Kap Real Estate Chapter 16: Basic Construction

Question 1

1) What is the most popular residential construction in North Carolina?

2) What are the benefits of that type of construction?

Answer 1

1) Wood-frame construction is most popular in North Carolina

2:
(1) has flexibility of design
(2) costs less
(3) is easy to insulate
(4) takes less time to build.

Question 2

Ranch-style homes

Answer 2

offer easy accessibility and maintenance because everything is on one floor. Owners have no need to make frequent trips upstairs or to use high ladders to paint second-story exterior surfaces.

Although ranch houses are usually moderate-sized and affordable, they are the most expensive to build per square foot because the two most expensive elements of a house, the roof and the foundation, must cover the same amount of space as the living area of the house.

Question 3

The split-level home/ Tri-Level Homes

Answer 3

takes advantage of uneven terrain with a minimum of grading to prepare the lot

Question 4

Two-story homes

Answer 4

are the most economical to build on a cost per square foot basis because they offer twice the living area for the cost of only one foundation and roof. A story and a half (1½ story) house functions much like a two-story residence except that the upper level’s ceiling is the underside of the roofline, and there is no attic space above that living area.

Question 5

Contemporary designs

Answer 5

usually combine elements of one-story, two-story, or split-level homes with a lot of open space, multilevel rooflines, and skylights or windows. Contemporary designs are particularly popular in scenic areas due to the generous use of large windows.

Question 6

The basic components of a foundation include the following:

Answer 6

Footing

Foundation walls

Piers/Columns

Question 7

The foundation rests on ________, which are usually made of concrete that is poured into trenches or forms that have been dug or placed beneath the soil line.

Answer 7

Footings

Question 8

Footings must be __________ than the structure being supported and are typically 16 inches wide and 6 inches to 8 inches deep. The bottom of each footing must be located _________.

Answer 8

wider

below the frost line to avoid the shifting that can be caused when the ground freezes.

Question 9

are the lowest part of construction and serve to spread the weight of the structure over the ground.

Answer 9

Footings

Question 10

Foundation Walls

Answer 10

rest on top of the footings and provide a surface upon which the flooring is built. Foundation walls are usually made out of poured concrete, masonry block, or brick and are typically 8 inches to 12 inches thick.

Question 11

Piers/Columns

Answer 11

usually made of masonry block, may be required to support the flooring between the foundation walls when a crawlspace or basement construction is used

Question 12

The three major types of foundations found in North Carolina include the following:

Answer 12

Crawl space

Basement

Concrete Slab

Question 13

Crawl Space

1) What is crawl space?

2) Additional moisture control may be accomplished by

Answer 13

Lifting the living space above the ground aids with ventilation, moisture control, and prevention of pest infestation. Proper ventilation of the crawl space through the adequate use of foundation vents works in conjunction with proper grading of the soil to drain moisture away from under the building.

waterproofing the foundation walls and/or installing a vapor barrier in the crawl space.

Question 14

Basements

Answer 14

are basically story-high crawl spaces that may be used for storage or living space, depending on the quality of finish used. While basement space is popular, it is also expensive to construct, especially in the central and eastern parts of North Carolina due to the high water table and the additional excavation below the frost line.

Question 15

Concrete Slab

Answer 15

A concrete slab is flat, horizontal, reinforced with steel bars, and poured directly on the level ground to create the foundation without use of a crawlspace or basement.

Question 16

Termite protection

Answer 16

Because North Carolina is home to many wood-destroying insects, builders must be very careful to protect structures from damage from such pests. All firewood or wood materials must be removed from around the foundation construction site and the decking of the residence to discourage termites and other wood-destroying insects.

In new construction, the soil near the foundation walls and piers must be chemically treated. Any lumber used in the construction that comes in contact with the ground must be pressure-treated. Frequently, the company that treats the soil will offer a termite bond that is renewable and transferable to provide infestation protection warranty.

