Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Home inspectors are not required to operate manual stop valves. It is not necessary to actually operate the stop valves to make sure they work. However, most home inspectors do at least check to make sure they are not leaking or rusted to the point of being inoperable.

Question 2

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.

Accepted Answer

Home inspectors are required to describe fireplaces. Descriptions should include the location of each fireplace as well as the type of fireplace in each room. Inspectors are not required to test fireplaces since that can result in property damage if there is something wrong with the fireplace. When inspecting a fireplace, inspectors are not required to move anything that is in their way.

Question 3

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.

Accepted Answer

When you notice the temperature and pressure relief valve on the water heater is leaking, you should recommend the relief valve be replaced. While there is no immediate threat due to the leaking, you do not want water to accumulate for various reasons. It is better to replace the relief valve and not have to worry about unwanted moisture on the floor.

Question 4

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.

Accepted Answer

While inspecting a home, you come across knob-and-tube wiring. In your report, describe its presence and indicate it is an obsolete type of wiring. As long as the wiring has not been modified in any way, it should be safe. However, the client may want to monitor the condition of the wiring and plan to upgrade at some point in the future.

Question 5

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.

Accepted Answer

During your inspection, you use a three light electrical tester to test outlets. This is acceptable as long as you also use a multimeter. A standard electrical tester is unable to identify when ground and neutral wiring are reversed which can be potentially dangerous. A multimeter can easily detect that problem.

Question 6

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.

Accepted Answer

While inspecting a home that was built in the last 20 years, you notice the garage walls are covered with perforated hardboard panels. Your report should reflect that the garage walls appear to be sufficiently fire resistant. As long as the hardboard panels are chemically treated to be fire retardant, the wall covering is perfectly acceptable.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

The drainage system section of your inspection report will contain details about drainage tile. Drainage tile is piping that runs along the outside of a home's foundation. The piping sends accumulated water from that area to your sump pump so it can be deposited away from the foundation.

Question 8

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.

Accepted Answer

It is important to notify clients when there are receptacles that have reversed polarity because there is an increased chance of getting shocked. Shock hazards associated with reversed polarity increase at the point of contact. Appliances will work just fine when plugged in to these receptacles; you need to use a tester to identify receptacles with reversed polarity.

Question 9

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.

Accepted Answer

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. You determine if the wire is live by using a voltage detector. Also known as a voltage "sniffer" or tester, this tool can detect if a wire is hot. If there is voltage being sent through the wire, the detector will light up in reaction to the voltage present in the electrical wire.

Question 10

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.

Accepted Answer

You need to test one 2-prong outlet in every room in the home. If there are 3-prong outlets in the same room, you will need to test one of those as well. It is not necessary to test more than one type of outlet per room unless you find there are problems with the initial outlet you inspect.

Question 11

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.

Accepted Answer

A component that requires some level of destruction or dismantling before it can be inspected is not readily accessible. If you have to remove one component to access another, you do not have to inspect the hidden component. For example, you can easily inspect an electrical outlet but not the actual electrical wiring that is behind walls.

Question 12

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.

Accepted Answer

When a home inspector determines a component is "significantly deficient," it means it is unsafe. It could be that elements are missing or deteriorated. Perhaps there is an interaction with another component that is making the initial component hazard, or the underlying structure could be compromised in some way.

Question 13

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.

Accepted Answer

The expected service life of a component or system is an average. The actual service life of a component or system can be much shorter or much longer than that experienced by other homeowners. It is possible to extend the life of components and systems with proper care and maintenance. However, it is not safe to try to manipulate or jerry-rig a component or system so it lasts longer.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

While inspecting the plumbing, you notice a bulge in a water service pipe. The most likely cause of this bulge is lead. You want to report this finding to your client because a lead service pipe can allow lead to enter drinking water. Homes built before 1986 often have lead service pipes. Depending on the condition of the pipes, your client may need to have them replaced.

Question 15

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.

Accepted Answer

The statement that is an appropriate description to include in your report after inspecting the garage is that the wall between home and garage is not a fire hazard. The wall, as well as any covering, is required to be fire-resistant. Common materials that are used for these walls include stucco and plaster.

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

When inspecting components and systems, safety is a primary concern. The worst safety hazard above is a heat exchanger with a pinhole. Any type of defect in a heat exchanger is dangerous. Carbon monoxide leakage is possible even with the tiniest of defects. Recommend that the heat exchanger not be used until it can be repaired or replaced.

Question 17

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.

Accepted Answer

An arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) cuts off power after identifying arcing in wiring. Arc faults are the primary cause of fires started by electrical wiring. An AFCI looks similar to a GFCI but works in a different way. AFCIs are able to identify dangerous arcs and prevent fires in the home.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

The disclaimer you should include in all inspection reports is that the report is a professional opinion. It is important to establish that you are providing inspection findings based on your education and experience. Your client needs to understand what to expect from an inspection report and how to use it during the home buying due diligence process or for establishing a remodeling plan.

Question 19

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.

Accepted Answer

It is a good idea to include in your inspection report that regardless of inspection findings, the client should plan for unexpected repairs. Since you are conducting a standard inspection, there may be serious problems that are not visible at the time of your inspection. Recommend that clients have at least 1% of the home's value in savings annually to pay for repairs as needed.

Question 20

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.

Accepted Answer

This is an appropriate description to include in the inspection report because it covers the major requirements of a finding. It identifies the deficiency, describes the potential hazards of the deficiency, and recommends corrective action. It is not sufficient only to identify the problem or recommend something be repaired. The client needs to understand why you are recommending a component or system for repair or replacement.

Quiz 1: Analysis Reporting

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

What is required of home inspectors specific to fireplaces?

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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