NHIE Prep

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of a property and building inspection?

Answer 1

To assess the condition of a property and identify potential safety hazards, structural issues, and maintenance concerns.

Question 2

What are the key components of a property inspection report?

Answer 2

Structural integrity, electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, and safety hazards.

Question 3

What does ‘due diligence’ mean in property inspection?

Answer 3

The careful examination of a property’s condition before purchase or renovation.

Question 4

Why is record-keeping important in property inspections?

Answer 4

To document findings, track issues over time, and provide evidence for legal or insurance purposes.

Question 5

What standard organizations set guidelines for property inspections?

Answer 5

ASTM, ASHI, RICS, and ISO.

Question 6

What are the main load-bearing components of a building?

Answer 6

Foundations, columns, beams, walls, and floors.

Question 7

What is differential settlement?

Answer 7

Uneven sinking of a building’s foundation, leading to structural issues.

Question 8

What are signs of foundation failure?

Answer 8

Cracks in walls, doors/windows sticking, sloping floors.

Question 9

What materials are commonly used for building foundations?

Answer 9

Concrete, masonry, wood, and steel.

Question 10

How can you identify structural movement in a building?

Answer 10

By checking for cracks in walls, misaligned doors/windows, and gaps in joints.

Question 11

What are the most common roofing materials?

Answer 11

Asphalt shingles, metal, tile, slate, and flat roofing membranes.

Question 12

What is the primary function of flashing on a roof?

Answer 12

To prevent water intrusion at roof intersections and penetrations.

Question 13

What are common signs of roof damage?

Answer 13

Missing shingles, sagging, water stains on ceilings.

Question 14

What is ponding water, and why is it a concern?

Answer 14

Water that remains on a flat roof after rain, which can lead to leaks and structural damage.

Question 15

How often should a roof be inspected?

Answer 15

Annually and after severe weather events.

Question 16

What is the standard voltage for residential electrical systems?

Answer 16

120/240 volts in most countries.

Question 17

What is the purpose of a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)?

Answer 17

To prevent electric shocks by shutting off power when a ground fault occurs.

Question 18

What are signs of an overloaded circuit?

Answer 18

Frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, warm outlets.

Question 19

What type of wiring is considered hazardous in older homes?

Answer 19

Knob-and-tube wiring and aluminum wiring.

Question 20

What does ‘double-tapping’ mean in an electrical panel?

Answer 20

Two wires connected to a single breaker, which can cause overheating.

Question 21

What are the main components of a plumbing system?

Answer 21

Water supply, drainage, venting, and fixtures.

Question 22

What are common signs of plumbing leaks?

Answer 22

Water stains, mold, musty odors, and increased water bills.

Question 23

What is the function of a P-trap?

Answer 23

To prevent sewer gases from entering the building.

Question 24

What is backflow, and why is it a concern?

Answer 24

Reverse flow of contaminated water into the clean water supply, causing health hazards.

Question 25

How can you check for hidden plumbing leaks?

Answer 25

Water meter test (checking if the meter moves with all water fixtures off).

Question 26

What does HVAC stand for?

Answer 26

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.

Question 27

What is the ideal temperature range for an HVAC system?

Answer 27

68-78°F (20-26°C), depending on season and comfort levels.

Question 28

What are signs of HVAC system failure?

Answer 28

Inconsistent temperatures, strange noises, poor airflow.

Question 29

What is the role of an air filter in an HVAC system?

Answer 29

To remove dust, debris, and allergens from the air.

Question 30

How often should HVAC filters be replaced?

Answer 30

Every 1-3 months, depending on usage.

Question 31

What is the primary purpose of fire-rated walls?

Answer 31

To slow the spread of fire between sections of a building.

Question 32

What is the minimum height requirement for a handrail?

Answer 32

Typically 34-38 inches (86-97 cm), depending on local codes.

Question 33

What is the required clearance in front of an electrical panel?

Answer 33

At least 36 inches (91 cm) of working space.

Question 34

What are common egress requirements for residential buildings?

Answer 34

At least two means of escape, such as doors or windows.

Question 35

What is the maximum rise for a single stair step?

Answer 35

Typically 7-7.75 inches (18-20 cm), per building codes.

Question 36

What are common environmental hazards in buildings?

Answer 36

Asbestos, lead paint, radon, mold, and carbon monoxide.

Question 37

What is the primary health risk of asbestos?

Answer 37

Lung diseases, including mesothelioma and asbestosis.

Question 38

How is mold typically identified in a building?

Answer 38

Musty odors, visible growth, and health symptoms in occupants.

Question 39

What is the primary cause of radon in homes?

Answer 39

Naturally occurring radioactive gas from soil and rock.

Question 40

How can carbon monoxide exposure be prevented?

Answer 40

Installing CO detectors and maintaining fuel-burning appliances.

Question 41

Why is proper drainage important for a building site?

Answer 41

To prevent water damage, erosion, and foundation issues.

Question 42

What are signs of poor grading around a building?

Answer 42

Water pooling near the foundation, erosion, damp basements.

Question 43

What is the recommended slope away from a foundation?

Answer 43

A minimum of 6 inches drop over 10 feet.

Question 44

What are common exterior wall materials?

Answer 44

Brick, stucco, wood, vinyl siding, fiber cement.

