the documents indicating it was approved by an engineer.
D)Remove the divider wall because it is in violation of city codes.

Question 24

What is the type of window that is most commonly found in homes older than 30 years?

A)Casement windows
B)Double-hung windows
C)Picture windows
D)Bay windows

Question 25

When inspecting smoke detectors, you want to make note of their locations. The ideal placement of a smoke detector is

A)Right inside each bedroom.
B)In the corner of each bedroom that is furthest from the door.
C)In the kitchen, as close to the stove as possible.
D)In hallways outside of bedrooms.

Question 26

Flashing is associated with which housing feature?

A)Garage
B)Roof
C)Basement
D)Deck

Question 27

What types of defects should you look for when inspecting the roof of a home?

A)Loose shingles
B)Missing shingles
C)Cracked shingles
D)Broken shingles
E)All of the above

Question 28

What is the most common type of defect associated with roof vents?

A)Water leakage
B)Poor ventilation
C)General deterioration
D)Weather damage

Question 29

Home inspectors are required to identify shut-off valves on water heaters. What type of shut-off valves can you expect to see when inspecting a water heater?

A)It depends on the location of the water heater.
B)It depends on the type of water heater.
C)It depends on the size of the water heater.
D)It depends on the price of the water heater.

Question 30

Which of the following materials are NOT used for gutters?

A)Copper
B)Aluminum
C)Plastic
D)Wood
E)Leather

Question 31

Which of the following conditions are you looking for when inspecting skylights?

A)Position of skylights on the roof
B)Limited visibility through the panes
C)Cracked panes and corroding frames
D)None, because you should not be inspecting skylights

Question 32

When inspecting fiber-cement siding, which of the following are you MOST likely to find?

A)The siding has warped or rotted.
B)The siding has warped but has not rotted.
C)The siding has not warped or rotted.
D)The siding has not warped but has rotted.

Question 33

Which type of installed heating equipment must be included in your inspection?

A)Furnace
B)Baseboard registers
C)Radiator
D)All of the above

Question 34

When a retaining wall is constructed without the use of mortar, what is it called?

A)Dry retaining wall
B)Wet retaining wall
C)Mortar-free retaining wall
D)Glass block retaining wall

Question 35

You notice an odor that resembles rotten eggs while inspecting a home. Which of the following statements is MOST likely to be true?

A)There is spoiled food in the refrigerator.
B)There is a dead animal in the vicinity.
C)There is a problem with the waste disposal system.
D)There is Chinese drywall in the home.

Question 36

Which of the following examples is NOT a type of heating system?

A)Hydronic
B)Hydraulic
C)Radiant heat
D)Steam radiant

Question 37

What is the most common type of heating system you expect to find in homes?

A)Hot water baseboard system
B)Geothermal heating system
C)Central heating system
D)Radiant heating system

Question 38

Which of the following are methods for heating air in forced air heating systems?

A)Propane
B)Electricity
C)Oil
D)All of the above

Question 39

Why are central heating systems so popular?

A)Furnaces are centrally located in every home.
B)The system can be used for heating and cooling.
C)The system is easy to understand and maintain.
D)Furnaces are designed to last for 50 years.

Question 40

You should not turn on air conditioning units during cold weather when inspecting air cooling systems. What should the outdoor temperature be before you test these units?

A)At least 32 degrees
B)At least 40 degrees
C)At least 53 degrees
D)At least 60 degrees

Question 41

Which of the following is a common problem associated with electronic air filters?

A)Difficult to install in HVAC systems
B)Require expert to maintain
C)Need to be cleaned often
D)Only last about 12 months

Question 42

Which of the following descriptions is NOT a common deficiency associated with rain gutters?

A)Sagging
B)Corrosion
C)Misalignment
D)Absence

Question 43

Vent stacks are components of which of the following systems?

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

Question 44

Which of the following structures require inspection?

A)Floor structures
B)Wall structures
C)Ceiling structures
D)All of the above
E)Only A and B

Question 45

Which of the following ceiling defects is NOT a cause for concern?

A)Water stains
B)Loose plaster
C)Paint discoloration
D)Peeling paint

Question 46

Where is the BEST location for a light fixture that illuminates a stairway?

A)At the top of the stairs
B)At the bottom of the stairs
C)Halfway down the stairs
D)Depends on the stairway

Question 47

Which of the following examples is a common type of foundation system?

A)Basement
B)Slab
C)Crawl space
D)All of the above

Question 48

How is a typical basement constructed?

A)Concrete is poured in the beams, then the walls, then in the slab inside the walls.
B)Concrete is poured in the slab inside the walls, then in the walls, then in the beams.
C)Concrete is poured in the beams, then the slab inside the walls, then in the walls.
D)Concrete is poured in the walls, then in the beams, then in the slab inside the walls.

Question 49

What is the theory of heat transfer?

A)Heat can be transferred by conduction, convection, and radiation.
B)Heat can be transferred by emission, secretion, and radiation.
C)Heat can be transferred by convention, reduction, and radiation.
D)Heat can be transferred by confection, conveyance, and reduction.

Question 50

What is delaminating and where is it likely to occur?

