Assignment 15 Building Design

Question 1

Luka is the owner of a large mortgage brokerage in Florida, where summer temperatures can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit, or 38 degrees Celsius. The building has not been renovated in quite some time and has major problems with insulation. In order to reduce the air conditioning bills, Luka has contacted the local window specialist, who has provided a few options. Assuming there are negligible cost differences between the options, which one should Luka take?

1. Double glazed windows with non-thermal-broken frames
2. Double glazed windows with thermal broken frames
3. Single glazed windows with thermal broken frames
4. Single glazed windows with non-thermal-broken frames

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 2

Option (2) is correct because proper insulation and reduced heat conduction are a priority for a building located in a hot climate. Double glazed windows offer greater insulation compared to single glazed windows, as there are two layers of glass separated by an air-sealed space. Thermal broken frames are split into two sections between the outside and inside of the house to reduce heat conduction. Option (1) is incorrect because non-thermal-broken frames are less efficient than thermal broken frames. Option (3) is incorrect because single glazed windows are less efficient than double glazed windows. Option (4) is incorrect because single glazed windows are less efficient than double glazed windows and because non-thermal-broken frames are less efficient than thermal broken frames.

Question 2

As a real estate licensee observing a home, you notice a crack on the north-facing outside wall. You run your fingers along the crack and can feel that the edges are sharp, but even. Which of the following statements is TRUE?

1. Since the crack is sharp, the distress is probably recent and could still be occurring.
2. The interior walls are not supporting the structure as they should, so pressure has shifted to the exterior walls, causing the crack to form.
3. Since the crack is even, it indicates the distress is probably being caused by improper ventilation.
4. Since the crack is sharp, it indicates uneven settlement of the structure of the house.

Answer 2

Correct Answer: 1

Option (1) is correct because it is true. Option (2) is incorrect because the exterior walls typically provide the majority of the required structural support, and interior walls are rarely depended upon for this purpose. Option (3) is incorrect because a lack of ventilation does not cause cracks in the outside walls of a house. Option (4) is incorrect because a sharp crack indicates recent damage, but does not indicate the cause. Further, uneven settlement of the structure of the house is typically evidenced by an uneven crack, whereas the crack in question is said to be even.

Question 3

Asad is a property inspector who has been tasked with inspecting a home that Jasmine would like to purchase. Asad is currently inspecting the frame of the house. However, when he reaches the upper floors, he is unable to see the frame. What should Asad be looking for when determining if any damage has been done to the home’s frame?

1. Tilted light fixtures or window frames
2. Bulges around windows and doors
3. Large cracks in the wall or ceiling finish
4. Sloping floors

Answer 3

Correct Answer: 3

Option (3) is correct because when examining upper level floors, the frame is hidden and the only indication of structural distress will be large cracks in the wall or ceiling finish. Option (1) is incorrect because tilted light fixtures or window frames do not necessarily indicate structural distress. Option (2) is incorrect because bulges around windows and doors do not necessarily indicate structural distress. Option (4) is incorrect because sloping floors do not necessarily indicate structural distress.

Question 4

Zackary Weaver is preparing to list his house for sale, but he is worried about how a condensation problem in the entranceway will affect his home’s value. The home was constructed to R2000 standards, so he is confused about the source of this problem. Which of the following actions should Zackary take?

1. Place zinc strips around the edges of the roof.
2. Replace all double glazed windows with a vapour barrier.
3. Improve the ventilation in the house by installing an exhaust fan.
4. Replace the plumbing fixtures with more modern, insulated materials.

Answer 4

Correct Answer: 3

Option (3) is correct because a simple exhaust fan will likely be effective in improving ventilation and eliminating condensation. Option (1) is incorrect because when placed along the peak of a roof, zinc strips are designed to prevent moss growth and have nothing to do with condensation. Options (2) and (4) are incorrect because replacing the windows and plumbing fixtures will not address the underlying problem, which is likely a lack of ventilation.

Question 5

Which of the following statements regarding house finishes is FALSE?

