INTERNACHI STUDY CARDS Flashcards
If water infiltration is suspected behind a finish surface, what tool would be the best choice to verify dampness?
A. An infrared thermometer.
B. A pin type moisture meter.
C. A noncontact moisture meter.
D. A digital camera.
D. A digital camera.
Gas fired furnace heat exchanger, most often fail from
A. Low temperatures.
B. Lack of use.
C. Improper gas pressure.
D. rust and metal fatigue
D. rust and metal fatigue
Relative humidity (RH) is expressed as is expressed as
A. Volume.
B. Percentage.
C. Capacity.
D. Temperature.
B. Percentage.
Connections of dissimilar metal in a plumbing system, such as galvanized, steel pipe and copper pipe, will usually cause
A. Reduce water pressure.
B. decreased water quality
C. Glazed pipes.
D. Electrolysis.
D. Electrolysis.
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
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
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.
Circuit breakers
A. Protect inhabitants by limiting stock duration.
B. Regulate power to the attached equipment.
C. Protect the wire from an electrical overload.
D. Measure the current in a circuit.
C. Protect the wire from an electrical overload.
In a forced air heating system containing a split system air conditioner in 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
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 material in the method of observation.
D. The age of the roof.
C. The type of material in the method of observation.
Waterhammer can occur as a result of
A. A lack of air chambers.
B. Faulty shut off valves.
C. Loose piping.
D. Low static water pressure.
A. A lack of air chambers.
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 installed.
C. The flame will be too low unless a larger orifice is installed.
D. The gas regulator and the valve must be replaced.
B. The flame will be too high unless a smaller orifice installed.
When looking at the exterior wall of a 60-year-old brick masonry house with a gable roof, you notice a horizontal crack in the mortar and an outward brick displacement along the gutter edge of the roof. The displacement is 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.
You inspect a wood frame cantilever balcony office second story bedroom. You find significant wood deterioration (at least one half member depth) Of all cantilever joists at the bearing point of the house. You should
A. Notify the occupants of the significant hazard, advise immediate repair to both occupant and the client in the report
B. Note significant hazard and recommend immediate repair professional in your report.
C. Refer deterioration to structural pest control operator for professional opinion.
D. Recommend existing framing members to increase strength, prior to further use.
A. Notify the occupants of the significant hazard, advise immediate repair to both occupant and the client in the report
When a cooling unit is located in an attic where damage may result from condensate overflow
A. Attic ventilation must be increased to avoid condensation.
B. Steel ducting is not allowed because of potential damage from condensation.
C. An auxiliary condensate drain system is required.
D. A supplemental condensate pump is required.
C. An auxiliary condensate drain system is required.
Asphalt shingles are NOT allowed to be installed on roots with slopes less than
A. One in 12.
B. Two in 12.
C. Three in 12.
D. Four in 12
B. Two in 12.
If a poured concrete foundation has an unusually large number of of vertical cracks, each no wider than 1/32 inch, the cause is likely to be
A. Differential settlement from adverse drainage conditions.
B. Excessive amounts of aggregate in the concrete mix.
C. Settlement from compaction of soil below the footings.
D. Shrinkage of the concrete from excess water at the time of pouring.
D. Shrinkage of the concrete from excess water at the time of pouring.
Where should squash blocks (web blocking) be found in a wood I joist floor system?
A. At bearing ends and loadbearing walls above with supporting girder below.
B. At bearing ends in all splices.
C. Bearings and plumbing penetrations.
D. At perimeter ends, plumbing, penetrations, and splices over girders.
A. At bearing ends and loadbearing walls above with supporting girder below.
Columns typically support
A. Footers.
B. Walls.
C. Girders.
D. Joists.
C. Girders.
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: 20 feet, deck: 12 feet
C. Walkway.: 10 feet, roadway: 18 feet, deck: 10 feet
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.
