Study Guide- HOME INSPECTION Flashcards
Real estate inspection
A written or oral opinion as to the condition of the improvements to real property, including structural items, electrical items, mechanical systems, plumbing systems, or equipment.
Inspection
A report addressing two or more improvements is considered a single inspection.
Inspection Forms
The commission requires a standard form and requires inspectors to use the forms to reduce discrepancies and create consistency in preparing reports of real estate inspections. (Currently REI-7-5 or 7-??) (1102.3)
Commission
The Texas Real Estate Commission. (TREC) (1102.001 & 535.201 Definitions)
Committee
The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee. (1102.001& 535.201 Definitions)
The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee is an?
advisory committee appointed by the commission (TREC).
The committee shall?
Recommend not implement.
The committee Shall consist of:
6 inspectors & 3 public members
6 Committee members: (total 9)
who have been engaged in the practice of real estate
inspecting as professional inspectors for at least five years before the member’s appointment and who are actively engaged in that practice.
Each inspector member will serve a 6 year staggered term with 2 inspector members expiring February 1st of each odd numbered year.
3 committee members: (total 9)
who represent the public, who are not registered, certified, or licensed by an occupational or regulatory agency in the real estate industry.
Each public member will serve a 2 year staggered term with 1 public member expiring February 1st of an even numbered year and 2 public members expiring February 1st of each odd numbered year.
Committee members memory tool:
Both 2 inspectors and public members are replaced every other ODD year and one public member every even year.
If a vacancy occurs in the committee?
the commission will fill the vacancy for the unexpired term.
Can the commission remove members of the committee?
A committee member can be removed by the commission if they are no longer eligible and/or have violated a commission rule.
A person who intends to be licensed by the Commission:
Must complete all the required coursework.
Must complete all the required Field Training.
Must submit all the appropriate certifications with the application.
Must file an application for the license
on the form approved by the Commission for that purpose
Must submit the required fee (Currently $120)
The Commission will reject an application without a sufficient
filing fee.
The Commission may request additional information be provided
to the Commission relating to an application.
Once Exams are passed the applicant needs to:
Be fingerprinted
Pay recovery fund fee
Provide proof in insurance to TREC prior to being licensed.
The Commission shall charge and collect the following fees for initial licensing or reinstatement:
Apprentice inspector a fee of $60
Real Estate Inspector a fee of $100
* Professional Inspector a fee of $120
The Commission shall charge and collect the following fees for renewal of a license in a timely manner:
- Apprentice Inspector A fee of $30
- Real Estate Inspector a fee of $50
- Professional Inspector a fee of $60
- Renewal 1-90 days after renewal date is 1 1⁄2 times original fee
- Renewal 91-<6 months of expiration dates is 2 times the
original fee.
Testing Fee?
- $220 for National Exam and State Exam
- $220 for National Exam alone
- $60 for State Exam alone
Insurance (535-211)?
- Must provide proof of Professional Lability Insurance ($100,000)
- Provide notice to the commission within 10 days of cancellation of non-renewal
Who does 1102 not apply to?
electricians, plumbers, carpenter, Structural Pest control, etc. if inspection for improvements and does not advertise to be an inspector. (1102.002)
Apprentice Inspectors are trained under?
Direct Supervision (either professional or a real estate inspector)
Direct Supervision?
Physically available and present at the inspection.
How many apprentice inspectors can an inspector have at separate job sites at the same time?
ONE
To be eligible for a real estate inspector license, an applicant must:
- Hold an apprentice inspector license for at least three months
- 90 classroom hours of core real estate inspection courses
Professional inspector?
A person who represents to the public that the person is trained and qualified to perform a real estate inspection and who accepts employment to perform a real estate inspection for a buyer or seller of real property. (1102.001)
INACTICE INSPECTOR?
An “inactive” inspector is a licensed professional inspector, real estate inspector, or apprentice inspector who is not authorized by law to engage in the business of performing real estate inspections.
Ways to become “Inactive”:
A written request of the inspector to be placed on the inactive list.
The inspector’s failure meet CE requirements.
Termination of sponsorship by a professional inspector
The death, license expiration, suspension or revocation
of the inspectors inspector Sponsor
The failure of the license holder to provide proof of
financial responsibility to the commission.
Real Estate Inspector or Professional Inspector license
requires, 32 Hours of Continuing education which shall include the following:
- 24hrs of qualifying hours and no more than 16 on one subject.
- 8hrs of Non-Elective coursework in Legal and ethics, SOP’s and report writing consisting of 4 hours of legal and ethics and 4 hours of SOP review.
Can an inspector make repairs on a house after inspecting?
An inspector cannot repair replace or upgrade a property that he/she
inspected for 12 months.
An inspection report MUST:
- Include the Inspectors name and license number
- Clients name
- Address of the property
- Be delivered within 3 days unless another timeframe is agreed upon.
When should you notify TREC if you have a Name change, Address or email change?
30 days
To Sponsor an apprentice Inspector the Professional Inspector must have ______ inspections as a professional inspector.
