Student Questions Flashcards
What is the most serious safety hazard with an exterior door:
Double cylinder dead bolt (keyed inside and outside)
In an older home,a forced hot air furnace is replaced by a heat pump. The heat coming out of the register is:
Cooler
When inspecting kitchen cabinets:
Observe that they are securely attached to the wall
Te following is beyond the basic home Inspection:
Operate incoming water main valve
The real estate agent request a copy of your inspection report:
You would get permission from your buyer
On the interior door leading to the attached garage, the door:
Must be 1 3/8” thick wood,metal,or fire-rated
A house is built on a sloping hill. The surface water should be drained
Into a 4 inch perforated plastic drain line and directed downhill to daylight
A flat roof with a two- foot surrounding parapet wall,what must be provided to allow drainage
Scuppers
Roof drain with secondary overflow drain
A deck is 4 feet off the ground and you note that the ledger board has four 16D nails in each bay
Tell the buyer that The proper bolts should be installed
You are inspecting a house where the second-story balcony is observed and every cantilevered joist is rotted halfway out from the wall
Tell All appropriate parties that there is a hazard, and no one should step out onto it.
What is a common reason for water overflowing a gutter:
Gutter not large enough for the area of roof covered
How can you determine if a home is on sinking soil or on unsteady soil:
Only a geotechnical evaluation can make that kind of determination.
Why would you install a pressure regulator
The pressure In the home is too high
You are inspecting a flat roof with a rock ballast finish.you see an A/C platform sitting on two 4x4 SPF boards:
Tell buyer that the 4x4’s should be replaced with pressure treated wood.
A home is built with a second floor and a trussed attic/roof above it .which one of the following is not a consideration when determining joist depth:
A.the eventual use of the attic
B. the weight of the roof system
C. The design if the roof system
D.The depth of the insulation to be installed
D.The depth of the insulation to be installed
You are inspecting a wood retaining wall.you notice 6x6 squares every four feet along the wall:
These are part of the tie back system
What is efflorescence ?
The remaining dissolved salts stuck to the concrete as a result of water penetration.
You inspect a home with a wood stove 18” from the wall.you notice that the unit does not have a UL approved sticker. You should tell the client:
The stove is too close to the wall
When is not the time to have your inspection agreement signed:
After the home inspection has been completed.
Which of the following is the least safe for occupants :
Dead bolts with a keyed interior arrangement
A cedar shake roof will (wear out first) or (show light through the felt first)
Between shakes
A dishwasher drain may be attached to the sink drain:
Above the trap
Flushing a toilet In a house that has been vacant for six months produces a gurgling in the tub drain. This is because:
It is improperly vented ( or unvented)
A house has recently been re-sided with vinyl. The new vinyl has been installed over the electric feed conduit from below the mast to the meter. This is okay? T/F
false
OSB
- will deteriorate from rain if left exposed on the job site
- can be used for flooring
- is structurally sound
What is the proper spacing between foundation anchor bolts :
6 feet
What is the acceptable distance between collar ties:
4 feet
If you have a gas furnace and a gas water heater in the basement and a gas furnace in the attic, how many flues do you need for proper venting?
Two
If the furnace blower stops running after the burners have shut off and then the blower turns back on with out the burners on- what is the most likely situation?
Fan/limit control switch does not operate properly
What is the typical clearance to combustibles for venting of a wall furnace ?
One inch
The clearance from a wall furnace to the ceiling is:
Per manufacture’s instruction
The clearance from a wall furnace to the nearest wall is ?
6 inches
Where is the draft hood for a wall-mounted furnace located?
The front of the furnace -top front
At what point in an A/C cycle does the gas turn to a liquid
Coming out of the condensing coil
At what point in a a/c cycle does the liquid turn to gas :
Coming out of the evaporator coil
An HVAC installation requires the following:
Insulating ducts outside building envelope only
The following roof type requires waterproof underlayment A.asphalt B.metal C.tile D.none of the above
D. None of the above
When converting a gas-forced air furnace to heat pump,the ductwork is:
Undersized and May or may not perform adequately
A masonry building,circa 1910, a horizontal metal star bolted to it on the outside at the top of first floor . These pieces are:
Used to anchor the wall structure to the roof
A house rest on An 8" concrete block foundation 8' high. One wall is back filled 6' high while the opposite wall is exposed with a downhill slope in the front. The back filled wall has a horizontal crack across its length .the cause may be anything except : A. Forced of ground against wall B. freezing C. Weight of house on foundation D. Rusting of reinforcement rod
C. Weight of house on foundation
OSB is most commonly used as:
Roof sheathing
Commonly metal roof material includes all, except: A.copper B.aluminum C.v-seam D.metallica
D.metallica
Installing a screened chimney cap does all of The following,except A.interrupts proper draft B.keeps out birds and animals C.keeps out dirt and debris D.keels rain from entering the chimney
A. Interrupts proper drafts
The following can be run under concrete floor,except : A. Water line B. Drain line C. Gas pipe D. Electrical conduit
C. Gas pips
The following roof type has the greatest life expectancy:
Tile
All the following may be used as gas line inside , except : A. Black pipe B. galvanized pipe C. Plastic pipe D. Flared copper pipe
C. Plastic pipe
I a second roof is applied,
Where is it most likely to leak?
