Property & Buildin, Inspection Module 1 & 2 Flashcards
What is the maximum allowable deflection for floor joists?
L/360
Openings located less than 3 feet from an interior property line shall be protected with what minimum fire protection rating?
Openings not permitted
Based on where the home is located on the property, an exterior wall having a fire separation distance less than 5 feet, penetrations with an approval penetration fire stop system shall have a minimum fire-resistance rating of?
1 hour
Where a window well is required in conjunction with an escape and rescue opening, the window well shall have a minimum net clear area of ___ square feet with a minimum horizontal dimension of ___?
5.7 square feet 20 inches
A garage located beneath a habitable room shall be separated from the room by a minimum ___ gypsum board.
5/8-inch Type-X
Handrails are not required on ramps having a maximum slope of ___.
1:12 slope
The maximum variation between the greatest riser height and the smallest risers height within any flight of stairs shall be ___.
3/8 inch
What is the maximum riser height permitted for spiral stairway?
9.5 inches
Stairway handrails shall be located with a minimum of ___ and a maximum of ___ measured vertically from the nosing of the treads.
34 inches 38 inches
Which one of the following areas in a dwelling unit does not specifically require the installation of a smoke alarm?
Kitchen
Unless a minimum tread depth of ___ is provided, a minimum ¾ inch nosing is required at the leading edge of all treads.
11 inches
The maximum width of a Type II handrail above the risers shall be ___ inches.
2 ¾ inches
Where located less than 5 feet above the walking surface, glazing on wall enclosing an indoor hot tub shall be considered to be installed in a hazardous location unless the glazing is a minimum of ___ horizontally from the water’s edge.
5 feet
Curbs are not required for skylights installed on roof having a minimum slope ___.
3:12
Typical defect that home inspectors should report for exterior doors include ___ cylinder deadbolt lock on an egress door.
Double
Fire blocking materials include ___?
½ inch thick drywall
A porch below shall be provided with a guard having a minimum height of ___.
36 inches
The minimum notch at the end of a floor joist can’t be more than ___ of the depth of the joist.
¼ inch
When a framing member is notched, the hole shall not be closer than ___ inches to the notch.
2 inches
Smoke alarms are required, in what percentage of the bedroom?
100 %
The minimum separation required between an attached garage and a residence is?
½ inch drywall
Which of the following is NOT a true statement concerning code requirements for areas which require the use of closer preservative treated or decay-resistance lumber?
The bottom of wood girder beams must be closer than 14 inches to exposed ground.
What is generally mounted just above the horizontal track perpendicular to the closed garage door?
extension springs
What percent of a top plate may be cut out of plumbing and reinforced with a 16-gauge steel plate?
50 percent
The minimum extension of a hearth beyond the front side face of a masonry fireplace with an opening of 6 square feet is ___ inches.
20 inches
Metal shingles should not be installed on a roof having a slope loss than ___.
3 inches
Studs in non-bearing partitions may be to a depth not to exceed what percentage of a single stud width.
40%
The bottom of the footing should be at least ___ inches below undisturbed ground & below the local frost line.
12 inches
___ inches wide X height proportionate ___ inches in height X wide proportionate is the minimum dimensions for an egress window in a bedroom.
20 inches X 24 inches
Which one of the following grades of wood would not be allowable for use as studs for load bearing wall. Which supports floors.
3
Galvanized steel metal used for open roof valley flashing for asphalt shingles shall be at least ___ inch wide strip.
24 inches
Purlins used to: ___
Keep rafters from separating away from the ridge board.
Where would safety glazing not be required in or near a stairway?
Top landing
Wood retaining walls are limited to how many feet tall?
4 feet
When the chimney stack is over ___ inches wide or cricket is required.
30 inches
Which of the following is the best example of an unsafe condition?
A stairway with uneven riser height
What is the purpose of secondary scupper?
Acts as emergency drain in case the primary drains are obstructed
Any installed walking surface that has an open sided drop of ___ inches, when measured 36 inches from the walking surface should have a guard installed.
