Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

You include the following statement in your report: "The basement is dry and is in good condition." This statement is a conclusion. You made an observation about the basement being dry and since you found no obvious deficiencies, you concluded the basement to be in good condition. You are not making any type of recommendation based on your findings. A disclaimer might begin with "based on my observations," which this does not. It exceeds a description because it includes a judgment of the basement's condition.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

While performing an inspection, you notice tiny white bugs in the corner of a room. You report your findings by making note of your observations and recommending the client hire a pest control expert. It is likely there are termites in the home, but you cannot tell the amount of damage already caused by them. A termite exterminator can assess the situation and provide a more accurate report of the infestation to the client.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Home inspection reports include all of these findings except when a component is cosmetic. Inspectors must report whenever there is a deficiency or a component is defective. All safety issues must be reported to the client and possibly to the homeowner and appropriate authorities as well. If a component is not present, such as central heating and air conditioning, it needs to be noted in the report.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

The client wants to know if the appliances are working properly. Inspectors are not required to inspect appliances. However, it is entirely up to you to decide if that is a service you are going to offer clients. If so, you should know enough about all types of appliances to adequately perform appliance inspections. Or, the client can have someone else check out the appliances while you perform a standard inspection of the home.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Ivy is taking over part of an exterior wall of the home. You address this in your report by concluding it may damage the exterior wall. Ivy and other vegetation can damage exterior walls by getting into the stucco or growing behind siding, which allows moisture to seep in and do even more damage. You can also recommend it be removed so current damage can be assessed and repaired.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

When describing the siding of a home, an appropriate response is that it is made of aluminum and has multiple missing nails. In addition to describing the siding material as required, the fact that there are missing nails indicates there are deficiencies in the siding. Without the nails, the wind can get behind the siding and lift it away from the home's exterior. Moisture can get behind the siding and cause damage to the home.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Home inspectors are not required to inspect recreational facilities. A walk-in shower is not considered a recreational facility. You will need to perform a standard inspection on the shower. Include relevant findings in your inspection report.

Question 8

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?

Accepted Answer

When performing an inspection, you need to determine if individual components are safe. A component can be unsafe for all of the above reasons. Damage can result from misuse of a component or an accident. If the component was not installed properly to begin with, it can become unsafe over time. Natural wear and tear causes components to deteriorate and become unsafe.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

A standard home inspection is different from a technically exhaustive inspection. A standard home inspection does NOT include inspection of hidden components and systems. You are only required to inspect components and systems that are observable and accessible. You do not need to inspect anything that is not installed since there is no way to determine if it works properly.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

When you notice a problem with a component or system during an inspection, both B and C are acceptable recommendations. You should never recommend a client ignore any deficiency. Instead, recommend they correct the problem or at least monitor it and make repairs at some point in the future.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Heating systems often use PEX tubing. PEX stands for cross-linked polyethylene. It is a common alternative to copper tubing in homes. It is available in various diameters, which makes it versatile.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Your inspection report must contain details on all of the above problems. Any time you identify a problem that is a potential safety hazard, you must make a note in your report. If a component or system is not working properly, indicate this as well as the type of technician needed to fix the problem. Always include details on the service life of components and systems so the client has an estimate of the amount of time remaining before repairs or replacements might be needed.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

During your inspection of the home's exterior, you are required to inspect the carport. Other types of outbuildings such as sheds do not have to be inspected. Fences and docks are not required inspection areas since they are not connected to the home and cannot damage the home's structural integrity.

Question 14

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?

Accepted Answer

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, you respond, "It is not appropriate for me to make a recommendation either way." Home inspectors are not required to determine the suitability of a home for a particular use based on inspection outcomes. Your role is to provide an objective summary of the home's condition so the client can make informed decisions related to the property.

Question 15

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?

Accepted Answer

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. You respond by indicating you do not make determinations of adequacy for any component or system. It is up to the client to determine if they are happy with the water pressure. It is a matter of preference and the client can make changes to improve the strength of the pressure or overall efficiency of the plumbing system.

Question 16

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?

Accepted Answer

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. You respond by reminding your client the inspection does not include determining compliance with ordinances. Home inspectors are not required to determine if city building codes, local or state ordinances, or other regulations are being met or violated. You can only provide details about the condition of the home.

Question 17

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?

Accepted Answer

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. You should not include any information on property value or marketability in your report. You are a home inspector, not an appraiser. Providing such information is beyond your scope of responsibility.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

The types of warning devices you are required to include in your inspection report are only A and B. You especially want to indicate the presence or absence of these detectors. You are not required to inspect security alarms of any kind.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

Home inspection reports are required to include the location of only B and C. You are required to clearly indicate where the shut-off valves for water and fuel to the home are located. Clients need to know if those locations are easily accessible in case of an emergency.

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

While conducting an inspection, you notice the foundation walls have major cracks. In the inspection report, describe the cracks and recommend the client hire a structural engineer. Depending on the location of the cracks, a soils engineer may also need to be contacted to further evaluate the home's foundation. Home inspectors should never discuss possible costs associated with repairs. The same is true with respect to the value of a home.

Quiz 1: Analysis Reporting