200
_____ attempts to pass. Then more education is required.
3
Repairs of Maintenance:
Cannot repair or perform maintenance while under earnest money contract, lease or exchange of property.
Payments from the fund (including attorney fees, court costs and
interest) for a single transaction may not exceed ________ regardless of number of people.
$12,500
Payments against an inspector based on judgements cannot exceed ______ until the inspector has reimbursed the fund for all the money paid.
30,000
If there are multiple claims against the inspector that exceed the
maximum amount the claims will be prorated:
- Actual damages to be paid first
- Interest on any damages
- Attorney fees and court costs
Real Estate Recovery Fund must be a notice to consumers? T/F
T
The Commission may revoke a license of an inspector if a payment is out of the recovery fund for a judgement against the inspector? T/F
T
The inspector is not eligible for reinstatement of their license
until they have paid the fund back plus any interest? T/F
T
A person who willfully violates or fails to comply with this
chapter or a commission order under this section commits a?
Class A misdemeanor
A person who knowingly operates without a license and/or while their
license is revoked/suspended commits a?
Class A misdemeanor
An Inspectors license may be Suspended or Revoked if the inspector?
- Fails to carry Professional liability insurance, or E&O insurance
- Fails to notify the Commission of a change of address within 10 days of the cancellation of insurance.
The presiding officer of the commission shall appoint a disciplinary panel consisting of ______ commission members to determine whether a person’s license to practice under this chapter should be temporarily suspended
three
Report must be delivered within 3 days of the inspection unless otherwise agreed upon by the parties? T/F
T
The Commission may assess an administrative penalty of up to ____ times that outlined under subsections (c), (d), and (e) of this section, subject to the maximum penalties authorized under §1101.702(a) of the Act, if a person has a history of previous violations Act.
two
An inspector’s license was reprimanded and he was penalized ________ for failing to protect the
public against fraud, misrepresentation or unethical practices in the field of real estate and/or
inspection business while associated with him.
1,000
An inspector shall exclude from the inspection any part, component or system which the inspector is
not competent or qualified to inspect. T/F
True
The inspector needs to report?
Any locks on exterior door that do not operate.
The inspector is required to?
Report if he/she deemed the furnace to be inaccessible.
An inspector must include in the report all components or systems that are found in a home. T/F
False
The inspector shall operate the cooling system when the outside temperature is greater than 55 degrees. T/F
False
What size drain does a shower pan have?
2 inches
The maximum clearance between grade and the bottom of a swimming pool fence is:
2 inches
The maximum cord length for a 240V window A/C unit is:
6 feet
An inspector’s license was reprimanded and he was penalized ________ for failing to protect the
public against fraud, misrepresentation or unethical practices in the field of real estate inspections
and/or inspection business while associated with him.
1,000-5,000
Type L venting systems shall terminate not less than ________ feet above the roof and not less than _____ above any portion of the building within 10 feet.
3’-2’
A T&P relief valve should be designed to perform at what temperature?
210 degrees
According to the rules of the Texas Real Estate Commission, each TREC licensee shall furnish a
permanent address to the commission and all subsequent changes within change of address.
30 Days
During an inspection of a swimming pool, an inspector is not required to:
Report the height of the local subsurface water table.
Gas disconnects for fireplaces shall be controlled by listed and labeled shutoff valves, located in the same room outside the hearth and no more than _____ feet from the firebox.
3
What is the maximum distance of stairs before needing a landing?
12 feet
Corner pops in a concrete foundation with brick veneer walls are due to:
Excessive spalling of the concrete
Overhead service conductors shall have a minimum clearance from final grade over public streets, alleys, and road subject to truck traffic of:
18 feet
The minimum ceiling height in a habitable room is:
7 feet
The minimum width of a stairway above handrails is:
36 inches
Down warping occurs when:
Expansive clay soil dries and then shrinks along the foundation perimeter causing the foundation
to settle
The color of the ground wire in a 3-wire electrical system is?
GREEN
All swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs must be enclosed with a fence, building wall, a wall that completely surrounds and obstructs access to the swimming pool. The top of the obstruction, whether a fence or a wall, must be the minimum of ________ inches above grade.
48
What is the minimum live load on a balcony?
40 psf
If a person’s license is expired for more than one year, he or she may not renew the license. (T/F)
True
What is the minimum width of the exit door of a home?
36 inches
What is the minimum clearance for the incandescent light in a closet?
12 inches
Green Lumber has a moisture content of what % or more?
20
The minimum acceptable head room in a stairwell is:
80 inches
The T&P relief line must be a minimum of:
The same size or larger than the opening of the TPRV valve. (Usually 3⁄4 inch)
During an inspection the inspector finds clothes in a closet touching a circuit panel. What comments
should the inspector write on his/her report?
Report as in need of repair
The inspector is required to provide a written report in the format required by the state:
unless a different format is required by an agency of the federal government
Inspectors are not required to:
a. determine the correct performance of gas and electric heating elements
b. observe the condition gas furnace flues
c. inspect the burners for excessive rust
d. evaluate the integrity of the heat exchanger in gas fired furnaces
d.