Ice damming at the eaves may be caused by
A. Inadequate attic insulation.
B. Undersized gutters.
C. Shallow roof slope.
D. Proper flashing.
A. Inadequate attic insulation.
The purpose of flashing on a roof is to
A. Shed water onto roofing materials.
B. Seal roof shingles to vertical surfaces.
C. Protect roofing material.
D. Join different roofing materials.
A. Shed water onto roofing materials.
The house you are inspecting currently has a gas fired furnace or boiler. Each of the following clues may indicate that the house also has an abandoned buried fuel oil storage tank EXCEPT
A. Small diameter, copper tubes, emerging from the inside of the foundation wan or the floor near the furnace or boiler.
B. Approximately 1 1/4 inch diameter vent pipe outside coming from the underground up against the foundation.
C. The brick chimney serving the furnace or boiler has deteriorated mortar joints at the bottom.
D. Your knowledge that the neighborhood had still some houses served by oil heat.
C. The brick chimney serving the furnace or boiler has deteriorated mortar joints at the bottom.
While inspecting a heat pump in the cooling mode, you measure a 28°F temperature differential between the interior supply and the return air. You should suspect
A. Exterior fan running too slowly
B. an overheating compressor
C. A dirty filter.
D. A thermostat set too low.
C. A dirty filter.
What is the minimum electrical service drop clearance from a residential driveway?
A. 12 feet.
B. 13 feet.
C. 15 feet.
D. 18 feet.
A. 12 feet.
Roof truss uplift can cause cracks to form
A. Above exterior doors and windows.
B. At interior wall/ceiling intersections.
C. In bottom cords of roof trusses.
D. In top cords of roof trusses.
B. At interior wall/ceiling intersections.
When measuring the temperature drop across the evaporator in a central air conditioning system, a properly running unit on a humid summer day should read between
A. 5 F and 15 F
B. 15 F and 25 F
C.25 F and 35 F
D. 35 F and 45 F
B. 15 F and 25 F
Knob and tube wiring may be acceptable if
A. The home is insulated with fiberglass.
B. The circuit breaker system is proper.
C. it is not covered by insulation.
D. The fuse system is still in place.
C. it is not covered by insulation.
The maximum acceptable variation in riser Heights within a flight of stairs is
A. 1/2 inch
B. 3/8 inch
C. 3/4 inch
D. 1 inch
B. 3/8 inch
While conducting and inspection, your ladder falls over and breaks the homeowners priceless Ming vase. What type of insurance is needed to cover the replacement?
A. General liability.
B. Homeowners.
C. Errors and omissions.
D. Bonding.
A. General liability.
What is the minimum allowable separation between a masonry chimney and combustible materials?
A. 3/4 inch
B. 1 inch
C. 2 inches
D. 4 inches
C. 2 inches
Bonding of appliances can be confirmed by using a/an
A. Voltmeter.
B. Receptacle tester.
C. Ohm meter
D. Ammeter
C. Ohm meter
The service panel enclosure door is required to open at least
A. 45 deg
B. 90 deg
C.135 deg
D.180 deg.
B. 90 deg
One of the purposes of a home inspection contract is to define the responsibilities limitations for
A. The real estate agent.
B. The client.
C. The seller.
D. The appraiser.
B. The client.
What is the required element of a contract?
A. Consideration.
B. Real estate agents name.
C. Sellers name.
D. Names of person attending the inspection.
A. Consideration.
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 clients real estate agent.
A. Establish the limitations of the inspection.
Stringer, tread, and riser are all components of a
A. Truss system.
B. Floor system.
C. Stair system.
D. Wall system.
C. Stair system.
The final decision to enter crawlspace is made
A. When the home inspector is booked.
B. By the homeowner.
C. The home inspector.
D. By the client and agent.
C. The home inspector.
The purpose of a contract contract is to protect the
A. Homeowner.
B. Real estate agent.
C. Buyer/client.
D. Home inspector and client.
D. Home inspector and client.
Conducting a complete complete thorough home inspection minimizes the need for
A. A contract.
B. Errors and omissions insurance.
C. Bonding.
D. A detailed inspection report.
B. Errors and omissions insurance.
What is the most common contributing factor to masonry retaining wall movement?
A. Corbelled construction.
B. Hydrostatic pressure.
C. Poorly mortared joints.
D. Too many tiebacks.
B. Hydrostatic pressure.
Buckling in horizontal vinyl siding is generally caused by
A. Reflected sunlight.
B. Improper fastening.
C. Condensation in walls.
D. Improper housewrap.
B. Improper fastening.
At what level would water pressure within a single-family dwelling begin to be considered excessive and required correction?
A. 60 psi.
B. 80 psi.
C. 100 psi
D. 120 psi
B. 80 psi.
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.