1. Slight cracking in stucco cladding is fairly common and does not necessarily indicate structural damage.
2. Sidewalks can be subject to settlement problems, but in most cases are replaced only for aesthetic reasons.
3. Carpet flooring is generally installed directly on top of the rough plywood nailed to the floor joists.
4. The main concern with deck rails is that they must be able to support lateral pressure from people’s weight.

Answer 5

Correct Answer: 3

Option (3) is correct because flooring is generally installed over a wood or concrete subfloor, and carpet generally has a layer of foam underlay as well. Options (1), (2), and (4) are incorrect because they are all true statements.

Question 6

Jax Vu just received his licence to sell real estate. His first potential client, Meera Robin, seems very interested in purchasing the house Jax is showing her. Just when Jax thinks he’s about to close the deal, Meera asks about the water supply. The only source of water is a well located on the property. Which of the following statements is TRUE?

1. Jax knows that a family of three lived in the house for ten years and did not seem to have a problem with water shortages, so he is entitled to state that the water supply is sufficient.
2. It is obvious that the water supply from a natural source is far superior to that provided by a city system, and Jax should advise Meera “not to worry about it”.
3. If Meera had not asked about the water supply, Jax would not be obligated to recommend that tests be ordered to determine if the water was drinkable.
4. Jax should recommend that Meera get the well professionally tested.

Answer 6

Correct Answer: 4

Option (4) is correct regardless of whether or not Meera specifically asks about the well, as a condition of sale, it is wise to recommend that the well be tested even if the buyer does not ask specifically about it. Option (1) is incorrect because it is a false statement: Meera’s water needs may differ from the water needs of the previous family. Option (2) is incorrect because it is a false statement: natural water supplies should be tested to ensure that the water is drinkable. Option (3) is incorrect because it is a false statement: Jax should recommend that Meera order tests on the well.

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a top-level objective of the National Building Code or BC Building Code?

1. Structural safety
2. Aesthetics
3. Accessibility
4. Fire and structural protection of buildings

Answer 7

Correct Answer: 2

Option (4) is correct because aesthetics is not a top-level objective of the National Building Code or BC Building Code. The four top-level objectives of the National Building Code or BC Building Code are: (1) structural safety (therefore Option (1) is incorrect), (2) public health (sanitary conditions), (3) accessibility (therefore Option (3) is incorrect), and (4) fire and structural protection of buildings (therefore Option (4) is incorrect).

Question 8

Which of the following statements regarding metric construction modules is TRUE?

1. Both the exterior and interior of most homes have not changed significantly due to the adoption of metric building standards.
2. A hard change involves the establishment of imperial standards in place of metric standards.
3. The metric system is widely used because it helps prevent the formation of fishmouth on asphalt shingles.
4. A soft change involves altering the physical size of building materials.

Answer 8

Correct Answer: 1

Option (1) is correct because it is a true statement. Option (2) is incorrect because hard changes involve the establishment of metric standards, not imperial standards. Option (3) is incorrect because metric construction standards are used for greater precision and ease of calculations, not to prevent the formation of fishmouth. Option (4) is incorrect because soft changes do not involve changing the physical size of building materials.

Question 9

Which of the following is an advantage to electrical baseboard heating?

1. The baseboard occupies wall space rather than floor space.
2. The system provides mostly convection heat.
3. There is a slow response to extreme changes in outside temperature.
4. Each unit is controlled through a centralized system.

Answer 9

Correct Answer: 2

Option (2) is correct because it is considered an advantage to electrical baseboard heating. Option (1) is incorrect because the occupied wall space is considered a disadvantage, not an advantage. Option (3) is incorrect because electrical baseboard heating has a moderately rapid response (not a slow response) to extreme changes in outside temperature. Option (4) is incorrect because each unit is independently controlled, not controlled by a centralized system

Question 10

Mr. Rivas would like to dispose of building waste using a septic tank system. What is the minimum distance he should maintain between the septic tank and the main plumbing waste drain?

