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.

Accepted Answer

When the electrical service is less than 100 amps at 110/220 volts, it is most likely that circuit breakers will trip more frequently. Electrical systems rely on circuit breakers to prevent electricity flow overloads. When there is too much pressure on the electrical system because of insufficient amperage, circuit breakers interrupt or shut off access to electricity. Breakers for the affected area flip to the off position so the system is not damaged.

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

Accepted Answer

The primary reason a bathroom requires ventilation is to prevent mold from developing. Moisture in the air that is not exhausted outdoors eventually settles on the walls and floors of the bathroom. That moisture allows mold colonies to develop and grow. Mold is most noticeable around the floorboards, the toilet, and the bathtub/shower where condensation gets trapped. If black mold develops, serious health complications may follow.

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

Accepted Answer

Wood in homes can be damaged by all of the above insects. Powerpost beetles are wood-boring insects that attack hardwoods and softwoods throughout the home. Termites are perhaps the most damaging because they thrive on wood. Just as their name suggests, subterranean termites live underground and tunnel up to the wood structure of homes, causing damage along the way. Drywood termites are likely to be found in attics. Carpenter ants are known to build nests in subfloors, walls, and even ceilings. Homes can be infested with more than one of these insects at the same time.

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

Accepted Answer

Living rooms do not require ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). It is unlikely any outlets in the living room will come into contact with water or other moisture. GFCIs prevent electrical shocks by blocking electricity from reaching the outlet or one of the two sockets when they detect an imbalance in electricity flow. If the interrupter trips the circuit to stop the flow of electricity, it can be turned back on by pushing the GFCI reset button.

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

Accepted Answer

All of the above can cause a pitched roof to sag in sections. Frame supports that are not properly spaced can cause a roof to sag in areas between the supports. When there is insufficient bracing of the ridge beam, sagging will eventually occur as the weight of beam pushes down on areas of roof. The roof is vulnerable to any type of structural failure because it is installed after the structure is in place. If there is a shift in the foundation or damage to an outside wall, the roofing is compromised and may begin to sag in areas.

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

Accepted Answer

All of the above are common types of siding found on American homes. When inspecting the exterior of the home, include in your report the type of siding on the home. You should also provide the typical life expectancy of the type of siding you noted in your report.

Question 7

Where should every home inspection begin?
A)Inside
B)Outside
C)Basement
D)Attic

Accepted Answer

Every home inspection should begin outside. The condition of the home's exterior can impact interior components and systems. By identifying potential problems on the exterior, you are better prepared to inspect the interior of the home.

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

Accepted Answer

You should expect to be able to see all of the above while inspecting the exterior of a home. Fascias, eaves, and soffits are all components of a roof. Each component is accessible and observable if you are standing on the ground.

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

Accepted Answer

When you inspect the roof of a home, you are not examining roofing contractor expertise. You want to determine the type of roofing materials and installation techniques used. You also want to make note of the existence or absence of a roof drainage system and any problems you notice. You should not make any comments or notes about work performed by a contractor.

Question 10

Most American homes have what type of shingles on roofs?
A)Asphalt
B)Wood
C)Tile
D)Slate

Accepted Answer

Most American homes have asphalt shingles on roofs. These shingles tend to be less expensive than other roofing options. Asphalt shingles are available in various forms including coated, three-tab, and architectural.

Question 11

What type of shingle has the longest expected service life?
A)Asphalt
B)Wood
C)Tile
D)Slate

Accepted Answer

The type of shingle that has the longest expected service life is slate. Authentic slate shingles can last at least 50 years. Even synthetic slate shingles, which are cheaper than regular slate shingles, can last years longer than other types of shingles.

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

Accepted Answer

Home inspectors are not required to inspect any of the above items. Any type of installed components like antennae and holiday lights are not part of a standard home inspection. Since the interior of a chimney is not accessible or observable, you are not required to inspect it.

Question 13

Which of the following is a type of window?
A)Jalousie
B)Jalopy
C)Jaunty
D)Jostling

Accepted Answer

Jalousie is a type of window. It is made up of parallel bands of glass panes that can be tilted outward to allow air into the home. Jalousie windows are typically used for porches and are common in the south because they can be left open during warm seasons even when it rains.

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.

Accepted Answer

You are in the basement performing an inspection and notice the washing machine and dryer. You are not required to inspect the connections of the washing machine. Home inspectors are not required to inspect installed appliances at all. Whether or not the appliances work is an issue to be resolved between the seller and buyer. The same holds true for the remaining life expectancy of each appliance. You do need to check the exhaust vent to make sure that gas fumes are not building up inside the home.

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

Accepted Answer

Home inspectors are required to inspect the plumbing system to identify deficiencies. All of the above rooms are required to be inspected. Anywhere there is plumbing and a water supply, you must inspect it to identify problems and hazards. This includes all faucets and fixtures. If the garage has a work area that includes a sink for cleanup, that needs to be inspected as well.

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

Accepted Answer

The roofing system is not part of the overall plumbing system. However, the plumbing system does include drains, waste disposal, and ventilation. Each of these components needs to be inspected individually and as part of the general plumbing 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

Accepted Answer

Part of the plumbing inspection includes both A and B. Inspecting the hot water supply system includes checking water flow and temperature. You also need to check all water heating equipment including hot water tanks.

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

Accepted Answer

When inspecting the plumbing system, all of the above are appropriate actions. Depending on the age of the home, it is possible to find unusual connections such as the plumbing being vented through the chimney. Clearly, this is not up to standards and your client needs to know that so corrections can be made.

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.

Accepted Answer

Aluminum siding might need to be grounded. It generally depends on city code. Home inspectors who work in communities that have this mandate will inform clients of the requirement. You should not test whether or not siding is grounded but instead recommend the client hire an expert contractor to handle the task. Include the recommendation in your inspection report.

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

Accepted Answer

During an inspection, you find evidence of wood decay, which is most often caused by excessive exposure to moisture. You should recommend the client bring in an expert to determine the extent of the damage. It is possible the home's structure is weakened if the wood decay is widespread throughout the home.

Quiz 2: Building Science

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

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

Which of the following insects may damage wood in homes?

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) ?

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

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

Where should every home inspection begin?

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

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

Most American homes have what type of shingles on roofs?

What type of shingle has the longest expected service life?

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

Which of the following is a type of window?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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