ASHI National Exam Flashcards
Doing a home inspection what is the responsibility of the inspector?
Detect, evaluate, and direct (recommend).
Swimming pool fence must prevent passage of a sphere that is larger than A. 2 inches B. 3 inches C. 4 inches D. 5 inches
C. 4 inches
At what level would water pressure within a single-family dwelling begin to be considered excessive and require correction? A. 60 psi B. 80 psi C. 100 psi D. 120 psi
B. 80 psi
Gas-fired furnace heat exchangers most often fail from A. Low temperatures B. Lack of use C. Improper gas pressure D. Rust and metal fatigue
- D
If water infiltration is suspected behind a finished surface. What tool would be the best choice to verify dampness? A. And Infrared thermometer B. I can pin-type Moisture meter C. A Non-contact moisture meter D. A digital camera
C. A non-contact moisture meter
In a forced air heating system containing a split system air conditioner and a humidifier, humidity is reduced by A. Running the humidifier in reverse B. Condensation at the Condenser coil C. Condensation at the evaporator coil D. Condensation within the compressor
C. Condensation at the evaporator coil
Most problems with concrete or caused at the time of installation. What single factor causes the most problems?
A. The concrete has insufficient thickness
B. Too much water is added to the mix
C. Too much Portland cement is in the mix
D. The wrong kind of sand is in the mix
B. Too much water is added to the mix
Circuit breakers
A. Protect Inhabitants by limiting shock duration
B. Regulate power to the attached equipment
C. Protect the wire from an electrical overload
D. Measure the current and In a circuit
C. Protect the wire from an electrical overload
Buckling in horizontal vinyl siding is generally caused by A. Reflected sunlight B. Improper fastening C. Condensation in walls D. Improper house wrap
B. Improper Fastening
Electrical receptacles in bathrooms should be
A. GFCI protected
B. At least 3 feet away from showers and bathtubs
C. Not more than 2 feet from the vanity basin
D. Waterproofed
A. GFCI protected
A ground fault circuit interpreter (GFCI) Is a safety device that
A. Disconnects power when the grounding to the outlet is faulty
B. Detects Moisture and disconnects power in wet locations
C. Disconnects power when sensing current leakage to ground
D. Protects against electrical surges and voltage spikes
C. Disconnects the power when sensing current leakage to ground
On a hillside house with foundation drain systems,
A. Rock-filled foundation drains are not allowed on the interior side of the foundation
B. The roof drains should connect directly to the foundation drain and have cleanouts
C. All foundation drain systems must be in perforated plastic piping extending to daylight
D. The foundation drain systems collect water passing laterally through the slope
D. The foundation drain systems collect water passing laterally through the slope
The service panel and close your door is required to open at least A. 45° B. 90° C. 135° D. 180°
B. 90°
One of the purposes of a home inspection contract is to define the responsibilities and limitations for A. The real estate agent B. The client C. The seller D. The appraiser
B. The client
A newer home with electric heat is being inspected. It has a below grade finished basement containing a bedroom. The inspector should look for a smoke alarm and A. An escape and rescue opening B. A carbon monoxide alarm C. A fire extinguisher D. A safety ladder
A. An escape and rescue opening
And electrical system with a fuse on the neutral conductor and on the energized (hot) conductors
A. Is twice as safe as a system where only the energized (hot) conductors are fused
B. Should have the neutral conductor fuse sized to 1/2 the normal and ampacity for the circuit
C. Is over fused up to 50% if used only for lighting
D. Is hazardous and should be corrected
D. Is hazardous and should be corrected
If A system designed for use with natural gas is supplied with propane gas
A. No changes are needed for the equipment to function properly
B. The flame will be too high unless a smaller orifice is installed
C. The flame will be too low unless a larger orifice is installed
D. The gas regulator and valve must be replaced
B. The flame will be too high unless a smaller orifice is installed
A standard claims made errors and omissions insurance policy includes claims filed
A. During the time the policy is in effect
B. After the policy has lapsed
C. Before the policy effective date
D. While the inspector maintain any required license
A. During the time the policy is in effect
What is a required elements of a contract?
A. Consideration
B. Real estate agents name
C. Sellers name
D. Names of persons attending the inspection
A. Consideration
Oriented Strand board (OSB) is used MOST frequently in
A. Roof, floor, and exterior wall sheathing
B. Walls and interior sheathing
C. Ceramic tile underlayment
D. Vinyl tile underlayment
A. Ruth, floor, and exterior wall sheathing
Relative humidity (RH) is expressed as A. Volume B. Percentage C. Capacity D. Temperature
B. Percentage
Which has the LEAST effect on the deflection of a dimension lumber floor system? A. Joist width B. Joist grade C. Joist species D. Joist spacing
A. Joist width
Asphalt shingles are NOT allowed to be installed on roofs with slopes less than A. 1 in 12 B. 2 in 12 C. 3 in 12 D. 4 in 12
B. 2 in 12
Inspecting a very old country house, a gurgling sound is heard from the tub drain when the toilet is flushed. Which of the following is the MOST likely explanation for the sound?