Valley
Can A/C have larger breaker than. Corresponding wire ? T/F
True
Why would you put your mirror under a water heater draft hood ?
To detect back drafting
What size should TPR valve extension piping be?
Same size as the valve it’s connected to
Where should TPR extension terminate?
Within 6” of the floor or ground
Where is A/C tonnage encoded ?
Model #
Spacing of collar ties should be ?
Collar ties are spaced every 4’
Concrete block retaining wall with 3” deflection. What should you say?
Have a structural engineer examine
Why is there a drip loop
To keep water from running down the mast head.
What is the reasoning for gapped roof sheathing?
Expansion
What is the biggest hazard for a fire box :
Gap between the frame and brick
What is the minimum curb height for a skylight ?
4 inches
How far apart ( maximum) can sill bolts be?
6 feet
A downspout terminated 6” before the foundation - what should you say ?
Recommend an extension
What is not a material typically used for gutters ? A. Brass B. plastic C.aluminum D.steel
A. Brass
What fishing is used where chimney and roof meet?
Counter flashing and step flashing
What is Swale?
Grading that directs water around a home
What is sump ?
Hole, pit, or crock in the ground that collects water
What to do with a $20 tip from a broker after the inspection is completed?
It is unethical -give it back
What happens if the A/C unit has a dirty evaporator coil with many bent fins ?
Expect a higher differential /split temperature
Size of a notch that is allowed in a non-bearing wall stud?
40% of the stud’s width
Size of a notch that is allowed in a bearing wall stud ?
25% of stud width
Size of a board hole in a non-bearing wall stud or a double -bearing wall?
60% of stud’s width
Maximum offset of a wall perpendicular to the joist from a bearing wall below?
1 joist depth
Proper way to strap a water heater for an earthquake ?
2 strap-upper and lower third-lower is above The gas valve
Efflorescence on exterior of Brick is caused by:
Moisture trapped behind the brick
Lower par to downspout must be located:
On the outside of upper downspout
A/C of heat pump
Liquid turns to gas when it comes out of the evaporator coil,which may be either physical coil depending on whether you are heating or cooling the house
A/C or heat pump
Gas turns to a liquid after it comes out of the condensing coil, which may be either physical coil depending on whether you are heating or cooling the house
How far does a wall furnace have to be from a opening door ?
12”
What protects a water heater in a garage against vehicle impact?
Bollard(concrete filled pipe)
What is the required opening for an egress window ?
5.7sqft opening an needs to be minimum of 20” wide an 24” tall
Insulated line on A/C runs from?
A coil inside to the condensing unit outside
Roof minimum slope.
2:12 for asphalt
3:12 for wood
2 1/2:12 for tile
Receptacles _________ of a GFCI are protected
Downstream
In a main panel, how many neutral wires are allowed to be run into one slot of the ground bar?
Depends on panel,usually just once. Read the mfg label
A 15 amp breaker or fuse blows at :
15 Amps
#10 wire on a 50 amp breaker for A/C compressor
Not allowed
A wire run 10’,from a lug before the main breaker to a junction box:
Not protected if main panel is turned off
A #14 wire is not safe to be run I a 30 amp breaker ? T/F
True
Romex is a :
Conductor
Trade name
An air handler is in the attic. What is the minimum width of a walkway for access?
24”
A vent for a high efficiency furnace pitches :
Downward towards furnace
Upwards away from furnace
In new construction, a high efficiency furnace in a closet must have outside combustion air. T/F
True
How often should am oil furnace be tuned up?
Annually
Wall furnace vent is what type ?
BW
Frost on evaporator coil:
Too little air flow
Tonnage can be determined by dividing FLA by 6-7?
Not any more with the new high efficiency a/c units. The math doesn’t work anymore.try it on a 13 or 14 SEER unit
Condensate line is not allowed in plumbing vent ? T/F
True
Barometric damper
Allows for constant draft in the chimney when the system is on
Offset flues allow heat and glasses to escape -is it a safety hazard ?
Yes
Pull down steps in attached garage is a fire issue is it fixable ?
But it’s not really fixable
What is the best way to keep skylight from leaking ?
By building a 4” curb
Dirty air filter will cause high a/c temp differential ?T/F
True
What does a retaining wall need behind it?
Gravel
Retaining wall-8” block with 3” displacement
Recommend repair
Where is drip edge installed
Goes under the felt paper at eves or over the rake
What is the most common defects in fiberglass shingles ?
Cracks
Are fiberglass,asphalt, and composition shingles the same thing ?
Yes
Are organic shingles different from fiberglass shingles
Yes
Flat roof-
Ponding around the drains indicates inadequate or clogged?