Inspectors are required to:
a. inspect condensing units for the cleanliness and condition of fins
b. observe for the presence and condition of insulation on air conditioner vapor lines
c. operate air conditioning systems when the outdoor temperature is below 55 degrees
d. aandb
d
What would be the concern if you put a volt meter in a home receptacle and the voltage reading
was 242v?
There should be a reading of 120v
Inspectors must observe:
a. functional water flow at 2 plumbing fixtures operated simultaneously
b. plumbing vent system termination
c. functional drainage of plumbing fixtures
d. all of the above
d
Which of the following conditions for the TPRV installed on water heater are determined to be unsafe:
a. TPRV with a threaded discharge end
b. a drain line that is smaller the TPRV line opening
c. A TPRV line sloped so that it will not drain freely d. all of the above
D
Which of the following does not require GFCI protection?
a. 120v. pool equipment
b. underground electric lighting fixtures
c. outlets within 20 feet of a pool
d. crawlspace outlets
C
Inspectors are not required to:
a. Inspect the heat exchanger for cracks, rusting, carbon or soot build up for an electric furnace
b. Inspect for performance of the heating elements in electric furnace
c. Inspect the heat exchanger for cracks, rusting, carbon or soot build up for a gas furnace
d. Observe the condition and proper termination of gas furnace flues
e. Bothaandc
E
A condition which is not a sign of differential settlement is:
a. Sloping floors on monolithic slab
b. Doors that do not latch properly
c. Stress or drywall fractures on interior and exteriors walls
d. Loose parging on a foundation
D
Attic structural support components usually visible from the interior of the attic are:
a. Purlins
b. Knee walls
c. Wall studs
d. aandb
D
Signs of possible loss of heat exchanger integrity in a gas fired furnace include:
a. Irregular flames patterns while the blower is operating
b. Soot at the supply registers
c. Excessive rusting or corrosion inside the heat exchanger
d. All of the above
D
The flue serving a gas fired furnace with natural draft venting generally: a. Vent directly through a side wall
b. Terminates through the roof
c. Has a bi-metal damper installed
d. Uses a 3 in single wall flue pipe
B
The blower in an electric furnace:
a. Shuts down after the heating elements are cycled off
b. Forces air directly over the heat elements
c. Carries combustion gasses to an outdoor
d. Bothaandb
D
An emergency heat setting at the thermostat indicates:
a. There is an alarm system for the heating unit in case of failure
b. The heating system is or was a heat pump
c. The heating unit need to double the BTU production
d. Is used when the outdoor temperature rises too quickly for the heat pump to respond
B
A ___inch air gap between a faucet spout and the flood rim of its fixture to prevent a possible cross connection:
a. 1
b. 2
c. 4
d. No air gap is needed
A
Electrical disconnects are not required near all of the following except:
a. Electric water heaters
b. Furnaces
c. Central air conditioner condensing unit
d. Electric range and cooktop connections
D
High Efficiency furnaces:
a. Can achieve efficiencies 95% to 98%
b. Have two heat exchangers
c. Use a PVC pipe to carry away flue gasses
d. Use an induced draft fan
e. All the above
E
A client thinks an inspector was negligent, they should contact _________ to discuss filing a lawsuit.
a. Another Inspector
b. TREC
c. An Attorney
d. Education Committee
C
The inspection of foundation, grading, guttering and drainage does not require observations regarding:
a. crawlspace ventilation
b. crawlspace interior
c. lead paint
d. tree roots located near the home
C
Roof inspections always require:
a. Inspecting the roof from the roof surface
b. Identifying the roof covering material
c. reporting on the remaining life expectancy of the roofing material d. aandb
D
Inspectors are not required to report:
a. missing glass panes or glazing
b. broken seals in insulated windows
c. missing storm doors and storm windows
d. burglar bars or grates for bedroom windows the restrict egress
C
GFCI protection is not required for receptacles:
a. in attic locations
b. in bathroom locations
c. within 6 feet of sinks
d. in garage locations
A
Inspectors are not required to:
a. determine the correct performance of gas and electric heating elements
b. observe the condition gas furnace flues
c. inspect the burners for excessive rust
d. evaluate the integrity of the heat exchanger in gas fired furnaces
B
What would be the concern if you put a volt meter in a home receptacle and the voltage reading
was 242v?