A. Water discharging from the toilet is pulling water from the tub trap
B. The tub drain is partially blocked
C. Water discharging from the toilet is pushing air through the tub trap
D. The branch drain is partially blocked downstream from the tub
A. Water discharging from the toilet is pulling water from the tub trap
In new construction, the MINIMUM overhead electrical service clearances are
A. Walkway: 8 feet, roadway: 16 feet: deck: 10 feet
B. Walkway: 9 feet, roadway: 15 feet: deck: 12 feet
C. Walkway: 10 feet, roadway: 18 feet: deck: 10 feet
D. Walkway: 12 feet, roadway: 10 feet, deck: 12 feet
C. Walkway: 10 feet, roadway: 18 feet: deck: 10 feet
Medium efficiency furnaces have a draft inducer fan and are connected directly to the vent system instead of having a draft hood. There are white and yellowish deposits below the draft inducer fan. A possible explanation for these deposits is that
A. The seal between the draft inducer fan and the furnace is failing
B. Moisture is condensing in the vent and running back into the draft inducer fan
C. The draft inducer fan is not operating properly
D. The furnace has failed and is unsafe to operate
B. Moisture is condensing in the vent and running back into the draft inducer fan
The MINIMUM clearance between a wood stove single wall vent connector and combustible materials should be A. 3 inches B. 9 inches C. 18 inches D. 36 inches
C. 18 inches
Bonding of appliances can be confirmed by using a/an A. Volt meter B. Receptacle tester C. Ohm meter D. Ammeter
C. Ohm meter
Home inspection agreements (contracts) should
A. Establish the limitations of the inspection
B. Be as exculpatory as possible
C. Describe the weather conditions allowed
D. Include the name of the client’s real estate agent
A. Establish the limitations of the inspection
Which of the following is a common maintenance task for a residential refrigeration system? A. Clean the heat exchanger B. Replace refrigerant C. Clean the condenser coil D. Replace the thermostat
C. Clean the condenser coil
What is a common cause of buckled hardwood flooring in an existing house? A. Excessive moisture B. Lack of moisture C. Improper installation D. Poor quality material
A. Excessive moisture
Connections of dissimilar metal in a plumbing system, such as galvanized steel pimple and copper pipe, will usually cause A. Reduced water pressure B. Decreased water quality C. Glazed pipes D. Electrolysis
D. Electrolysis
To operate a central air conditioner, an electric clothes dryer, and an electric range, the ampacity of the service to the house should be AT LEAST A. 100 amps at 120 volts B. 125 amps at 120 volts C. 60 amps at 240 volts D. 100 amps at 240 volts
D. 100 amps at 240 volts
The normal MAXIMUM rise of residential stair treads is A. 5 1/4 inches B. 7 3/4 inches C. 8 1/2 inches D. 9 3/4 inches
B. 7 3/4 inches
Low pressure boiler pipes do NOT carry steam pressure above A. 15 psi B. 12 psi C. 9 psi D. 6 psi
A. 15 psi
When looking at the exterior wall of a sixty year old brick masonry house with a gable roof, you notice a horizontal crack in the mortar and outward brick displacement along the gutter edge of the roof. The displacement in greatest at the center of the top three courses of brick. This condition is MOST likely caused by A. Excessive sand in the mortar mix B. Defective brick bonding C. Improper ceiling joist installation D. Differential settlement
C. Improper ceiling joist installation
Which of the following is NOT a component of wood stairs? A. Riser B. Header C. Stringer D. Tread
B. Header
During a summertime inspection, what could indicate chronic condensation problems in an attic?
A. The attic is very warm
B. There is no vapor retarder on the insulation
C. There are gray/black stains on the north side roof sheathing
D. There are mildew stains on the bathroom ceilings
C. There are gray/black stains on the north side roof sheathing
The reason a dielectric union would be used in plumbing distribution pipes is to
A. Ensure that the grounding conductor has a secure connection
B. Separate two dissimilar metals to prevent corrosion
C. Isolate any electrical wires touching the supply pipes
D. Bond the hot and cold water pipes
B. Separate two dissimilar metals to prevent corrosion
The device used to detect the electrical current to the electric heater coil is called A. An anemometer B. An ohm meter C. A volt meter D. An ammeter
D. An ammeter
Stringer, tread, and riser are all components of a A. Truss system B. Floor system C. Stair system D. Wall system
C. Stair system
A 1/2 inch wide gap exists between the drywall wall and ceiling. The seller reports that this gap opens in the winter and closes in the summer. What is the most likely cause of this condition? A. Truss uplift B. A damaged truss bottom cord C. Poor drywall finishing D. An absent gusset plate
A. Truss uplift
A color tie would most likely be found in
A. The attic near the top plate.
B. The basement between floor joists.
C. A wall at the intersection of two walls.
D. The upper part of the attic.
D. The upper part of the attic.
A concrete basement wall has a crack that varies in width between 3/8 inch at the floor to 1/8 inch 2 feet down from the wall top. What is the most likely cause of this condition?