Question 17

the lowest horizontal wooden part of framing

Answer 17

Sill (pieces of treated lumber that are placed on top of the foundation walls)

Question 18

Floor Framing consist of the

Answer 18

sill, floor joist, sub floor, girders

Question 19

Floor joists

Answer 19

are then attached to the sills at 16-inch or 24-inch intervals. Because the floor joists must support the entire weight of the floor, they typically cannot span the entire width of the structure. Instead, girders, which rest on top of piers, are used to support the joists between sills. The subfloor is then attached to this system of joists and girders

Question 20

The subfloor

Answer 20

is usually made of sheets of plywood or pressboard, which are laid on top of the joists and girders. Finally, the subfloor is covered with the floor covering, such as vinyl, carpeting, tile, or hardwood strips.

Question 21

Wall Framing Consist of

Answer 21

studs, headers,

Question 22

Wall Framing

Answer 22

Wall framing consists of studs, vertical lumber spaced about 16 inches apart. The sole plate connects the studs to the flooring; the top plate connects the studs to the ceiling framing. Headers, two pieces of lumber joined together to form a beam, are used to give extra support to wall framing where a window or door will be positioned

This type of framing is called platform framing. Two other less typical types of framing include balloon framing and post and beam framing. With balloon framing, a single system of lengthy wall studs is used. The studs run from the foundation up to the ceiling (through both the first and second stories).

With post and beam framing, extra-large framing members are used—either 4 × 4 inch or 6 × 6 inch. These large posts can be placed farther apart than the traditional 16-inch distance between wall studs.

Question 23

Roof Framing

Answer 23

Ceiling joists are attached to the top plate of the wall and carry the weight of the roof. Rafters, the sloping members of the roof frame, connect the ceiling joists and the ridge boards (the highest part of the construction). The rafters support the decking or other roofing materials. An alternative method to using ceiling joists, rafters, and ridge boards is truss framing.

The roof truss is a prefabricated triangular structure that serves the same functions as the ceiling joists, rafters, and ridge boards but is easier and quicker to install. The overhang of the roof is called the eave, which is made up of the fascia board, the soffit, and the frieze board. Gutters are usually attached to the fascia board.

Ventilation for the attic is usually located in the soffit of the eaves. The frieze board is a sometimes decorative board at the top of the exterior wall directly under the soffit that prevents penetration of the elements through the joint between the exterior wall and roof.

Question 24

Windows

1) What do windows do?

2) 3 Basic types of windows?

Answer 24

Windows allow for ventilation, light, a view, and style. Today, windows are made of wood, aluminum, and some composite materials, plus they normally use multipane insulated glass for energy efficiency.

There are three basic types of windows: (1) the sliding windows that have sash units that slide either vertically (sometimes called double-hung) or horizontally past each other to open or close the window opening; (2) the swinging windows that include the casement (a sash unit is hinged on one side to fully swing outward), jalousie (glass louvers), hopper (hinged on the bottom), and awning (hinged on the top) styles; and (3) the fixed windows that do not open include bay, bow, picture, and Palladian styles.

Question 25

Exterior Doors

1) Give a little info about exterior doors

2) 4 major types of exterior doors

Answer 25

are usually made of wood, steel, or a combination of wood and glass (such as French doors) with a solid core for maximum insulation value.

The major types of exterior doors include: (1) the flush door that is of smooth finish construction and appearance; (2) the panel door that has multiple raised or indented panels; (3) the sliding glass door that is frequently used as access to patios or decks; and (4) the French door that provides a more upscale decorative door with glass panels.

Question 26

The major components of window and door framework are the same:

Answer 26

the sill is the bottom, the jamb is the side, and the header is the top of the framing.

In a window, the glass panel that moves is the sash. The sash used to be composed of several small rectangular windowpanes that were joined together by pieces of wood. The cross hatch of dividing wood is comprised of the muntins (horizontal pieces) and the mullions (vertical pieces).

Question 27

The most common types of roofing materials are

Answer 27

composition shingles (made of asphalt and fiberglass)
wood shingles or shakes
layers of roofing felt interspersed with tar or asphalt (called a built-up roof).

Sometimes, the same sheathing that is attached to the exterior walls for insulation purposes also is attached to the rafters and is called decking.