A swimming pool fence must prevent passage of a sphere that is larger than
A. 2 in
B. 3 in
C. 4 in
D. 5 in
C. 4 in
A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is a safety device that
A. Disconnect power when the grounding the outlet is faulty.
B detect, moisture and disconnects, power and wet locations
C disconnect the power when sensing current leakage to ground
D protects against electrical surges voltage spikes
C disconnect the power when sensing current leakage to ground
An electrical system with a fuse on the neutral conductor and on the energized (hot) conductors
A. Is twice as safe as a system were only the energized conductors refused.
B. Should have the neutral conductor fuse size to 1/2 the normal ampacity for the circuit.
C. Is overfused up to 50% if used only for lighting.
D. Is hazardous and should be corrected.
D. Is hazardous and should be corrected.
To operate a central air conditioner, an electric clothes, dryer, and an electric range, the impact of the service to the house should be at least
A. 100 A at 120 V.
B. 125 A 120 V
C. 60 A at 240 V.
D. 100 A at 240 V.
D. 100 A at 240 V.
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 inches on center. The inspector should be recommended 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 for below
C. The cut joist should be headed off to adjacent framing members to distribute the load.
D. A contractor be contacted to determone what is needed and make repairs.
D. A contractor be contacted to determone 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
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
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 asphalt shingle roof is installed over existing shingles, leakage commonly occurs at the
A. eaves
B. penetrations
C. ridge
D. hips
B. penetrations
Roof trusses
A. may be cut or modified in the field
B. make drywall nail pops less likely
C. cannot be used for long ceiling spans
D. are usually designed for two point bearing
D. are usually designed for two point bearing
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 drains 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.
A subpanel in an older house that is wired with non metallic sheathed cable (NM) has one circuit with a ground wire. The ground wire
A. should be connected to a seperate grounded buss bar.
B. should be connected to a seperate ground rod.
C. may be bonded using the panel cover screws
D. May be connected to the neutral buss bar.
A. should be connected to a seperate grounded buss bar.
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.
Your inspecting an older home which has replacement windows and new vinyl siding. The new siding is backed up with Richard foam insulation that covers the service entrance cable from the weatherhead to the meter. You should report that this is
A. Acceptable because the siding is nonconducting type.
B. And improper installation that should be corrected.
C. A benefit because additional protection is provided to the service entrance cable.
D. Acceptable, provided the drip loops at the service entrance head are left exposed.
B. And improper installation that should be corrected.
Oriented strand board (OBS) is used most frequently in
A. Roof, floor, and exterior wall sheathing.
B. Walls and interior sheathing.
C. Ceramic tile underlayment.
D. Final tile underlayment.
A. Roof, floor, and exterior wall sheathing.
Which of the following is NOT a component of wood stairs?
A. Riser.
B. Header.
C. Stringer.
D. Tread.
B. Header.
When inspecting the structural system, the inspector is required to
A. Inspect only the visible components in the attic and crawlspace.
B. Specify method of structural repairs to the system.
C. All structural deficiencies observed.
D. Determine the cause and origin of the damage.
C. All structural deficiencies observed.
A ground fault occurs when
A. Too many devices are used on a circuit.
B. A hot conductor touches another hot conductor.
C. A hot conductor touches a ground surface or grounding conductor.
D. A grounded conductor comes in contact with a grounding conductor.
C. A hot conductor touches a ground surface or grounding conductor.
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.
Medium efficiency furnaces, have a draft inducer fan and our connected directly to the vent system instead of having a draft hood. There are white and yellow deposits below the draft inducer fan. A possible explanation for these deposits is that
A. The seal between the draft inducer fan in 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 purpose of a trap in the waist drainage system is to
A. Provide maintenance access.
B. Prevent siphoning.
C. Block sewer gases.
D. Cause water to drain smoothly.
C. Block sewer gases.
A home inspection typically includes an examination of
A. Adequacy of heat supply.
B. Heat exchangers.
C. Humidifiers.
D. Vents, flues, and chimneys.
D. Vents, flues, and chimneys.
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 similar metals to prevent corrosion.