Inadequate or clogged drains
Parapet walls- what type of flashing ?
Flashing over can’t strip
Kick out flashing,where is it located?
At the end of the roof where wall and roof intersect,usually The last piece of step flashing bent out from wall.
What roof material doesn’t require an underlayment ?
Wood shingles
What are risers and treads mounted to:
Stringers
Exhaust fan must be exhausted to
____?
Exterior
Are plaster cracks not pulling away from lathe typical?
Yes
Cracked toilet bowl:
Recommend replacement
Insulation in crawl space: vapor barrier should face the_____?
Sub floor
Girders and joist must overlap___ on concrete and ___ on wood or steel?
3” on concrete and
1 1/2” on wood or steel
The homeowner is an electrician and states he pushed the aluminum wires into the back of the receptacle. How should this be reported ?
Recommend a UL approved crimp method
Low slope roof should not be less than?
Depends on the covering material
Service drop over a flat roof should be?
8 feet
When firing up a steam system that has been turned off all summer,you head hissing sound:
This is normal
Dryer can be vented to :
Outside with a back draft damper
Most problem with deck ledger board?
Improper flashing
When a child is sleeping in a room you need to inspect:
Ask the seller if you can inspect the room
There is a gas furnace in the basement and you notice your glasses are fogging up?
Caused by improper appliance venting
What does UF stand for?
Underground feeder
What is the purpose of the neutral wire?
It competes the circuit
Outside central air condenser unit must be within 10 degrees of level.
T/F
True
What two things do collar ties do?
Stabilize the roof and distribute the load
Garage door opener sensor can be no more than 6” off the floor? T/F
True
What kind of roof covering can not be installed over space boards?
Asphalt shingles
BUR
Spray-applied foam
What is not a safety hazard in a stairway? A. Uneven risers B. torn carpet C.Mid stairs landing D. Missing spindles
C. Mid stairs landing
Where is a smoke detector not required?
Garage
What is the required duct size for a dryer vent ?
4”
Maximum safe temperature setting of a how water heater ?
115-120F
What adds to sheer strength of an interior ceiling?
Gypsum drywall
Gypsum plaster
Portland plaster
Copper flashing nailed with galvanized nails is acceptable
T/F
False
What is a trimmer?
A single or double beam,joist, or rafter to which a header is nailed in framing for a chimney, stairway or other opening
Which areas of a house require ventilation
Bath,kitchen attic
Proper electrical wire height from road,driveway and yard
18’
12’
10’
A 20 amp receptacle would require a number ____ aluminum wire.
10
Main panel without single “main” disconnect,what is allowed
6 shutoffs
You find garage floor covered with carpet
Recommend to buyer that they remove it.
Ladder falls on a car while you are doing an inspection.what type of insurance covers this:
General Liability
Electrical fuse panel has a bunch of 15 amp blown fuses laying around. What do you tell the client?
It is likely that at least one circuit is carrying too much current
Fireplace hearth should be:
Distinguishable from surrounding floor
Fireplace mantel should be a minimum of _____ from opening.
12”
Flue covered with creosote
Safety hazard
Mantle and ceiling have soot
Fireplace is probably not drafting properly
You have a fireplace that has two top registers and two bottom registers
This is a heatilator
What is the minimum space between roof shingles and the siding from dormer or sidewall?
2”
Roofing - what is the hardest to tear?
Bitumen
You have a crack in a basement wall. Which one needs to be reported as a problem ? A. Hairline vertical B. hairline horizontal C.1/2" wide crack D.1/4" wide crack
C. 1/2” wide crack
What is the purpose of an air gap on A dishwasher ?
Protect against the contamination of the water supply
Where can The evaporator coil on a heat pump unit located?
Inside, plenum, outside
What is rated for 100amp and is unsafe
100 amp panel with 200 amp main breaker
An inspector pushes on brick siding. What is he looking for ?
Missing masonry ties
What is not a sign of condensation in an attic?
Cold room below ceiling of attic
What is the proper way to vent a condensate drain
Indirect drain
What is spalling
Pieces of brick chipping or breaking away
What is the minimum distance if a single wall vent connector for a wood burning stove to combustibles
18”
You turn off the GFCI in one bathroom and it kills the power to the receptacles in another bathroom. What do you report?
This is an acceptable practice
You look into the burner area of a water heater and see a twisted metal piece sitting on the burner
The baffle ( tubulator) has rusted out and dropped
The ____ _____ of a water heater brings the cold water to the bottom of the tank
Dip tube
The _____ _____ In a water heater protects the tank from rust and corrosion
Anode rod
You have a furnace,water heater and dryer in the same laundry room. What do you need to look for?
That there is enough combustion air available
What kind of wire can not be covered by insulation?
Knob and tube
What is the part that holds a truss together?
Gusset plates
Flex gas pipe ( appliance connectios) can the be coupled together?
No
Windows over 18” off the floor usually do not need tempered glass
T/F
True
You inspect a house that has a room in the basement used as a bedroom What is required?
An egress window