Question 45

How can you identify termite damage?

Answer 45

Hollow-sounding wood, mud tubes, and frass (termite droppings).

Question 46

What are the different types of heat transfer?

Question 47

Where does most of the moisture in a house come from?

Answer 47

Air movement

Question 48

Thermal Bridging

Question 49

Partial Vapor Pressure can be described as?

Answer 49

Water Vapor causes new homes to require house wrap

Question 50

What must be present for soffit vents to operate properly?

Question 51

What must you have when you have two dissimilar materials meeting

Answer 51

Dielectric Union

Question 52

When do you have to have a pressure-reducing valve?

Answer 52

When PSI is larger than 80 psi, you must have an expansion tank for the water heater.

Question 53

What is the primary purpose of a vent system

Answer 53

TRemoves gasses and odors from the house

Question 54

What is the secondary purpose of a vent system

Answer 54

Allows air into the system to let the water go out

Question 55

What is most likely to cause uniform-width cracks at both upper corners of all windows along one top-story wall?

Answer 55

Improperly braced windows

Question 56

Where are Smoke alarms required

Answer 56

Each sleeping room and immediate adjacent space

Question 57

Where should carbon monoxide detectors be located?

Answer 57

Rule of Thumb: About 5 feet from the floor or eye level

Question 58

Minimum tread depth for stairs

Answer 58

10 inches

Question 59

What constitutes a landing

Answer 59

36x36"

Question 60

Rule of thumb for chimney height

Answer 60

3/10 - 3 feet higher than the deck and 2 feet higher than anything within 210 feet of the chimney

Question 61

What word do inspectors use for defective

Answer 61

deficient

Question 62

What is a deadman?

Answer 62

retaining wall anchor

Question 63

Exterior doors should swing:

Answer 63

Inward

Question 64

You are inspecting a deck and notice the deck ledger has wood I-joists, what could be an issue?

Answer 64

Inadequate rim joist to support connection

Question 65

A roof on a single family has a slope of 1 1/2:12 which would be the most appropriate roof covering?

Answer 65

Modified Bitumen

Question 66

Where would you find a scupper

Answer 66

a parapet wall A scupper is an opening or drain, typically in the side of a building or vessel, designed to allow water to flow away and prevent pooling, especially on flat roofs or decks

Question 67

Where would you most likely find a collar tie

Answer 67

The upper part of the attic. Ties the two gable rafters together in the upper third of the height of a rafter or truss

Question 68

Racking is most likely to occur because of a failure to install

Answer 68

Wall Bracing

Question 69

What is the most likely cause of numerous cracks running through grout and times on a ceramic tile floor? The floor is constructed with 2x10 floor joists.

Answer 69

floor joist span is too long

Question 70

What does the grounding electrode system of a home do?

Answer 70

Provides an alternative path for electricity

Question 71

Where should a movement joint be in the installed brick veneer

Answer 71

At support by different structural components

Question 72

In a single-phase electric service, how many energized conductors supply 240 volt, 200 amps?

Answer 72

2

Question 73

What is most likely to cause an arc flash?

Answer 73

metal touching an energized conductor

Question 74

A circuit breaker protects against

Answer 74

Too much current

Question 75

You are inspecting the exterior and notice there is a half-inch difference between the slabs and the walkway how would you report this

Answer 75

A safety hazard and could be a trip hazard

Question 76

Hand Carved Dragonfly on Bone Pendant with 24 inch Czech Glass Pearl Chain

Question 77

Under NHIE outline for ‘Knowing your code’. OVERHEAD ELECTRIC SERVICE CLERANCES FOR ROOFS' topic, select which two learning points are correct. 1. 4/12 or greater pitch: 3ft. 2. 4/12 or greater pitch: 2ft. 3. 3/12 or less pitch: 3 ft. 4. 3/12 or less pitch: 2 ft.

Answer 77

1 & 3

Question 78

In the NHIE Outline on Property and Building Inspection/Site Review(Task 4), within the topic: Floor Structure. You will be tested on identifying ____________________

Answer 78

Applied forces and how they affect floor systems (e.g., wind, seismic, loads)

Question 79

The NHIE questions are divided into 3 main domains consisting of a percentage of the questions. The domains are

Answer 79

Building Sciences (Property & Building Inspection/Site Review):63%, Analysis of Findings and Reporting:25%, Professional Responsibilities:12%

Question 80

A learning consideration for Task 4 of the NHIE Outline on Analysis of Findings and Reporting is: 'Correct professional or tradesperson not required to effect repairs or perform further evaluations'.

Answer 80

No

Question 81

Domain 2 of the NHIE Outline refers to _________

Answer 81

Analysis of findings and reporting

Question 82

Task 8 of the Property and Building Inspection/Site Review outline is to

Answer 82

Identify and inspect insulation, moisture management systems, and ventilation systems in conditioned and unconditioned spaces to assess defects and issues that may affect people or the performance of the building

Question 83

In the NHIE Outline on Property and Building Inspection/Site Review(Task 2), 'missing/failing/malfunctioning safety sensors, improper adjustment of pressure reverse' is a defect to be identified under the learning topic__________

Answer 83

Garage Vehicle Doors and Operators Plumbing systems, Foundation, and structure Foundation and structure Heating systems, Air conditioning systems