A.This is normal and there is no concern
B.The reading should be 240v
C.The Receptacle could be overheating
D.There should be a reading of 120v
D
Which of the following conditions for the TPRV installed on water heater are determined to be unsafe:
a. TPRV with a threaded discharge end
b. a drain line that is smaller the TPRV line opening
c. A TPRV line sloped so that it will not drain freely d. all of the above
D
The inspection of built in dishwashers include:
a. condition of door gaskets
b. rusting of the dish racks
c. looking for an air gap or anti-siphon valve
d. operation of soap dispenser doors
e. all of the above
E
Which of the following does not require GFCI protection? a. 120v. pool equipment
b. underground electric lighting fixtures
c. outlets within 20 feet of a pool
d. crawlspace outlets
C
During electrical inspections:
a. The inspector must observe the condition of the service entrance conductors and insulation
b. The inspector must test arc fault breakers if the house is occupied
c. The inspector is not required to verify the compatibility of overcurrent protection devices with
wire sizes
d. AandB
A
A condition which is not a sign of differential settlement is: a. Sloping floors on monolithic slab
b. Doors that do not latch properly
c. Stress or drywall fractures on interior and exteriors walls
d. Loose parging on a foundation
D
Reversed polarity in an AC circuit:
a. Can be easily detected using a two-prong circuit tester
b. Can potentially energize the housing of an appliance
c. Can cause malfunction in some modern electrical equipment
d. All of the above
D
Unsafe conditions commonly found during the electrical inspection include:
a. GFCI outlets for bathroom outlets
b. The seller using drop cords
c. Unprotected wire connections
d. Improperly wired 3-way switch
D
The blower in an electric furnace:
a. Shuts down after the heating elements are cycled off
b. Forces air directly over the heat elements
c. Carries combustion gasses to an outdoor
d. Bothaandb
D
An emergency heat setting at the thermostat indicates:
a. There is an alarm system for the heating unit in case of failure
b. The heating system is or was a heat pump
c. The heating unit need to double the BTU production
d. Is used when the outdoor temperature rises too quickly for the heat pump to respond
B
A ___inch air gap between a faucet spout and the flood rim of its fixture to prevent a possible cross connection:
a. 1
b. 2
c. 4
d. No air gap is needed
A
Electrical disconnects are not required near all of the following except:
a. Electric water heaters
b. Furnaces
c. Central air conditioner condensing unit
d. Electric range and cooktop connections
D
High Efficiency furnaces:
a. Can achieve efficiencies 95% to 98%
b. Have two heat exchangers
c. Use a PVC pipe to carry away flue gasses
d. Use an induced draft fan
e. All the above
E
An inspector’s license was reprimanded and he was penalized ________ for making material
misstatement of fact regarding criminal offense on renewal. Look up for factual
understanding…Review the Penalty Matrix in this guide
a. $500
b. $1,000
c. $10,000
d. $1,500
d
A client thinks an inspector was negligent, they should contact _________ to discuss filing a lawsuit.
a. Another Inspector
b. TREC
c. An Attorney
d. Education Committee
C
An inspector was fined ________ after they engaged in the conduct of a home inspection after their
license was revoked. Look up for factual understanding…
a. $3,000
b. $10,000
c. $0.00
d. $5,000
D
The inspector is not required to determine ________ of any system or component.
a. Years of age
b. Life expectancy
c. Make model
d. All of the above
D
_____ members serve on the Inspector Committee.
a. 5
b. 6
c. 9
d. 12
C
Payments for claims from the recovery fund arising from the same transaction shall not exceed
_____ regardless of the number of claimants.
12,500$
The minimum size for a crawl space is ____x ____ inches.
a. 18x20
b. 16x24
c. 18x24
d. 22x30
C
What type of window is hinged on one side only?
a. Hooper
b. Double hung
c. Casement
d. Barrier
C
An inspector is required to operate _____ valves of the plumbing system.
a. Exposed
b. Main
c. Outdoor hose bib
d. Branch
C
An inspector shall inspect the ________ for leaks.
a. Gas supply line
b. A/C coolant suction line
c. A/C coolant supply line
d. Water lines in a crawl space
D
A stud on a load bearing wall may be notched up to percent.
a. 25
b. 33
c. 40
d. 60
A
The number that is used to divide square footage by when calculating attic or crawl space ventilation is?
a. 75
b. 100
c. 125
d. 150
D
Switches for a spa or hot tub shall be located at least _____ feet from the inside walls of the spa or hot tub.
a. 2
b. 3
c. 5
d. 6
C
_____ inches X _____ inches is the minimum dimension for an egress window in a sleeping room. a. 20–24
b. 24–30
c. 22–30
d. 24–36
A
_____ inches is the maximum distance that a window sill can be located from the floor in a bedroom.
a. 24
b. 30
c. 40
d. 44
D
The maximum length of a dryer vent is _____ feet.
a. 10
b. 15
c. 20
d. 35
D
The minimum clearance of an electric service wire over a walkway is _____ feet.
a. 8
b. 10
c. 12
d. 18
B
Romex must be supported at least every _ feet in an attic.
a. 2
b. 21⁄2
c. 31⁄2
d. 41⁄2
D
The minimum size for an attic access having a clear height over 30 inches is _____ X _____.
a. 18 x 24 inches
b. 22 x 30 inches
c. 24 x 30 inches
d. 24 x 36 inches
B
Hallways of feet or more in length shall have at least one receptacle outlet.