A.The concrete dried too quickly.
B. The soil is unstable under the footing.
C. The wall was damaged when it was back filled.
D. The reinforced steel is the wrong size.
B. The soil is unstable under the footing.
A notch in a 12 foot long 2x10 floor joist is located 5 feet from the joist end. What is the MAXIMUM allowed notch depth? A. 2 inches B. 1 5/8 inches C. 1 1/2 inches D. 0 inches
D. 0 inches
Racking is most likely to occur from failure to install A. Wall bracing B. Floor joist bridging C. Roof collar ties D. Foundation wall reinforcing steel.
A. Wall bracing
You see a ceramic tile follow with numerous cracks running through the grout and the tiles. The floor system is constructed using 2x10 floor joists. Which is the most likely cause of this condition? A. The tiles are defective. B. The floor joist blocking is absent. C. The floor joist span is too long. D. The wrong grout was used.
C. The floor joist span is too long.
You see uniform width cracks at both upper corners of all windows along the top story wall. Which is the most likely cause of this condition?
A. The windows are improperly flashed.
B. The wall is improperly braced.
C. The cripple studs are improperly notched.
D. The ceiling joist span is too long.
B. The wall is improperly braced.
A movement joint should be installed in brick veneer:
A. At support by different structural components.
B. At each floor level.
C. At each side of a lintel above a garage door.
D. Above each soldier course.
A. At support by different structural components.
Adhered masonry veneer is installed in the same manner as: A. Natural stone-veneer. B. Stucco. C. Fiber cement siding. D. Steel siding.
B. Stucco.
Which roof covering is most appropriate for a roof with a slope of 1 2/2: 12 above a single family house? Assume standard installation of any required underlayment. A. Metal shingles. B. Roll mineral. C. Modified bitumen D. Slate shingles.
C. Modified bitumen
What is the most appropriate fastener material for a slate shingle roof covering? A. Electroplated galvanized nails. B. Zinc nails C. Hot dipped galvanized screws D. Copper nails
D. Copper nails
A scupper would most likely be located in A. A parapet wall. B. A floor drain. C. An oil furnace vent. D. A K-type gutter.
A. A parapet wall.
A sidewall extends past a roof. Hardboard siding is water damaged a few inches beyond where the roof and sidewall meet. The roof covering is asphalt strip shingles. What is the most likely cause of this condition?
A. Drip edge flashing was not installed.
B. Kick out flashing was not installed.
C. Siding was installed close to the roof covering.
D. Underlayment was not installed.
B. Kick out flashing was not installed.
A poured concrete retaining wall with weep holes is rotating. What is the most likely reason fro the rotation? A. The wall has no deadman anchors. B. The footing has no reinforcing steel. C. There is no gravel behind the wall. D. The wall is cantilevered.
C. There is no gravel behind the wall.
A poured concrete basement wall has a 1/4 inch wide crack where the wall is bowing slightly. Brown stains are below the crack. What is the most likely reason for this condition?
A. The gutters are blocked.
B. The wall contains 5/8 inch reinforcing steel.
C. The concrete was not properly vibrated.
D. The wall damp proofing was improperly installed.
A. The gutters are blocked.
A concrete block basement wall has significant efflorescence. What is the most likely reason for this condition?
A. The cinder content in the blocks is too high.
B. The foundation plants are too close to the house.
C. The blocks are not grouted.
D. The soil has settled at the foundation.
D. The soil has settled at the foundation.
A concrete driveway is 1/2 inch higher than adjacent concrete walkway. What is the most likely reason for this condition?
A. The walkway is not thick enough.
B. The soil under the walkway was not compacted.
C. There is no reinforcing steel in the walkway.
D. The walkway concrete is not air-entrained.
B. The soil under the walkway was not compacted.
Which is the most acceptable fastener for connecting a deck ledger to a band board?
A. 5/8 inch diameter stainless steel carriage bolt.
B. 1/2 inch diameter electroplated galvanized steel wood screw.
C. 1/2 inch diameter hot-dipped galvanized steel machine bolt.
D. 5/8 inch diameter brass machine screw.
C. 1/2 inch diameter hot-dipped galvanized steel machine bolt.
The grounding electrode system of a house.
