Bawsement, Foundation and Crawlspace Flashcards
What areas are home inspectors required to inspect in relation to structural components?
A) Foundation, basement, crawl space, and structural components
B) Only the foundation
C) Only the basement and crawl space
D) Only the structural components
A: Foundation, basement, crawl space, and structural components.
What should the home inspector report regarding the foundation?
A) The foundation’s color
B) The type of foundation and the location of the access to the underfloor space
C) The overall aesthetic of the foundation
D) The foundation’s historical background
B: The type of foundation and the location of the access to the underfloor space.
Is the home inspector required to assess the structural integrity of a home?
A) Yes, the inspector must assess structural integrity
B) No, only structural engineers are qualified to assess the structural integrity of a home.
C) Yes, but only for the foundation
D) Yes, but only for exterior walls
B: No, only structural engineers are qualified to assess the structural integrity of a home.
What should the home inspector do if they encounter visible defects, such as cracks in masonry or signs of moisture intrusion?
A) Ignore the defects if they are minor
B) The inspector should report these defects and recommend further evaluation.
C) Try to fix the issue during the inspection
D) Only report the cracks in the masonry
B: The inspector should report these defects and recommend further evaluation.
What are common signs of structural issues that a home inspector should report?
A) Cracked masonry, settlement signs, active water penetration, sloped floors, sticking doors, and cracks in drywall
B) Small cosmetic issues such as paint peeling
C) Minor door scratches
D) Discoloration of walls
A: Cracked masonry, settlement signs, active water penetration, sloped floors, sticking doors, and cracks in drywall.
What should the home inspector do when they see wood in contact with soil?
A) Ignore the issue
B) Report it as a concern, as it could lead to moisture intrusion and potential structural damage
C) Reassure the homeowner that it’s not an issue
D) Suggest painting the wood to prevent damage
B: Report it as a concern, as it could lead to moisture intrusion and potential structural damage.
What is the significance of efflorescence observed during a home inspection?
A) It indicates the foundation is structurally sound
B) Efflorescence is a sign of moisture intrusion, which can indicate a potential structural issue.
C) It’s a cosmetic issue that doesn’t need attention
D) It is a common and harmless condition
B: Efflorescence is a sign of moisture intrusion, which can indicate a potential structural issue.
What common issues might occur with masonry walls, and how can they be diagnosed?
A) Minor paint peeling from age
B) Cracking due to differential settlement or moisture expansion, diagnosed through visible cracks and shifting walls
C) Surface stains from water use
D) Minor discoloration from sunlight exposure
B: Cracking due to differential settlement or moisture expansion, diagnosed through visible cracks and shifting walls.
Is a home inspector required to inspect areas that are not readily accessible or could pose a hazard?
A) Yes, inspectors should access all areas regardless of risk
B) No, the inspector is not required to enter areas that are inaccessible or could cause harm
C) Yes, but only if the area is small
D) Yes, but only if the area is a basement
B: No, the inspector is not required to enter areas that are inaccessible or could cause harm.
When should a home inspector defer further evaluation to a structural engineer?
A) When the issue is minor and cosmetic
B) When signs of major structural issues are observed, such as significant cracks or movements
C) Only when requested by the homeowner
D) Only for external aesthetic concerns
B: When signs of major structural issues are observed, such as significant cracks or movements. (the inspector should recommend further evaluation by a licensed professional.)
What should a home inspector do if they notice a sump pump with restricted access during an inspection?
A) Inspect and operate it if accessible
B) Ignore it completely
C) Report the restricted access and not operate the pump
D) Remove any covers or obstacles to inspect it
C: Report the restricted access and not operate the pump
What are some common problems associated with wood structural components in houses?
A) Deflection, warping, fungal or insect damage, and fire
B) Minor cosmetic scratches
C) Issues with flooring only
D) Problems only with exterior walls
A: Deflection, warping, fungal or insect damage, and fire.
What should be done if signs of active water penetration are observed?
A) Ignore the findings if they’re minor
B) Report the findings and recommend further evaluation to determine potential structural damage
C) Only report visible water damage
D) Recommend painting over the area
B: report the findings and recommend further evaluation to determine potential structural damage.
What is the home inspector’s role in evaluating the adequacy of structural components or systems?
A) Inspect and report the adequacy of all components
B) Home inspectors are not required to evaluate or report on the adequacy of structural components
C) Only evaluate the adequacy of the foundation
D) Inspect but provide recommendations on how to strengthen the structure
B: Home inspectors are not required to evaluate or report on the adequacy of structural components. (This should be done by a licensed engineer.)