a. 8
b. 10
c. 12
d. 14
B
The minimum height that a flue vent can terminate above the roof is _____.
a. 6 inches
b. 1 foot
c. 18 inches
d. 3 feet
D
- The minimum clearance for an electrical wire over a swimming pool is _____feet.
a. 12
b. 14
c. 16
d. 22
D
Woodwork or other combustibles should not be placed within _____ inches of a fireplace opening.
a. 2
b. 3
c. 4
d. 6
D
The minimum hearth extension on the side of a fireplace with a 6 square foot opening and a firebox depth of 24 inches is _____ inches.
a. 3
b. 6
c. 8
d. 12
D
The maximum distance that mechanical equipment can be located from an attic access is _____ feet.
a. 10
b. 15
c. 20
d. 25
C
The minimum clearance for lighting over a swimming pool is _____ feet. a. 10
b. 12
c. 14
d. 18
B
Surface mounted fluorescent fixtures shall be installed on the wall above the door or on the ceiling, provided there is a minimum clearance of _____ inches between the fixture and the nearest point of a storage space.
a. 2
b. 3
c. 6
d. 8
C
12-gauge aluminum wires should be connected to an _____ amp breaker.
a. 15
b. 20
c. 25
d. 30
A
- The maximum distance between balusters on a stairway is _____ inches.
a. 0
b. 2
c. 4
d. 6
C
The minimum thickness for a solid garage door to a living area is _____ inches.
a. 11/8
b. 11⁄4
c. 1 3/8
d. 11⁄2
C
You cannot take return air from a ________.
a. Bedroom
b. Hallway
c. Dining room
d. Kitchen or bathroom
D
Romex must be stapled a maximum of _____ inches from the wall outlet and then every 4.5 feet. a. 3
b. 6
c. 9
d. 12
D
The minimum stairway tread is _____ inches.
a. 7.75
b. 8.25
c. 9.5
d. 10
D
An inspector should operate the motor on an evaporative cooler to see if .
a. It vibrates
b. It is one or two speed
c. It is functioning in normal operating mode
d. All of the above
B
Free standing or built-in ranges shall have a vertical clearance above the cooking tops of not less than _____ inches to combustible material.
a. 24
b. 30
c. 32
d. 36
B
Water heaters installed in a garage must be installed so that the lowest heating element is at least _____ inches off the ground.
a. 12
b. 16
c. 18
d. 24
C
The minimum depth of a slab on grade is _____ inches.
a. 2 1⁄2
b. 3
c. 3 1⁄2
d. 4
c
The maximum size copper wire for a grounding electrode is .
a. 4
b. 6
c. 8
d. 10
B
The minimum size duct for a clothes dryer is ____ inches.
a. 3
b. 4
c. 6
d. 8
B
An outside condenser must be _____ inches off of the ground.
a. 1
b. 2
c. 3
d. 4
C
The maximum height of an electrical breaker box is _____feet _____inches from the ground.
a. 5’8”
b. 6’6”
c. 6’8”
d. 7’0
B
The minimum size of a plumbing exhaust vent is .
a. 1”
b. 11⁄4”
c. 11⁄2”
d. 2”
B
________ is the maximum height of a stairway riser.
a. 61⁄2”
b. 7”
c. 71⁄2”
d. 73⁄4”
D
Weep holes should be provided on masonry at a maximum spacing of _____.
a. 18 inches
b. 24 inches
c. 30 inches
d. 33 inches
D
Standard air conditioning systems can easily be converted to a heat pump by the addition of a key component.
a. True
b. False
B
BTU’s of heat always travel hot to cold.
a. True
b. False
A
The SEER number for the air conditioner refers to:
a. Selective Energy Emergency Ratio
b. Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating
c. Selective Energy Emergency Rating
d. None of the above
B
A stud in a non-load bearing wall may be cut or notched by percent. a. 15
b. 60
c. 30
d. 40
A
The minimum working platform for mechanical equipment in the attic is?
a. 24”x24”
b. 24”x30”
c. 30”x30”
d. 30”x36”
C
What is the maximum distance that mechanical equipment can be located from the attic opening?
a. 10’
b. 15’
c. 18’
d. 20’
D
Clay tile roof should have how much overlap?
a. 6”
b. 3”
c. 10”
d. 12”
B
Wood shingle/shakes should be spaced how far apart?
a. 3/8”
b. 5/8”
c. 1/2”
d. 3/4”
A
Flat roofs - what is the most common cause of leaking?
a. Seams
b. Ponding
c. Parapet walls
d. Gutters
C
Flat roofs- what is the cause of blisters?
a. Rotted underlayment
b. Poor grade of shingles
c. Air & water trapped between layers
d. Loss of UV protection
C
Asphalt shingle valley overlap requires?
a. 12” closed cut or woven
b. 6” open
c. 6” open or closed
d. 18” closed
A
A 3-tab asphalt shingle can be installed on pitches as low as 2/12, if the roof?
a. Never
b. If the roof has a hot tar roof coating
c. If there are two layers of roofing felt under the shingles
d. Only if you use a 30-year shingle
C
What is the most durable roof covering?