C. Isolate any electrical wires, touching the supply pipes.
D. Bond, hot and cold water pipes.
B. Separate two similar metals to prevent corrosion.
A basin makes a gurgling sound at the end of draining the fixture. This may be due to
A. Improperly supported pipes.
B. Inadequate venting.
C. And undersize drain pipe.
D. Proper drain slope.
B. Inadequate venting.
Condensation between gas layers of thermal pain windows indicates the need to
A. Repair or replace sealant.
B. Repair or clean breather holes.
C. Replace glazing, sash, or window.
D. Replace the interior pane.
C. Replace glazing, sash, or window.
Dielectric unions
A. Accommodate pipe expansion.
B. Are undesirable and indicate a problem.
C. Prevent galvanic action.
D. Help maintain electrical grounding of pipes.
C. Prevent galvanic action.
The minimum clearance between a woodstove single wall vent connector and combustible material should be
A. 3 inches
B. 9 inches.
C. 18 inches.
D. 36 inches.
C. 18 inches.
Garage door opener, electronic ice sensors are properly installed when facing each each other
A. One to 3 inches above the garage floor.
B. 4 to 6 inches above the garage floor.
C. 7 to 10 inches above the garage floor.
D. 11 to 15 inches above the garage floor.
B. 4 to 6 inches above the garage floor.
Capillary tubes are part of the
A. Evaporator coil.
B. Heat exchanger.
C. Condenser coil.
D. Compressor discharge.
A. Evaporator coil.
As a lentil over doors and windows in a masonry wall rusts, it may cause
A. The window glass to crack.
B. The wall at the top to push out.
C. Cracks at the tops of openings.
D. The to rotate and displace the brick.
C. Cracks at the tops of openings.
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.
The device used to detect the electrical current to the electric heater coil is called
A. An anemometer
B. An ohm meter.
C. A voltmeter.
D. An ammeter
D. An ammeter
The inspector is required to operate all of the following, except
A. Shut off valves.
B. Manual garage door.
C. a representative number of windows
D. Folding attic stairs.
A. Shut off valves.
Potable water systems connected to lawn irrigation systems need to be protected from
A. Back siphonage.
B. Excess water usage.
C. Mechanical damage.
D. Low water flow.
A. Back siphonage.
Most modern kitchen ranges are required to have
A. Front edge controls.
B. A warming drawer.
C. An anti-tip device.
D. A tipping alarm.
C. An anti-tip device.
The inclusion of photographs and home inspection reports is
A. Optional.
B. Mandatory.
C. Discriminatory.
D. Illegal.
A. Optional.
A home inspector should probe
A. Where decay is suspected.
B. Spalling in concrete.
C. A representative number of floor joists.
D. Around a.
A. Where decay is suspected.
Overhead, electrical service should be a minimum of how many feet above a flat roof subject to foot traffic?
A. 4 feet.
B. 6 feet.
C. 8 feet.
D. 10 feet.
C. 8 feet.
How are the holes in rigid foundation drain pipe aligned?
A. Toward the foundation.
B. On the top half of the pipe.
C. On the bottom, half of the pipe.
D. Away from the foundation.
C. On the bottom, half of the pipe.
What is the primary purpose of control joints placed in concrete driveways?
A. To prevent cracks.
B. To drain the surface.
C. To reduce random cracking.
D. To enhance appearance.
C. To reduce random cracking.
Where you expect to find a window with safety glass?
A. Less than 18 inches above the floor.
B. Less than 24 inches above the floor.
C. Above kitchen sink.
D. On the second story.
A. Less than 18 inches above the floor.
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.
A newly built ventilated crawlspace with a vapor retarder is required to have one square foot of net ventilation opening per
A. 150 ft.² of crawlspace.
B. 600 ft.² of crawlspace.
C. 1200 ft.² of crawlspace.
D. 1500 ft.² of crawlspace.
D. 1500 ft.² of crawlspace.
A standard claims made errors in 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 maintains any required license.
A. During the time the policy is in effect.
A poured concrete retaining wall with wheat poles is rotating what is most likely the reason for rotation?
A. The wall has no dead man 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 concrete basement wall has a quarter 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 enforcing steel.
C. The concrete wall was not properly vibrated.
D. The wall dampproofing wasn’t properly installed.
A. The gutters are blocked.
A concrete block basement wall has significant fluorescence, what is the most likely reason for this condition?
A. The content in the block 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/z inch higher than the adjacent concrete walkway. What is the most likely reason for this condition?
A. The walkway is not thick enough.
B. The soil was not compacted.
C. There is no reinforcing steel ill the walkway.
the concrete is not air-entrained
B. The soil 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 tipped galvanized, steel machine bolt.
D. 5/8 inch diameter brass machine screw.
C. 1/2 inch diameter, hot tipped galvanized, steel machine bolt.
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 lintel above a garage door.
D. Above each soldier course.
A. At support by different structural components.
Adhered Mason Rivier 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 11/2:12 above a single-family house? I 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 tips galvanized screws.