Question 28

The _________ is the most common roof design. Refer to Roof Designs for examples of popular roof designs. The slope of the roof is measured by the __________, which is the number of inches of rise per foot of horizontal distance. The larger the rise per foot, the steeper the slope will be.

Answer 28

Gable Roof

Pitch

Question 29

Insulation

1) What materials are used to insulate homes?

2) What adds extra insulation value?

Answer 29

Materials used to insulate homes include batts or blankets of insulating materials (which come in rolls), loose fill insulation (which is blown into open spaces) or foam

In addition to this interior insulation, the sheathing or house wrapping materials used under the exterior covering of the building would add extra insulating value.

Question 30

1) What is R-value

2) What does North Carolina Building Codes Require for minimum R-Values of Floors, Walls and Ceilings?

Answer 30

The insulation value of materials is expressed as an R-Value. The higher the R-value, the more resistant the material is to the transfer of heat.

Building codes require different elements of each home to have different minimum R-values. For example, North Carolina building codes require R-19 insulation in floors, R-13 in walls, and R-30 in ceilings. Higher R-values are required in the colder, mountainous sections of the state.

Question 31

Weatherstrips

Answer 31

of felt, metal, or other substance are used to block drafts between the door or window sash and the casing. Caulking around openings can also reduce energy loss

Question 32

The lower the R-value, the more resistant the material is to the transfer of heat. (T/F)

Answer 32

False

The higher the R-value, the more resistant the material is to the transfer of heat

Question 33

heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC)

1) Most Common Forms of HVAC?

2) Most efficient type of heating system

Answer 33

The most common forms include central heating units fueled by gas, oil, or electricity; heat pumps; and forced warm air systems (which use a central blower)

The most efficient type of heating system is warm forced air, even though other systems can still be found, especially in older homes

Question 34

passive solar system

Answer 34

Passive solar systems utilize the natural heating power of direct sunlight captured through the use of southern exposure windows and brick interior walls that radiate heat back into the room at night.

Generally, a solar heating system will require an auxiliary system to supplement the solar power

Question 35

Active System

Answer 35

Active systems require a system of collection, storage, and distribution throughout the house.

Generally, a solar heating system will require an auxiliary system to supplement the solar power.

Question 36

very popular HVAC system in most of North Carolina

Answer 36

the heat pump provides a combination of heating and air conditioning. The heat pump pulls heat from the outside winter air and pumps it into the house and then reverses the process to remove heat from the residence during the summer months.

This system functions best in temperate climates and usually has an auxiliary system to supplement when nature is too hot or too cold for efficiency.

Question 37

British Thermal Unit (BTU)

Answer 37

is a measure of heat and is used in rating the capacity of air-conditioning and heating equipment. While R-values are stated as smaller numbers, BTU numbers are in the thousands.

A 4,000 BTU furnace might be called a two-ton unit. Many larger homes utilize a dual system (one system for the first floor and a second system for the upper floor) while some incorporate zoned heating for different zones of the residence.

Question 38

British thermal units (Btu) measure heat and are used to rate the capacity of air-conditioning and heating equipment (T/F)

Answer 38

True

Question 39

Certificate of Occupancy (CO)

Answer 39

A document issued by a governmental authority that a building is ready and fit for occupancy

Question 40

Although there is significant variance about what activities require a permit among county and city inspectors, there appears to be a fairly consistent agreement about three types of work that prompt the need for a permit:

Answer 40

any electrical, plumbing, or structural work

Question 41

A broker listing a property that has had additions or major improvements should verify

Answer 41

verify that the work was permitted

Unapproved space is a material fact since unpermitted space may have to be taken down or pass inspection retroactively and may not be insurable

Question 42

Contractor Licensing

Answer 42

In North Carolina, anyone who contracts to construct a building for others that costs more than $30,000 must obtain a general contractor’s license from the state. Different classifications of licenses exist for different types of construction.

For example, single-family home construction requires a residential building classification.

Question 43

Before a structure can be occupied, the North Carolina building code requires that a certificate of eligibility must be issued. (T/F)

Answer 43

False

Before a structure can be occupied, a certificate of occupancy must be issued.

Question 44

Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding building permits in North Carolina?

A)
A certificate of occupancy is needed only for construction costing more than $30,000.