a. Slate
b. Wood
c. Asphalt
d. Metal
A
When does a built-up roofing need flood coating?
a. Delamination
b. Stain on ceiling
c. Tar paper is showing
d. Gravel is embedded in tar
C
Where is roof most likely to leak when re-roofing?
a. Edge
b. Penetrations
c. Valleys
d. Gable ends
B
A built-up roof having a lap joint ever 12” is a:
a. 3-ply
b. 6-ply
c. 2-ply
d. 4-ply roof
A
Wood shakes/shingles are best maintained by:
a. Applying a quality oil-base paint annually
b. Applying a quality waterproof sealer periodically
c. Allowing them to age naturally
d. Washing annually with a chlorine solution to remove mildew and soil
B
Metal roofs are best protected by:
a. Properly maintaining with paint
b. Finished with brush-on bitumen coating
c. Allowing them to age naturally
d. Electrolytically applied terns
A
Which of the following is not suited to a roof with a 2/12 pitch?
a. Asbestos Cement shingles
b. Roll Asphalt
c. Asphalt shingles
d. Urethane foam
A
What does a drip edge do?
a. Stops ice damming
b. Protects the parts below it like the fascia, siding, etc.
c. Protects the ridge vents
d. Prevents cupping of shingles
B
Skylight curbing must extend above the roof a minimum of?
a. 4-inches
b. 6-inches
c. 2-inches
d. 8-inches
A
A copper-to-steel connection undergoes a/an?
a. Chemical reaction
b. Electrolytic reaction
c. Nuclear reaction
d. Thermal reaction
B
Name three common locations of cross connections in a plumbing system.
a. Bidet, garden hose, and boiler connection
b. Toilet, sink, and bidet
c. Garden hose, laundry tubs, toilet
d. Boiler connection, toilet, and lawn sprinklers
A
Name two locations to install a check valve in a house with combination sewers to reduce the risk of backup into the basement.
a. Floor drains and main drain line
b. Basement sink and toilets
c. Hose bibs and pool self-fill mechanisms
d. None of the above
C
The recommended slope for waste plumbing is typically?
a. 1⁄4 inch per foot
b. 1⁄2 inch per foot
c. 3⁄4 inch per foot
d. 1 inch per foot
A
Describe the function of a trap primer.
a. To remove water to prevent overflowing of floor drain
b. To add water to the trap to replace water lost through evaporation
c. To increase the amount of water consumed in the trap
d. To allow siphoning of the trap
B
What is the minimum diameter and extension above the roof line of a vent pipe to prevent frost/snow closure?
a. 4-inch diameter and 12-inch extension
b. 3-inch diameter and 10-inch extension
c. 3-inch diameter and 6-inch above snow line
d. 2 1⁄2-inch diameter and 8-inch extension
C
A temperature pressure relief valve on a water heater that is installed above the tank in the pipe is wrong why?
a. Must be installed within the top 8-inches of the tank
b. Must be installed within the top 6-inches of the tank
c. Not required to be installed in the tank at all
d. Not required in older systems
B
Temperature/pressure relief valves are typically rated at?
a. 100 psi and 212 °F
b. 150 psi and 210 °F
c. 210 psi and 150 °F
d. 110 psi and 210 °F
B
What is the maximum length of a flexible gas appliance connector to a dryer or range?
a. 6-feet
b. 3-feet
c. 18-inches
d. 48-inches
A
If a natural gas appliance is changed to LP gas, you need?
a. A smaller orifice
b. A larger orifice
c. Change gas valve assembly
d. You can’t change from gas to propane
A
How much water does a modern residential toilet discharge into the waste system?
a. 1.6 lpf
b. 1.6 gpf
c. 2.5 gpf
d. 3.5 gpf
B
Copper & galvanized steel can be joined by what method?
a. Brass converter fitting
b. Di-electric union
c. Dimorphic union
d. Bothaandb
D
What kind of connector is needed to attach plastic DWV to cast iron DWV?
a. Hubless
b. Hopeless
c. PVC to ABS
d. CPVC
A
Gas water heaters are allowed in all of the following locations except?
a. Basements accessible only from interior stairs
b. Attics accessible only from a permanent ladder
c. Storage closets
d. Laundry rooms open to the living area
C
Plumbing vent must terminate at least?
a. 10-feet from window and 6” above roof
b. 6-feet from window and 10” above roof
c. 7-feet from window and 12” above roof
d. 4-feet from window and 6” above roof
A
How many wires are there from the street into a house in a 240-volt system?
a. 3
b. 2
c. 4
d. 1
A
What size service wire (minimum) would be required to provide a house with 60-amp service?
a. #6Cu
b. #6Al
c. #4Cu
d. #2Al
A
How are electrical systems grounded on rural properties where the well supply piping into the house is plastic?
a. Ground rods
b. UFER grounds
c. Metal well casing
d. Both a and c
D
Breakers are safer than fuses. Any house with fuses should be upgraded to breakers.
a. True
b. False
B
Name an important improvement between knob-and-tube wiring and modern cable.