1. 5 metres
2. 2 metres
3. 10 feet
4. 5 feet

Answer 10

Correct Answer: 3

Option (3) is correct because a septic tank must be connected to the main plumbing waste drain at a distance of at least 10 feet from the home. Options (1), (2), and (4) are incorrect because they do not show the correct minimum distance between the septic tank and the main plumbing waste drain.

Question 11

Which of the following problems with a townhouse could be discovered by a visual inspection of the townhouse’s exterior?

1. Uneven settlement of the building
2. Dry rot in structural members
3. Insufficient electrical service capacity
4. All of the above

Answer 11

Correct Answer: 1

Option (1) is correct because uneven settlement a building can be found by lining up the vertical edge of the building against a reference point of a structure behind the home being inspected or by using a level, therefore it is the correct answer. Option (2) is incorrect because dry rot in structural members would require an internal inspection to be discovered. Option (3) is incorrect because insufficient electrical service capacity could not be determined merely by completing a visual inspection of a townhouse’s exterior. Since Options (2) and (3) are incorrect, Option (4) is also incorrect.

Question 12

Which of the following statements regarding building envelope systems is TRUE?

1. When a window is cracked, allowing a large amount of heat to escape from the home to the outside, it is known as a thermal broken window.
2. Window drafts can be alleviated by sealing the joint between the window and the wall with caulking.
3. Polystyrene insulation is sprayed into wall cavities and attics through small drilled holes.
4. Cellulose fibre is made from shredded glassfibre batts, with chemicals added to prevent fungi.

Answer 12

Correct Answer: 2

Option (2) is correct it is a true statement. Option (1) is incorrect because a thermal broken window is defined as when the frame of the window is split into two parts from the inside to the outside to reduce the conduction of heat from the home to the outside and vice versa. Option (3) is incorrect because polystyrene insulation is a rigid insulation that is used for sheathing insulation on wall and floor surfaces. Option (4) is incorrect because cellulose fibre is made from shredded recycled newsprint.

Question 13

Which of the following actions is LEAST likely to increase the energy efficiency of a house?

1. Construction of a draft-free building envelope
2. Double entrance doors that are insulated and weather-sealed to prevent air leakage
3. Installation of metal window frames with a thermal break
4. Using single panes in glass doors to reduce heat flow

Answer 13

Correct Answer: 4

Option (4) is correct because it is least likely to increase the energy efficiency of a house: double or triple-paned insulating glass should be used on glass doors to reduce heat flow, but single plane glass is not likely to help with this. Options (1), (2), and (3) are incorrect because they are all methods that can be used to increase the energy efficiency of a house.

Question 14

Which of the following is LEAST likely to be considered a housing defect?

1. Inadequate lighting
2. Peeling wallpaper or paint
3. Windows that are too small or that are oddly placed
4. Aluminium wiring used in an electrical system

Answer 14

Correct Answer: 4

Option (4) is correct because if it is installed properly, aluminium wire is safe to use in an electrical system. Options (1), (2), and (3) are incorrect because they are all examples of housing defects.

Question 15

As a real estate licensee, you are conducting an open house for your client. A prospective purchaser asks for a glass of water and when they turn on the kitchen tap, the water comes out a blue/green colour. This condition is MOST likely a result of which of the following?

1. Corroded galvanized steel pipe joints and fittings
2. Corroded copper pipe joints that were not cleaned properly after being soldered
3. The use of lead piping in the water system
4. Worn out gaskets and washers causing leakage into the cold water supply system

Answer 15

Correct Answer: 2

Option (2) is correct because corroded copper pipes turn pipe joints and the water running through them a blue/green colour. Option (1) is incorrect because the corrosion of galvanized steel pipe joints and fittings results in brown-coloured tap water that tastes rusty. Option (3) is incorrect because lead piping is used in waste water systems and not for cold water supply. Option (4) is incorrect because worn out gaskets and washers cause leaks out of the cold water supply system but do not cause colour changes in water.