A. Provides an alternate return path for electricity.
B. Permits electricity to flow within the system.
C. Protects people from electric shock.
D. Prevents metal from becoming energized.
A. Provides an alternate return path for electricity.
How many energized conductors supply 240 volt, 200 amp, single phase electric service? A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4
B. 2
A circuit breaker protects against too much A. Voltage B. Resistance C. Inductance D. Current
D. Current.
Which event is most likely to cause arc flash?
A. Lightning striking near a utility transformer
B. A short circuit in a utility transformer
C. Metal touching an energized conductor.
D. A short circuit in a branch circuit.
C. Metal touching an energized conductor.
A sub panel in a detached building has melted insulation on a neutral conductor. What is the most likely cause of this condition?
A. The neutral conductor is loose at the terminal bar.
B. The circuit breaker is defective.
C. There is no grounding electrode.
D. The circuit breaker ampacity is too large for the wire.
A. The neutral conductor is loose at the terminal bar.
In which location may NM cable be installed?
A. In intermediate metal conduit located under the eaves.
B. Attached to the bottom of floor joists in a crawl space.
C. On top of ceiling joists located 6 feet from an attic access opening.
D. In rigid metal conduit buried 12 inches below grade.
C. On top of ceiling joists located 6 feet from an attic access opening.
A 2 -slot receptacle has been replaced with a 3-slot receptacle in a branch circuit that does not contain an equipment grounding conductor? Which method is permitted?
A. Install an arc-fault circuit breaker on the branch circuit.
B. Replace the receptacle with a GFCI receptacle.
C. Run an equipment grounding conductor to a separate grounding electrode.
D. Run an equipment grounding conductor to a copper water pipe.
B. Replace the receptacle with a GFCI receptacle.
Where would an evaporative cooler be most effective? A. Phoenix, AZ B. Nashville, TN C. Miami, FL D. New York, NY
A. Phoenix, AZ
When a heat pump is operating in cooling mode the temperature of the liquid line should be a few degrees
A. Cooler than the outside air temperature
B. Warmer than the outside air temperature
C. Cooler than the inside air temperature
D. Warmer than the inside air temperature
B. Warmer than the outside air temperature
The effect of high humidity on an air conditioning system will be
A. An increase in the temperature drop.
B. A decrease in the compressor current draw.
C. A decrease in the sensible load.
D. An increase in the latent load.
C. A decrease in the sensible load.
What is most likely to cause the greatest reduction of air flow in a flexible air duct?
A. A 5/8 inch per foot sag in the duct.
B. A 3/4 inch diameter hole in the duct.
C. A 90 degree bend in the duct.
D. A 6 foot on center spacing of duct supports.
C. A 90 degree bend in the duct
What is the most likely result of insufficient air flow across the evaporator coil?
A. Ice forms on the evaporator coil.
B. The measured temperature drop decreases.
C. The fan motor overheats.
D. The compressor stops working.
A. Ice forms on the evaporator coil.
A floor joist in a crawl space has been cut where the toilet drain passes through the floor. The joists are 2x6 spaced at 16” on center. The inspector should recommend that
A. The buyer monitor the floor. Floor systems such as this have redundant framing and removal of one joist is insignificant.
B. A contractor should support the cut joist with new piers and posts from below
C. The cut joist should be headed off to adjacent framing members to distribute the load
D. A contractor be contacted to determine what is needed and make repairs
D. A contractor be contacted to determine what is needed and make repairs
Most problems with concrete are caused at the time of installation. What single factor causes the MOST problems?
A. The concrete has insufficient thickness
B. Too much water is added to the mix
C. Too much Portland cement is in the mix
D. The wrong kind of sand is in the mix
B. Too much water is added to the mix
Brick chimneys on older properties with oil heat sometimes curve above the roof line, with no visible cracks. Which is a possible cause of this curving?
A. Settlement of the chimney footing
B. Expansion of mortar
C. Absence of a cricket flashing at the roof
D. Lack of a rain cap on the flue
B. Expansion of mortar
Which set of building terms do NOT belong together? A. Cripple trimmer, purlin B. Arch, header, lintel C. Rafters, ceiling joists, trusses D. Sheathing, flooring, decking
A. Cripple trimmer, purlin
An ungrounded receptacle may be replaced by a ground fault circuit interrupter installed
A. On the same phase as the receptacle
B. Upstream from the receptacle
C. Downstream from the receptacle
D. Anywhere in the receptacle branch circuit
B. Upstream from the receptacle
A home inspection report MUST include
A. The general life expectancy of the roofing material
B. Information on flammability of the roof material
C. The type of roof material and the method of observation
D. The age of the roof
C. They type of roof material and the method of observation
Water hammer can occur as a result of A. A lack of air chambers B. Faulty shutoff valves C. Loose piping D. Low static water pressure
A. A lack of air chambers