A. Use of grounding
B. Use of aluminum wiring
C. Fusing the neutral
D. None of the above
A
Where are GFCI’s required in newer houses?
a. KITCHEN COUNTERS
b. BATHROOMS
c. UNFINISHED BASEMENTS
d. OUTDOORS
e. ALL OF THE ABOVE
E
What is the most common electrical flaw found residentially?
a. Over-fusing
b. Use of Al wiring
c. Lack of GFCI’s
d. Use of grounded receptacles
A
A non-grounded receptacle within 6” of water should be replaced with?
a. GFCI
b. GFCI upstream from receptacle
c. Single pole GFCI Breaker
d. All of the above
D
Maximum number of disconnects to shut off the main panel is/are?
a. 1
b. 6
c. 4
d. 8
B
Non-metallic sheathed cable in an attic on top of joist must be?
a. Protected within 6-feet of scuttle
b. Must be fastened every 4 1⁄2 feet
c. Not allowed
d. Both a and b
D
Clothes closet - bulb ok or not ok - new construction?
a. Surface-mounted or recessed incandescent fixtures with completely enclosed lamps
b. Surface-mounted or recessed fluorescent fixtures.
c. Surface-mounted incandescent fixtures can be mounted on ceiling with 12” clearance.
d. All of the above
D
Sub panel requirements.
a. Neutral and ground must be separated
b. Can be grounded together
c. Must be bonded
d. Must be isolated
e. a,c,andd
E
Grounding rod must be driven?
a. 6 feet
b. 10 feet
c. 8 feet
d. 12 feet
C
A fused neutral (neutral wire runs to a fuse) is?
a. Ok
b. Unsafe
c. Grand-fathered
d. None of the above
B
Two-conductor wiring can be used with a GFCI?
a. True
b. False
A
Does a sump pump require a GFCI? a. Yes, if it is a dedicated receptacle b. No, if it is a dedicated receptacle
B
What is the minimum required clearance in front of the main electrical panel box?
a. 12” wide x 24” front
b. 24” wide x 30” front
c. 26” wide x 36” front
d. 30” wide x 36” front
D
AC cable, commonly known as BX, often contains a bare aluminum wire. Which of the following statements is true regarding the wire?
a. The wire is a grounding wire and should be connected to grounding terminals inside boxes and
panels.
b. The wire is a bonding wire and should not be connected or brought into the interior of boxes.
c. The wire is required to be treated with anti-oxidant paste at its terminations
d. The wire must be reported as an aluminum branch circuit wire even if the other conductors in
the cable are copper
B
When a GFCI is installed on a two-wire non-grounded system, it provides?
a. Full grounding protection
b. No protection as there is no ground wire
c. Fault protection, but not grounding protection
d. A false reading when testing the GFCI using the built-in test button on the unit
C
What conditions may result in inadequate lateral support?
a. Footings will fail
b. Soil will erode away from foundation
c. The walls will deflect inward
d. Roof trusses will lift upwards
C
Foundations should extend at least how far above grade?
a. 4 – 6 inches
b. 6–8inches
c. 8 – 10 inches
d. 2–4inches
A
What are the two common footing problems with piers?
a. Inadequate footing and pier base not below the frost line
b. Oversized footing and pier bases
c. Oversized pier bases and undersized footings
d. Piers and footings made of wood
A
What is the function of beams?
a. To carry floor and wall loads horizontally to the foundations, walls, or posts
b. To carry the ceiling load vertically to the footing
c. To carry the wall loads horizontally to the sill plates
d. To carry the roof loads vertically to the floors
A
Where are joist hangers required?
a. Where joists cannot rest on a support
b. Decks
c. Balconies
d. Beams
A
What two functions does bridging and bracing perform?
a. Prevent racking of the house during windstorms
b. Provides additional support for trusses and rafters
c. Restrain the joists from twisting and to transmit loads from one joist to the next
d. Acts as a shim for beams and girders
C
What materials were/are commonly used in sub flooring? a. One-inch wood boards
b. Plywood
c. Oriented Strand Board (OSB)
d. a,b,andc
D
What is the difference between balloon framing and platform construction?
a. In balloon framing, the wall systems are erected before the floor systems
b. In platform framing the floor system is erected before the wall system
c. In balloon framing the wall framing extends from the foundation to the roof d. In platform framing the wall framing is built on floor at a time
e. All of the above
E
What purpose do weep holes serve?
a. To allow the rain water to drain out of the 1” air space
b. Balance the pressure on both sides of the brick
c. To hold the veneer to the framing
d. Both a and b
D
What is the difference between post-and-beam construction and conventional wood-frame construction?
a. Conventional construction only uses only 2x4’s
b. Post and beam construction uses a few large members for support where conventional
construction uses many smaller members
c. Conventional construction is only used in the northern part of the country
d. Post and beam construction is limited to barns and commercial buildings
B
What function do lintels perform?