Question 16

Which of the following statements regarding floor area calculations is TRUE?

1. Square metres can be calculated by multiplying the number of square feet by 10.76.
2. For detached houses, measurements are taken along the outside area of interior walls.
3. For multi-level buildings, garages are not included in finished floor area calculations.
4. ANSI standards specify that no distinction needs to be made between finished and unfinished floor area.

Answer 16

Correct Answer: 3

Option (3) is correct because it is a true statement. Option (1) is incorrect because square metres can be calculated by dividing (not multiplying) the number of square feet by approximately 10.76. Option (2) is incorrect because for detached houses, measurements are taken from the outside surfaces of exterior (not interior) walls. Option (4) is incorrect because ANSI standards specify that a distinction is to be made between finished and unfinished floor area.

Question 17

Which of the following is LEAST likely to be a feature of a green building?

1. Requires minimal maintenance and care
2. Uses more water than typical homes
3. Provides a healthy indoor living environment
4. Uses renewable resources such as solar heat and natural airflow

Answer 17

Correct Answer: 2

Option (2) is correct because it is least likely to be a feature of a green building because a green building will improve water efficiency, which will result in less (not more) water being used. Options (1), (3), and (4) are incorrect because they are all features of green buildings.

Question 18

Walter Moore, a prominent appraiser from Armstrong, British Columbia, is at Lee Morgan’s house for dinner one evening. After dinner, they retire to the living room to watch television, and Walter notices that there is a clear view of the toilet when the bathroom door is open. This is an example of which of the following?

1. A design defect
2. A visible defect
3. A defect of omission
4. An invisible defect

Answer 18

Correct Answer: 1

Option (1) is correct because the defect mentioned in this question is a design defect, because the floor plan of the house has the main bathroom next to the living room, so that the toilet can be seen from the living room when the bathroom door is open. Option (2) is incorrect because a visible defect is typically caused by improper installation, installation of low quality products, improper use and treatment, or a lack of adequate maintenance, which is not the case here. Option (3) is incorrect because a defect of omission is a type of invisible defect due to a lack of moisture barrier, a lack of insulation, a lack of sufficient electrical circuits, a lack of proper roof ventilation, or inadequate attention to air sealing, which is not the case here. Option (4) is incorrect because an invisible defect is one that is hidden behind wall and floor surfaces in a home, which is not the case here.

Question 19

Amelia-Lin is looking for a new place to live in Vancouver. She is having problems distinguishing different styles of homes. She has found a house that is composed of low sloped roof components and she recognizes the style to be similar to that of ski resort condominiums constructed in the 1980s. From what has been described, which of the following styles best characterizes the home Amelia-Lin is looking at?

1. Tudor
2. Manufactured
3. West Coast
4. Heritage

Answer 19

Correct Answer: 3

Option (3) is correct because the West Coast style is composed of low sloped shingled roof components and is most often associated with the style used in ski resort condominium construction in the 1980s. This fits the description of the home Amelia-Lin has found. Option (1) is incorrect because the Tudor style (also called Elizabethan) is a form of post and beam construction that involves plaster or other masonry materials between posts, which a steep shingled roof and regular spaced small windows, which is not the type of building described in this question. Option (2) is incorrect because a manufactured home is a structure that is designed to be moved from one place for another (e.g., floating homes, campers, travel trailers), which is not the type of structure described in this question. Option (4) is incorrect because a heritage building is an older building with historical, cultural, aesthetic, or architectural significance, which is not the type of building described in this question.

Question 20

To maximize the benefits of solar heat gains, in which compass direction should the largest windows of buildings be oriented?

1. South
2. South-west
3. North
4. West

Answer 20

Correct Answer: 1

Option (1) is correct because to maximize the benefits of solar heat gains, buildings should be oriented so that their largest windows are facing south. This enables the window to absorb passive solar energy (heat), thereby reducing the heating expense. Since south-facing windows maximize the benefits of solar heat gains, Options (2), (3), and (4) are therefore incorrect.