B)
A property owner does not need a building permit to construct his own personal residence

C)
Permits are to ensure compliance with restrictive covenants.

D)
Unpermitted space may be uninsurable for hazard insurance purposes.

Answer 44

D)

Unpermitted space may be uninsurable for hazard insurance purposes.

When a property owner constructs a structure or addition with obtaining a building permit, an insurance company may refuse to issue any hazard insurance because there is no verification that the structure meets the requirements specified in state and local building codes. Insurance companies will not insure buildings or properties that are not deemed safe or inhabitable.

Question 45

The R-value of insulation refers to

A)
the quality of materials used in the insulation.

B)
the energy efficiency grade given by the state regulators.

C)
the reduction in heat production.

D)
the resistance to the transfer of heat.

Answer 45

D)

the resistance to the transfer of heat.

The higher the R-value, the more resistant the material is to the transfer of heat. Building codes require different elements of each home to have different minimum R-values. For example, North Carolina building codes require R-19 insulation in floors, R-13 in walls, and R-30 in ceilings. Higher R-values are required in the colder, mountainous sections of the state.

Question 46

The MOST efficient type of heating system is

A)
electric wire.

B)
heat pump.

C)
forced warm air.

D)
wood.

Answer 46

C)
forced warm air

A forced warm air system (uses a central blower) is the most efficient type of heating system.

Question 47

The lowest wooden part of residential construction is the

A)
foundation wall.

B)
footing.

C)
ridge board.

D)
sill.

Answer 47

D)
sill.

The floor framing includes the sill, which is the lowest horizontal wooden part of framing. It consists of pieces of treated lumber that are placed on top of the foundation walls.

Question 48

Which component of a house is NOT part of the roof?

A)
Eave

B)
Ridge board

C)
Soffit

D)
Header

Answer 48

D)

Header

Headers are two pieces of lumber joined together to form a beam. A header is used to give extra support to wall framing where a window or door will be positioned

Question 49

In residential construction, once the wall framing is complete, it is now time to build the exterior walls. Which of these is added to insulate the house from the elements?

A)
Sheathing

B)
Shingles

C)
Sole plate

D)
Frieze board

Answer 49

A)
Sheathing

Sheathing is insulating material that is applied to the wall framing: siding is applied on top of the sheathing after felt or plastic wrap has been installed

Question 50

Which of the following sources of heat can be used in both a passive and an active manner?

A)
Solar

B)
Forced warm air

C)
Gravity warm air

D)
Warm air

Answer 50

A)
Solar

Solar panels, which proved energy on a year-round basis, can be either passive or active systems. Passive solar systems utilize the natural heating power of direct sunlight captured through the use of southern exposure windows and brick interior walls that radiate heat back into the room at night. Active systems require a system of collection, storage, and distribution throughout the house. Generally, a solar heating system will require an auxiliary system to supplement the solar power.

Question 51

North Carolina building codes are promulgated by

A)
the state.

B)
the county.

C)
the subdivision developers.

D)
the city.

Answer 51

A)
the state

North Carolina building codes are promulgated by state government and apply to all cities and municipalities in the state. A city or town may not have a building code that requires lesser building standards than those stated in the North Carolina code.

Question 52

The highest part of the frame construction is the

A)
rafter.

B)
ridge board.

C)
ceiling joist.

D)
soffit.

Answer 52

B)
ridge board

Ceiling joists are attached to the top plate of the wall and carry the weight of the roof. Rafters, the sloping members of the roof frame, connect the ceiling joists and the ridge boards (the highest part of the construction).

Question 53

Windows allow for ventilation, light, a view, and style. There are various types of windows, including sliding, swinging, and fixed. Which of these BEST describes the major components of windows?

A)
Header, top plate, bridging, sash, and eaves.

B)
Sill, header, jamb, sash, muntins, and mullions.

C)
Jamb, sash, muntins, footings, and girders.

D)
Sash, muntins, mullions, sill plate, and slab.