30 inches
The minimum tread measurement is taken how many inches in from the narrow sides of the steps?
12 inches
In an attic assuming there is a proper balance of vents installed, what is the maximum number of square feet of attic floor to be vented?
1 square foot of net free vent space for 150 square feet of attic floor
Most standards of practice state that the home inspector should operate at least ___ operable window in every room.
1
Why is it critical to document how the crawl space was inspected?
Your client has to understand the limitations of your inspection. Crawl spaces can be troublesome. If you couldn’t get a good look, your client should understand that there is a greater risk of unforeseen problems.
It is sometimes difficult to distinguish between a settlement problems and having problems. Give a few examples of how you would distinguish between the two.
To distinguish between settlement and heaving, check whether cracks are opening, crushing, or sliding type cracks.
What are three structural components of the floor?
Columns, Sill, and Beams
What is the main function of sills?
To connect the top of the foundation to the wood floor system
Beams rest on ___ and ___.
Foundations and Columns
Why might a damaged foundation move suddenly after a heavy rain?
Increase in hydrostatic pressure or swelling of expansive soils.
The following are common problems with overhead sectional vehicle doors in garages. Expect.
Dents or other Mechanical damage
How many steps do you have to have on an interior stairway before a light has to be installed?
6
Which of the following is not a common problem with wood decks?
Use of pressure treated lumber
A single handrail is adequate for stairs up to ___ inches wide.
44
Where do deck boards often rot first?
Rot is found where the joists penetrate the wall
What is the function of a guard?
Guards keep you falling off a hallway or over the edge of a landing or balcony
What is the recommended way to test the automatic reverse on a garage door opener?
With a 1.5 inch block of wood placed in the door’s path
What is a problem to look for on typical sectional garage door?
Difficult to open or close
From an energy efficiency standpoint, which is the best efficiency appliance?
Wood-burning fireplaces
Interior wall cracks radiating up from the top of windows may mean?
Sagging Lintels and Shrinkage of framing members
What are 2 common failure mode for asphalts shingles?
Loss of granule material, cupping
What are the two types of closed valleys?
Fully woven valley, closed cut, or half woven
The purpose of a kitchen exhaust blower is to remove ___, ___, to ___ from the home.
Smoke, Moisture, and Heat
Where is condensation damage likely to be worst?
At bottoms of walls
Guardrails should be at least ___ inches high.
36 inches
The main function of a chimney cap or crown is to ___?
Protect the top of the chimney from water penetration.
A metal underground water pipe used as part of the grounding electrode system shall be indirect contact with the earth for a minimum of ___ feet.
10 feet
Workspace in front of an electrical panel board shall be a minimum of ___ in width, but no less than the width of the panel board.
30 inches
Panel boards and over current protection devices are prohibited in ___.
Clothes closets
Bonding is?
Joining two electrical connectors together
The minimum size of conductors for feeders and branch circuits shall be ___ copper.
14 copper
What is the minimum permitted size of a grounded service conductor serving a maximum load of 150 amps?
1 copper
The rating of any one cord and plug connected utilization equipment shall be a maximum of ___ of the branch circuit ampere rating.
80 percent
A minimum of ___ branch circuit(s) shall be provided for receptacles located in the laundry room and a minimum of ___ branch circuit(s) shall be provide to supply the bathroom receptacle outlet(s).
One 20 ampere rated, one 20 ampere rated
What is the maximum over current protection deceive rating permitted for No. 12 cooper conductors?
20 amps
What would four conductors wires mean?
3-phase electricity
How far away can a GFCI be located from a tub or shower?
No minimum
At a kitchen counter, countertop receptacle outlets shall be installed with a maximum horizontal distance of ___ from any point along the wall line to an outlet.
24 inches
Receptacles outlets shall be installed so that all points along the floor line in any wall space are a maximum of ___ feet from an outlet in that space when measured horizontally.