A)It is the peeling of glazes found on windows and doors.
B)It is the splitting of wood on kitchen cabinets.
C)It is the deterioration of wood trim or wood surfaces on windows and doors.
D)It is corrosion on the reflective side of mirrors.

Question 51

How would a home inspector use a moisture meter during an inspection?

A)To determine if there is excess moisture in ductwork
B)To determine if there is excess moisture in wood
C)To determine if there is excess moisture in ceilings
D)To determine if these is excess moisture around electrical outlets

Question 52

When inspecting a brick veneer wall, which of the following aspects is especially troubling?

A)Condition of the mortar used to bind the bricks
B)Presence of space between the foundation and bricks
C)Appearance of weep holes between bricks
D)Loose metal ties that are no longer secured to the wall

Question 53

Which of the following is a basic principle of the theory of refrigerant cycling?

A)That energy is converted, not created
B)That energy is created, not converted
C)That energy is transferred before it is converted
D)That energy is created before it is transferred

Question 54

Which of the following fireplace components are NOT required to be inspected?

A)Fire screens
B)Flue interior
C)Mantles
D)All of the above

Question 55

When is the ideal time to replace planks on wood decks?

A)During hot weather
B)During cold weather
C)When it is necessary
D)When it is convenient

Question 56

What is a fascia?

A)A coolant used in air conditioning units
B)A type of window treatment
C)A board situated under the edge of a roof
D)A tropical flower

Question 57

There are several different types of pests you might encounter during a home inspection. Which of the following is the most destructive?

A)Chimney cricket
B)Formosan termite
C)Cedar breather
D)Extended plenum

Question 58

What type of safety control is required on water heaters?

A)Temperature and pressure relief valve
B)Cold water and temperature relief valve
C)Hot water and temperature relief valve
D)Water and temperature relief valve

Question 59

When inspecting the electrical system, you need to know about electrical amperage. Which of the following is the BEST definition of electrical amperage?

A)It is the amount of pressure placed on the electrical system.
B)It is the unit of measurement for the electrical system.
C)It is the power of an electrical current.
D)It is the number of electrons in an electrical current.

Question 60

Where is the most common place to find plumbing-related damage in the bathroom?

A)Wall behind the toilet
B)Around sink fixtures
C)Near shower fixtures
D)Wall behind the sink

Question 61

It is not unusual for foundations to become compromised because the surrounding soil has insufficient grading. Which of the following is the BEST grade allowance?

A)No more than ½" per foot for three feet
B)No more than ¾" per foot for four feet
C)At least 2" per foot for five feet
D)At least 1" per foot for six feet

Question 62

What is the ideal tread run for stairs?

A)9"
B)10"
C)11"
D)12"

Question 63

Which of the following defects can result in serious safety problems in the bathroom?

A)Water damage on floor around toilet
B)Cracked mirror on sink vanity
C)Dripping faucets on shower wall
D)Leaking pipes under sink

Question 64

Which of the following elements is NOT a common characteristic of a railing system?

A)Baserail
B)Baluster
C)Balcony
D)Banister

Question 65

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

A)With metal braces
B)With metal brackets
C)With long nails
D)With short nails

Question 66

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

A)Excess concrete is added
B)Excess water is added
C)Insufficient mixture time
D)Inappropriate mixture methods

Question 67

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

A)Sliding door
B)Solid wood door
C)Screen door
D)Self-closing door

Question 68

Which of the following statements about attic ventilation is true?

A)Attic ventilation is needed during the fall.
B)Attic ventilation is needed during the spring.
C)Attic ventilation is needed during the summer.
D)Attic ventilation is needed during the winter.
E)Attic ventilation is needed during each season.

Question 69

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

A)Watt
B)Amp
C)Ohm
D)Volt

Question 70

What is the safest way to inspect the roof?

A)With a ladder
B)With binoculars
C)From the attic
D)All of the above

Question 71

Which of the following statements is true about septic tanks?

A)You can clearly see signs of a septic tank in the soil.
B)You may need to ask the owner about the location of a septic tank.
C)You may not be able to determine the presence of a septic tank.
D)You do not have to inspect a septic tank so it does not matter.
E)Both C and D

Question 72

What types of concerns are associated with installed countertops?

A)Granite countertops may emit radon
B)Zinc countertops can warp
C)Quartz countertops are difficult to repair
D)All of the above

Question 73

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

A)Along the baseboards
B)In the floors
C)Below windows
D)Near doors

Question 74

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?

A)Problems with condensation
B)Increased need for humidification
C)Unpredictable heat gain
D)Concerns about mold

Question 75

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)A settlement crack
B)A shrinkage crack
C)A drainage crack
D)A ventilation crack

Question 76

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

A)One-gang plastic box
B)Two-gang plastic box
C)Metal pancake box
D)Metal flapjack box

Question 77

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

A)5-10° F
B)10-15° F
C)15-20° F
D)20-25° F

Question 78

What is the purpose of an anchor bolt?

A)To attach structures or objects to concrete
B)To prevent structure collapse during earthquakes
C)To keep structures and objects in alignment
D)All of the above

Question 79

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

A)90° F
B)100° F
C)110° F
D)120° F

Question 80

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

A)Condensation
B)Corrosion
C)Cold air in the draft hood
D)Hot air in the draft hood