Answer 53

B)
Sill, header, jamb, sash, muntins, and mullions

The components of a window are sill, header, jamb, sash, muntins, and mullions. Sill is the lowest part of the window; header is the top of the framing of the window; jamb is the side of the window; sash is the glass panel that moves; and the cross hatch of dividing wood is composed of the muntins (horizontal pieces) and the mullions (vertical pieces).

Question 54

BTUs

A)
are a description of a window style.

B)
describe insulation value.

C)
measure heat.

D)
determine roof slope.

Answer 54

C)
measure heat

The British thermal unit (Btu) is a measure of heat and is used in rating the capacity of air-conditioning and heating equipment. A 4,000 Btu furnace might be called a two-ton unit.

Question 55

The MOST expensive-style house to build is

A)
the tri-level.

B)
the two-story.

C)
the ranch.

D)
the split-level.

Answer 55

C)
the ranch

A ranch house is spread out over more land than a multistory home for a home of equal living square-footage. A ranch house costs more per square foot to build than multiple-storied construction because the most expensive elements of homebuilding are excavation of the land, the foundation, and rafters and roof installation. Each of these elements requires more lateral space for a ranch house having the same square footage as a home with multiple stories.

Question 56

A certificate of occupancy is issued by North Carolina building inspectors to indicate that

A)
construction on the building has been completed.

B)
construction on the building has been completed satisfactorily.

C)
all contractors licenses have been issued.

D)
construction on the building can begin.

Answer 56

B)
construction on the building has been completed satisfactorily

Before a structure can be occupied, the building department must issue a certificate of occupancy (CO), which means that the construction has been completed in a safe, satisfactory manner.

Question 57

In North Carolina, a general contractor’s license is required for constructing any building for others valued at or above

Answer 57

$30,000

In North Carolina, a general contractor’s license is required for bidding on any construction project valued at $30,000 or above. To get licensed, an individual must pass a state exam, complete a license application form, provide documents like financial statements, and obtain a North Carolina contractor license bond

Question 58

In residential construction, the horizontal timbers attached to the sill that support the floor are called

A)
joists.

B)
muntins.

C)
studs.

D)
piers.

Answer 58

A)
joists.

Joists are horizontal supports in the floor and roof.

Question 59

A city issued a building permit to a homeowner for the addition of a family room and additional bedroom with full bath. Before the addition can be built and used,

A)
the municipality must finalize a special-use permit.

B)
no further permission from the city is needed.

C)
the municipality must issue an occupancy permit.

D)
the adjacent neighbors must give written consent for the addition

Answer 59

C)
the municipality must issue an occupancy permit

A building permit is issued by a municipality before construction based on plans and information provided by the builder or contractor. Before an addition can be used, an inspector from the municipality must physically inspect the addition to ensure that the requirements of the local and state building codes have been followed.

Question 60

While this type of heat source is aesthetically pleasing, it can be a drain on the pocketbook because it usually acts as an exhaust vent for the home’s air. This type of heat source is described as

A)
fireplace.

B)
baseboard.

C)
sun.

D)
coal.

Answer 60

A)
fireplace

Fireplaces, while aesthetically appealing, can be a drain on the pocketbook because they usually act as an exhaust vent for the home’s air.

Question 61

A certificate of occupancy is required

I. from the local building department.
II. before anyone can move into a home

A)
Neither I nor II

B)
I only

C)
II only

D)
Both I and II

Answer 61

D)
Both I and II

Before a structure can be occupied, the building department must issue a certificate of occupancy (CO), which means that the construction has been completed in a safe, satisfactory manner.

Question 62

North Carolina building codes are promulgated by

A)
the county.

B)
the subdivision developers.

C)
the state.

D)
the city.

Answer 62

C)
the state

North Carolina building codes are promulgated by state government and apply to all cities and municipalities in the state. A city or town may not have a building code that requires lesser building standards than those stated in the North Carolina code.

Question 63

The following are components of an eave EXCEPT

A)
the soffit.

B)
the fascia board.

C)
the header.

D)
the frieze board.

Answer 63

C)
the header

The overhang of the roof is called the eave, which is made up of the fascia board, the soffit, and the frieze board. Gutters are usually attached to the fascia board. Ventilation for the attic is usually located in the soffit of the eaves