Question 1

What is the safety standard for setting water heater temperatures to avoid scalding?

Accepted Answer

A) 90° F 
B) 100° F 
C) 110° F 
D) 120° F

Question 2

Where are you likely to find evidence of black mold during a home inspection?

Accepted Answer

A) On walls in any room 
B) In kitchen cabinets 
C) In closets throughout the home 
D) All of the above 
E) None of the above

Question 3

What is the type of window that is most commonly found in homes older than 30 years?

Accepted Answer

A) Casement windows 
B) Double-hung windows 
C) Picture windows 
D) Bay windows

Question 4

What types of defects should you look for when inspecting the roof of a home?

Accepted Answer

A) Loose shingles 
B) Missing shingles 
C) Cracked shingles 
D) Broken shingles 
E) All of the above

Question 5

Crawl spaces should be insulated. What do home inspectors tend to find when inspecting crawl spaces?

Accepted Answer

A) Missing sections of insulation 
B) Destroyed sections of insulation 
C) Hanging sections of insulation 
D) All of the above

Question 6

Which of the following examples is NOT a type of deck?

Accepted Answer

A) Swale 
B) Composite 
C) Free-standing 
D) Rooftop

Question 7

When inspecting smoke detectors, you want to make note of their locations. The ideal placement of a smoke detector is

Accepted Answer

A) Right inside each bedroom. 
B) In the corner of each bedroom that is furthest from the door. 
C) In the kitchen, as close to the stove as possible. 
D) In hallways outside of bedrooms.

Question 8

The theory of air movement results in unpleasant outcomes for homes. Which of the following outcomes is NOT a common result of the theory of air movement?

Accepted Answer

A) Problems with condensation 
B) Increased need for humidification 
C) Unpredictable heat gain 
D) Concerns about mold

Question 9

During your inspection of the plumbing system, the owner mentions frequent drain clogs. You decide to check the slope of the drainpipes. Which of the following slopes is recommended for drain lines?

Accepted Answer

A) Less than ¼" per foot 
B) At least ¼" per foot 
C) Less than 4" per foot 
D) At least 4" per foot

Question 10

Which of the following toxins is odorless, invisible, and caused by deposits of natural uranium?

Accepted Answer

A) Carbon monoxide 
B) Hydrofluoric acid 
C) Formaldehyde 
D) Radon gas

Question 11

When the electrical service is less than 100 amps at 110/220 volts, which of the following is MOST LIKELY to occur?

Accepted Answer

A) Power distribution becomes uneven. 
B) Circuit breaker trips more frequently. 
C) Major electrical appliances don't run. 
D) Electrical fuses blow more often.

Question 12

Where is the most common place to find plumbing-related damage in the bathroom?

Accepted Answer

A) Wall behind the toilet 
B) Around sink fixtures 
C) Near shower fixtures 
D) Wall behind the sink

Question 13

Which of the following is a common problem associated with electronic air filters?

Accepted Answer

A) Difficult to install in HVAC systems 
B) Require expert to maintain 
C) Need to be cleaned often 
D) Only last about 12 months

Question 14

Which of the following should you expect to be able to see while inspecting the exterior of a home?

Accepted Answer

A) Fascias 
B) Eaves 
C) Soffits 
D) None of the above 
E) All of the above

Question 15

Which of the following can cause a pitched roof to sag in sections?

Accepted Answer

A) Inadequate spacing of the frame supports 
B) Insufficient bracing of the ridge beam 
C) Any type of structural failure 
D) All of the above

Question 16

What is a floating foundation?

Accepted Answer

A) Foundation with high water-to-cement ratio 
B) Foundation that relies on flexible joists 
C) Foundation that does not include footings 
D) Foundation that can withstand seismic activity

Question 17

Home inspectors are required to identify shut-off valves on water heaters. What type of shut-off valves can you expect to see when inspecting a water heater?

Accepted Answer

A) It depends on the location of the water heater. 
B) It depends on the type of water heater. 
C) It depends on the size of the water heater. 
D) It depends on the price of the water heater.

Question 18

Part of the plumbing inspection includes which of the following elements?

Accepted Answer

A) Hot water supply system 
B) Water heating equipment 
C) Both A and B 
D) Neither A or B

Question 19

What is the theory of heat transfer?

Accepted Answer

A) Heat can be transferred by conduction, convection, and radiation. 
B) Heat can be transferred by emission, secretion, and radiation. 
C) Heat can be transferred by convention, reduction, and radiation. 
D) Heat can be transferred by confection, conveyance, and reduction.

Question 20

During the exterior inspection of a home built in 1972, you notice paint chips on windowsills and on the ground near wood railings. Why should you be concerned?

Accepted Answer

A) The home has not been painted recently. 
B) The paint chips may contain lead. 
C) The wood railings may have splinters. 
D) The soil may be contaminated with radon.

Exam 2: Building Science