6 feet
Where installed in a storage closet, a recessed fluorescent luminaire shall be located so as to provide a minimum clearance of ___ between the fixture and the nearest point of the storage space.
6 inches
Hanging luminaries, lighting track and pendants shall be located a minimum of ___ horizontally and ___ vertically from the top of a bathtub rim or shower stall threshold.
3 feet, 8 feet
A luminaire that weights more than ___ shall be supported by a box listed for support of heavier light fixture.
6 pounds
All 125-volt receptacles located ___ feet from the inside walls of a swimming pool shall be protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter.
20 feet
What is the approximate temperature recovery rate in residential water heaters?
90-degrees F
What is the components that introduces cold water near the bottom of a gas-fired water heater tank?
The dip tube
Which type of water heater has the slowest recovery rate?
An electric water heater
How high above the floor should a gas oil-fired water heater be in a garage?
18 inches
What is the purpose of a baffle or turbulator in a gas fired water heater?
To slow down the exhaust products as they move up through the water heater.
What is the typical maximum distance between the fixture and the trap?
24 inches
Flexible dryer venting connectors made of vinyl coated steel springs or aluminum accordion must be less than 8 feet in length and cannot be used in ___ locations.
Concealed
Where copper piping is to pass through holes bored in wood studs, the pipe shall be protected by shield plates except for those holes that are a minimum of ___ from the nearest edge.
1.5 inches
Under all circumstances, water service pipe shall be installed a minimum of ___ deep.
12 inches
Where the frost line is at 30 inches, water service pipe shall be installed a minimum of ___ below grade.
36 inches
A fixture tailpiece for a laundry tub shall be a minimum of ___ in diameter.
1.5 inches
The total fall in a fixture drain due to pipe slope is limited to a maximum of ___.
One pipe diameter
What is the maximum number of fixture connected to a horizontal branch drain that are permitted to be circuit vented?
Eight
The fixture drain length between the trap weir and the vent connection fitting should be ___.
At least two pipe diameters
What is the implication of a trap arm that is too long?
Siphoning the trap
Describe a test used to determine if the toilet connection to the drain piping is loose.
Grasp the bowl between your legs and try to move the bowl side to side and front to back. Do not use excessive force.
Where used in a vent system, an individual air admittance valve shall be located a minimum of ___ above the horizontal branch drain or fixture drain being vented.
4 inches
An open vent terminal extending through an exterior wall shall terminate a minimum of ___ feet from the lot line.
10 feet
The vent or branch vent for multiple island fixture vents shall extend a minimum of ___ inch(es) above the highest island fixture being vented before connecting to the outside vent terminal.
6 inches
Water heater T & P valve should be set so that the maximum temperature reached is?
210 degrees
A water heater pressure relief valve shall be set to open at ___ PSI.
150 PSI.
For other than black steel pipe, exposed gas piping shall be identified by a yellow label spaced a maximum intervals of ___.
5 feet
In which of the following locations is the installation of gas piping not specifically prohibited?
Adjacent to an exterior stairway
For gas piping other than black or galvanized steel installed in a concealed location, a shield plate shall be provide for protection against physical damage where a bored hole is located a maximum of ___ from the edge of the wood member.
1.5 inches
Common evaporator coil problems includes all of the following EXCEPT?
Radiant Burn
An evaporative cooler cools air by?
Pulling air through a damp media
Which component would be found with a heat pump, but not with an air conditioner?
Reversing Valve
What is the maximum operating pressure for Polyvinyl Chloride water pipe?
100 pressure
Which statement would be true about steam heating systems?
They require regular occupant maintenance
A home inspection done to the Standards will include an observation of all the following EXCEPT?
Indoor air quality
Which statement about heat is false?
Heat is measured in degrees Fahrenheit.
Pick the false statement about air leakage in houses. Air leakages -
Out of a house always exceeds air leakage into a house.
Which statement about relative humidity is true?
Relative humidity drops as air temperature rises.