D. Copper nails.
D. Copper nails.
A scupper would most likely be located in
A. Parapet wall.
B. A floor drain.
C. An oil surface vent.
D. A gutter.
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 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 chord
C. poor dywall finishing
D. an absent gusset plate
A. truss uplift
A collar 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 soiI is unstable under the footing.
C. The wall was damaged when it was backfilled.
D. The reinforcing steel is the wrong size.
B. The soiI 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 floor 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 one 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.
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
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 subpanel in a detached building has melted insulation on a neutral conductor. What is 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 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.
C. 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° bend in the duct
D. a 6 foot on center spacing of duct supports
C. a 90° 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.
Which is the best example of heat flow by conduction?
A. heat flowing from the inside to the outside of a radiator
B. heat flowing from a forced-air supply register
C. heat flowing from a steam boiler inside pipes
D. heat flowing from a floor furnace
A. heat flowing from the inside to the outside of a radiator
When should combustion air NOT be drawn from inside a building?
A. the building has 3 stories above grade
B. the building is built using tight construction methods
C. the total Btu/h input of the appliances exceeds 160,000
D. the appliance is a direct exhaust type
B. the building is built using tight construction methods
The flame from a properly adjusted oil burner should be what color?
A. blue
B. yellow
C. orange
D. white
D. white
What component is involved in controlling when a hot water boiler activates?
A. a humidistat
B. a pressuretrol
C. an aquastat
D. a high limit switch
C. an aquastat
Where would an equalizer pipe be found?
A. near a steam boiler
B. near a hot water boiler
C. in a common gas vent
D. in a plumbing vent stack
A. near a steam boiler
Brown-Colored particles under the flue collar of an induced draft gas furnace are most likely an indication of which defect?
A. flame rollout
B. a faulty draft inducer
C. an excessively long vent connector
D. the barometric damper is stuck open
C. an excessively long vent connector
Permeability is the property of a material that allows the passage of
A. water vapor.
B. heat energy.
C. liquid water.
D. infrared radiation.
A. water vapor.
In a cold climate, a vapor retarder should be installed on which sides of a wall?
A. the side facing unconditioned space
B. the side facing conditioned space
C. both sides of the wall
D. neither side of the wall
B. the side facing conditioned space
Fiberglass batt insulation slows heat movement by
A. reflecting infrared radiation off of the insulation.
B. restricting vapor diffusion through the insulation.
C. creating a thermal mass within the insulation.
D. slowing air movement within the insulation.
D. slowing air movement within the insulation.
What action would most likely reduce fiberglass batt insulation R-value by the largest amount?
A. compressing the insulation behind an electrical cable
B. fluffing the insulation
C. not placing the insulation in contact with an air barrier
D. not installing a vapor retarder where required
C. not placing the insulation in contact with an air barrier
Where would a radiant barrier be MOST effective?
A. in an attic in Phoenix AZ
B. in a crawl space in Washington, DC
C. on the conditioned side of a wall in Toronto, Canada
D. on the unconditioned side of a wall in Chicago, IL
A. in an attic in Phoenix AZ
Why should 50% - 60% of the attic ventilation opening be at the eaves?
A. Warmer air requires smaller openings.
B. Larger ridge openings are structurally unsound.
C. Pressure in the attic will be neutral or positive.
D. Eave openings are less expensive to install.
C. Pressure in the attic will be neutral or positive.
Which may be used as water distribution pipe in a house?
A. PEX
B. ABS
C. PVC
D. RNC
A. PEX
What is the best definition of a cross-connection?
A. An HVAC supply plenum is connected to a return plenum.
B. A plumbing water distribution pipe is connected to a contaminant source.
C. A plunlbing dry vent is connected to a wet vent.
D. An electrical wlu-te-insulated wire is connected to a circuit breaker.
B. A plumbing water distribution pipe is connected to a contaminant source.
What is the MOST likely result of thermal expansion?
A. A block foundation wall rotates inward.
B. A furnace heat exchanger cracks.
C. Electrical conductor insulation melts.
D. A clothes washing machine hose bursts.
D. A clothes washing machine hose bursts.
Where is an S-trap most likely to be located?
A. in a water closet
B. near a gas furnace
C. under a kitchen sink
D. in a circuit vent
C. under a kitchen sink
The label on a 240 volt electric water heater indicates that the element wattage should be 4,500.The measured current is 14.6 amps. The MOST likely explanation is that
A. the wrong size has been installed
B. the element is failing.
C. the amlneter battery is low.
D. the measured current is correct.
A. the wrong size has been installed
The client complains of an occasional foul odor in a seldom used bathroom. Which is the most likely cause of this issue?