a. Used in wood-framed structures
b. Ingredient for bean soup
c. To transfer the load above an opening in a masonry structure
d. To support the sill plate on top of foundation wall
C
Steel lintels on masonry walls should be at least how many inches wider than the opening on either side.
a. 6-inches
b. 8-inches
c. 10-inches
d. 4-inches
A
Where should collar ties be attached to the rafters:
a. Nearer the top
b. Nearer the middle
c. Nearer the bottom
d. Nearer the end
B
What function do knee walls perform?
a. Support the roof rafters and prevent sagging
b. Support the footings beneath the foundation walls
c. Support the trusses between the top & bottom chords
d. Support the purlins at the rafter ends
A
What can one do to minimize the risk of termite infestation?
a. Breaking earth-to-wood contact
b. Use standard household pesticides
c. Use masonry structural components
d. Increase moisture content at foundation
A
A 2” x 6” @16” on center can safely span?
a. 6’
b. 10’
c. 12’
d. Depends on species of wood
D
What is the best way for steel girders (I-beams) in basement concrete wall pockets to be installed?
a. Lay on tar paper
b. 1/2” gap on three sides
c. Lay on poly sheeting
d. Lay on wood shims
B
How are hurricane ties attached at the roof structure?
a. Joist to rafter
b. Inside edge of top plate to rafter
c. Outside edge of top plate
d. Stud to top plate
B
CDX is what type material?
a. Exterior grade plywood
b. Interior grade plywood
c. Paint grade plywood
d. Oriented strand board
A
Step cracks in a masonry wall at the top corner of a window angled up and away are caused by?
a. Rusted lintel
b. Settled header
c. Rusted hurricane ties
d. Poor window installation
A
An accumulator prevents what from entering the compressor?
a. Water
b. Liquid refrigerant
c. Oil
d. Gaseous refrigerant
B
In a heat pump during the cooling cycle, which coil acts as the evaporator? In the heating cycle, which coil acts as the evaporator?
a. Indoor/Outdoor
b. Outdoor/Indoor
c. Indoor/Indoor
d. Outdoor/Outdoor
A
The ________ directs hot refrigerant to the indoor coil in the ______ cycle in a heat pump. a. Multi-cycle valve - heating
b. Reversing valve - cooling
c. Reversing valve - heating
d. 4-way valve – cooling
C
The defrost cycle is initiated by ________ and ________.
a. Homeowner and temperature
b. Time and temperature
c. Time and humidity
d. Temperature and humidity
B
Why are heat pumps labeled not to be operated unless power is on for a minimum of 12-hours?
a. Oil in compressor needs to be heated to remove liquid refrigerant
b. Oil in compressor needs to be heated to remove water
c. Oil in compressor needs to be heated for proper lubrication
d. Oil is only added for cold weather operation
A
A non-technically exhaustive way to evaluate the heat exchanger?
a. Remove plenum and inspect visually
b. Water pressure test
c. Check flame pattern when blower comes on
d. Inspect register covers for soot
C
Which of the following statements is TRUE for a cooling unit 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. A pan with a drain or float switch is required beneath the evaporator unit
d. A supplemental condensate pump is required
C
Converting a heating system fan to cooling type fan requires?
a. Changing duct wire
b. A 2-speed or variable speed fan
c. Decreasing speed of fan
d. None of the above
B
If a furnace has a pilot with a thermocouple. What device will most likely prevent the furnace from firing if it fails?
a. Thermocouple
b. Pilot
c. Gas valve
d. Burner
A
An induced draft fan pulls air in what direction?
a. Up
b. Down
c. Pulls through the furnace
d. Pushes through the furnace
C
Plastic (polyethylene) piping can be used for gas?
a. True
b. False
A
What does an A/C compressor do?
a. Pressurizes the refrigerant gas in order to raise its temperature
b. Removes moisture from the system
c. Depressurizes the refrigerant gas in order to reduce its temperature d. Compresses refrigerant gas for evaporation
A
Which part of the A/C cycle removes heat from the refrigerant?
a. When it goes through the evaporator
b. When it goes through the condenser
c. When it evaporates
d. When it is compressed in the coil
B
A heat pump system is primarily sized for the?
a. Cooling load
b. Heating load
c. Need to dehumidify
d. Ambient conditions during operation
A
The variation in temperature between the supply air and the return air in an A/C system should be approximately?
a. 10-14°
b. 14-22°
c. 21-24°
d. 25-35°
B
Oil tank - Pipes from tank to burners
a. Must have one copper pipe
b. Must have two copper pipes
c. Must be protected from damage d. Must be galvanized
C
Small horizontal cracks approximately every 3-feet in a stucco wall are?
a. Normal
b. Due to poor overlap of lath ends c. Due to stress
d. Due to shrinkage
B
Garage door fire rating?
a. 1 hour
b. 20-minutes
c. 30-minutes
d. 45-minutes
B
Downspout can go into foundation drain?
a. True
b. False
A