These are all common forms of insulation EXCEPT?
Liquid
Which insulation is controversial with respect to health issues?
Urea formaldehyde
Air Barriers
Help control heat flow only
Which statement about power vents is true?
They can depressurize the attic.
Which of the following is not a component of a heat recovery ventilator?
Burner
Common attic insulation problems include all of the following EXCEPT?
Excess depth
Which statement about chimneys and insulation is true?
Masonry chimneys should be in contact with non-combustible insulation only.
All of the following are common attic venting problems EXCEPT?
Continuous soffit vents with only spot roof vents.
An inspection done to the Standards must include - ?
A report on the absence of insulation in unfinished spaces.
All of the following are moisture sources EXCEPT?
Drying clothes in a vented clothes dryer.
Which of the following is not a common residential insulation material?
Polyvinyl Chloride
Which statements about venting roofs is false?
Venting roofs helps indoor air quality.
Venting the house living space during the winter in heating climates does all the following EXCEPT.
Adds moisture to the the house.
Which of the following is not a defrost system for heat recovery ventilators?
Directing furnace air to the hrv
Attic insulation may be wet as a result of any of the following EXCEPT?
Insulation too close to chimneys.
Non-Metallic sheathed wire is now color coded. Which color is for a 20-amp circuit?
Yellow
Typical lifespan of Solar panels is between?
20 to 25 years
The heating systems in a home needs to be able to maintain a temperature of ___ degrees?
68
Which of the gas pipe materials needs to have special bonding to the electrical system.
CSST
“UF” wire is allowed in all but one of the following locations?
Embedded in concrete
The clothes dryer vent termination should not be closer to the condenser coil than ___ feet?
3 feet
What is the minimum and maximum height of a standpipe?
18” to 42”
What is the minimum clearance in front of a toilet?
21 inches
A fuse rated for 30 amps is color coded?
Green
What is the implication of poor manifolding?
Clogging of pipes
Dryer vent termination must be a minimum of ___ feet of any property line.
6 feet
Based on the picture below if only a single light is on when using a 3-prong receptacle tester, this would indicate an ___ ___ according to the legend on the plug tester.
Open Ground
Weep holes should be spaced no more than ___ inches and a minimum of how wide?
33” &* 3/16”
When inspecting basement foundation walls, you should report which cracks in your reports?
All cracks should be noted
When installing a wind turbine, it should be installed at least ___ feet above any nearby obstruction to get good airflow?
30 feet
What is the minimum attic access opening size?
20” x 30 “
The main service fuses have been installed with the labels facing backward, such that you cannot read their rating. No other markings are visible. You should -
Report that the main service fuse rating was not determined.
You inspect a 4-year old asphalt shingle roof. It seems well insulated, and the attic is properly ventilated. Roughly 25 percent of shingles show irregular cracks in the surface. You report that
There is a possible manufacturing defect and life expectancy may be shortened.
All of the following contain condition statements EXCEPT?
The overhead service entrance conductors are aluminum and rated for 100 amps.
Which site conditions is reportable?
Tree limbs overhanging/in contact with the roof.
Where would (Major Settlement in My Opinion), suggest report by Structural Engineer; Cracks Evident, be located on the Inspection Report Form?
Foundations
Where would (tree limbs touching shingles) be located on the Inspection Report Form?
Branch Circuits
Common report components include all of the following EXCEPT?
The plan review
You should avoid using all of the following words or phases EXCEPT?
No deficiencies noted.
Building code references:
Should be avoided
Do the Standards of Practice require inspectors to report as deficient the lack of exhaust ventilators in required areas. What are the required areas for exhaust ventilators.
Yes, at a minimum, bathrooms and water closets that do not have an operative window.
All of the following are limitation statements EXCEPT.
The swimming pool is beyond the scope of this inspection.
All of the following contain scope statements EXCEPT?
The home inspection was performed for the seller.