A. The vent pipe is improperly sloped.
B. The cleanout was not installed.
C. The bathtub trap water seal has evaporated.
D. The sink trap is partially blocked.
C. The bathtub trap water seal has evaporated.
What is the MOST likely explanation for a drywall crack that extends up from one window corner?
A. wall lateral movement
B. absent cripples
C. improperly fastened window
D. outward wall rotation
A. wall lateral movement
An interior door rubs the header on the latch side.There are no cracks in the drywall around the door. What is the MOST likely reason for this to occur?
A. The top hinge is binding.
B. The door is unpainted on top.
C. The strike plate needs adjustment.
D. The wall has rotated.
B. The door is unpainted on top.
Which component supports a stairway?
A. riser
B. header
C. cripple
D. stringer
D. stringer
Where is stairway width measured?
A. below the handrail
B. where the stairway intersects the landings
C. above the handrail
D. between the ends of the treads
C. above the handrail
On a vehicle door, a containment cable should be installed on the
A. extension springs.
B. struts.
C. torsion spring.
D. roller drums.
A. extension springs.
What is the Best material for a masonry chimney crown?
A. concrete
B. refractory mortar
C. Type S mortar
D. core brick
A. concrete
The process by which heat changes wood chemistry making it more likely to burn is called
A. pyrogenics.
B. pyrolysis.
C. pyromancy.
D. pyrography.
B. pyrolysis.
Creosote is most likely to be created in a chimney when burning
A. lighter fluid.
B. newspaper.
C. seasoned pine.
D. unseasoned oak.
D. unseasoned oak.
What is the BEST reason for a chimney to terminate above nearby obstructions?
A. Short chimneys require larger flues.
B. Embers may ignite roof coverings.
C. Wind may force combustion products down the flue.
D. The flue could be covered by snow
C. Wind may force combustion products down the flue.
A chimney should NOT be located on an exterior wall because
A. flue temperature may be too cold.
B. it is more expensive to build.
C. a chimney fire is more likely.
D. the flue must be larger.
A. flue temperature may be too cold.
A wood-burning stove is listed for 12 inches clearance to combustibles. What is the minimum clearance to combustibles for the stove when using a sheet metal and air space clearance reduction device?
A. 6 inches
B. 8 inches
C. 10 inches
D. 12 inches
D. 12 inches
Inspection of which appliance is NOT within the scope of a home inspection?
A. refrigerator
B. trash compactor
C. food-waste disposer
D. microwave oven
A. refrigerator
A properly installed food waste disposer that makes no sound when activated can sometimes be activated by
A. resetting the kitchen GFCI receptacle.
B. pressing the thermal cutoff button.
C. turning the motor with a hex wrench.
D. running cold water into the disposer.
B. pressing the thermal cutoff button.
What is the prescriptive MINIMUM distance betweeen the bottom of a microwave oven and a range cooking surface?
A. 30 inches
B. 24 inches
C. 18 inches
D. There is no prescriptive minimum distance
D. There is no prescriptive minimum distance
What is LEAST likely to be an approved pool access barrier?
A. a self-latching pedestrian gate
B. a steep cliff
C. a fence
D. a house wall
A. a self-latching pedestrian gate
Which is NOT a type of pool filter?
A. sand
B. pea gravel
C. cartridge
D. diatomaceous earth
B. pea gravel
A double gate that allows access to the pool should be
A. self-closing.
B. at least 12 inches from the edge of the water.
C. at least 45 inches tall.
D. self-latching
D. self-latching
The primary function of a skimmer is to provide
A. a way for water to return to the pump.
B. a place to put chlorine tablets.
C. a means to remove debris from the surface of the water.
D. a secondary method of filtering the water.
C. a means to remove debris from the surface of the water.
Which of these irrigation components is MOST often required in areas where water is scarce?
A. rain sensor
B. automatic valve
C. drip emitter
D. impact rotor
A. rain sensor
Which is MOST likely to be a problem when an emitter is located near the house?
A. the water pressure will be too high
B. the emitter filter will become clogged more often
C. water will enter the crawl space or basement
D. the emitter will be damaged by a lawn mower
C. water will enter the crawl space or basement
Which would NOT be an approved irrigation system pipe?
A. PEX
B. galvanized steel
C. ABS
D. Schedule 20 PVC
D. Schedule 20 PVC