The stage of construction when a new, building, addition, improvement, or alteration to an existing building is sufficiently complete that the building, addition, improvement, or alteration can be occupied or used for its intended purpose is defined as?
Substantially completed
Where would (Low Temperature Differential of 10 degrees based on 57 degrees at supply and 67 degrees at Return) be located on the Inspection Report Form?
Cooling Equipment
Where would (due to defects observed, with cooling systems recommend services and system) evaluation by qualified HVAC Service Company be located on the inspection report form?
Cooling equipment
Where would (leak at kitchen sink drain, hall bath drain, master bath drain, bathtub at hall bath cracked knob, drains slow, master bathtub drains slow, exposed metal and diverter fails to engage) be located on the inspection form?
Plumbing system (water supply fixture)
Where would (exterior faucets front and rear have no vacuum breakers installed) be located on the Inspection Report?
Plumbing system (water supply and fixtures)
Where would (rust inside/trays damaged at dishwasher) be located on the Inspection Report Form?
Dishwasher
Where would (leaks at the food waste disposal) be located on the Inspection Report Form?
Food Waste Disposal
Where would (range hood light not working) be located on the Inspection Report Form?
Range Hood and Exhaust Systems
Where would (doorbell failed to engage when pushed) be located on the Inspection Report Form?
Branch Circuits, Connected Devices and Fixtures
Where would (intercom checked in radio mode only and speakers have loose connections/control panel loose at wall) be located on the Inspection Report Form?
Appliances-Other
In Optional Systems, where would (heads failed to engage/consult owner) be located on the Inspection Report Form?
Sprinkler System
Where would (smoke detectors failed to engage/not present at second floor upper level) be located on the Inspection Report Form?
Branch Circuits, Connected Devices and Fixtures
Where would (leak from spouts both hot/cold at laundry room) be located on the Inspection Report Form?
Plumbing System (water supply and fixtures)
___ claims often result from clients misunderstanding about the scope and objective of a home inspection.
Meritless
If a inspector elects to risk resolving an issue, which 4 tactics have proven useful?
Listen, take pictures, don’t admit fault, or apologize
If you reach a settlement, obtain a ___ release from all claims regarding the home inspection.
Full
___ litigation involves a dispute between two or more parties.
Civil
Defendant may file what type of claims against each other?
Cross claims
Defendants may file a ___ against the plaintiff.
Counterclaim
___ is the compulsory disclosure of information relevant to the litigation.
Discovery
___ ___ occurs when there is no significant disagreement about the facts and when the moving party is entitled to win as a matter of law.
Summary judgement
___ ___ is the failure to exercise the standard of care that a reasonably prudent person (home inspector) would have exercised is a similar situation.
Ordinary Negligence
___ ___ is defended by some as the failure to exercise slight care and others define as a conscious act or omission in reckless disregard of a legal duty.
Gross Negligence
The classic elements of negligence are:
Duty, breached the duty, breach was the cause of plaintiff’s damages, plaintiff suffered physical injury.
A ___ relationship arises when someone has a duty to act for the benefit of another on matters that relevant to the relationship.
Fiduciary
The SOC for a home inspection is usually the applicable ___ that should be stated in the home inspection contract.
SOP
If the ___ can establish that the SOC is to use a combustible gas detector, then the ___ might prevail if the client suffered damaged as a result of the home inspector’s failure to properly use a combustible gas detector.
Plaintiff, Plaintiff
The inspection ___ should contain a clause that prohibits transfer of the report to third parties.
Contract
Some clients believe, or at least try to allege, that a home inspection creates or provides a guarantee or ___ ___ against problems that may occur in the home.
Insurance policy
The home inspector may not, for compensation, perform any construction or repair work on an inspected property for ___ year(s) after the inspection.
One year
It often takes at least ___ year(s) to establish a viable home inspection business.
5 years
Almost ___ of the states have some form of mandatory regulations of home inspectors.
Two-thirds
___ is a planned effort to communicate a message to a target market.
Marking
