Home Inspector Practice Test #1 - Answers

Here is the answer key for the 40-question practice test above, with a brief explanation for each. (There is a quick key at the end of this page)

  1. B — Horizontal foundation cracking with inward displacement can indicate excessive soil or hydrostatic pressure.
  2. C — Flashing directs water away from vulnerable roof-to-wall intersections.
  3. C — A typical residential 120V circuit should measure approximately 120 volts hot-to-neutral.
  4. B — Missing or improper ledger flashing can allow water intrusion, leading to deterioration of the ledger and building structure.
  5. B — A plumbing trap maintains a water seal that prevents sewer gases from entering the building.
  6. B — A damaged heat exchanger can potentially allow combustion gases, including carbon monoxide, into the circulating air.
  7. B — Asphalt composition shingles commonly lose protective surface granules as they age.
  8. B — In a downstream panel, neutrals should generally be isolated from the enclosure and equipment grounding conductors.
  9. B — Warm, moisture-laden indoor air entering a cold attic can condense on roof sheathing and other cold surfaces.
  10. C — A TPR discharge pipe should not be reduced in diameter because restriction can interfere with safe discharge.
  11. B — An open-ground indication means the receptacle lacks a complete equipment grounding path.
  12. B — Floor joists are commonly supported by beams, girders, foundation walls, or other structural supports.
  13. B — Efflorescence is a mineral deposit associated with moisture moving through masonry.
  14. C — Gutters and downspouts collect roof runoff and direct it away from the structure.
  15. B — Operating an air-conditioning system at excessively low outdoor temperatures can produce unreliable results and potentially damage equipment.
  16. A — Two conductors under a breaker terminal designed for only one conductor is an improper double tap.
  17. B — Fresh staining combined with elevated moisture readings is strong evidence of active or recent moisture intrusion.
  18. B — GFCIs are designed primarily to reduce the risk of electrical shock.
  19. B — Plumbing vents help maintain atmospheric pressure within the drainage system and protect trap seals.
  20. B — A chimney flue carries combustion products to the exterior.
  21. B — Proper grading generally directs surface water away from the foundation.
  22. B — Wood siding close to soil is more susceptible to moisture deterioration and wood-destroying insect activity.
  23. B — Insulation primarily reduces heat transfer between conditioned and unconditioned spaces.
  24. B — The door between an attached garage and living areas is an important component of the home's fire and fume separation.
  25. B — Accessible exposed energized electrical components present a significant shock/electrocution hazard.
  26. B — A rocking toilet can compromise the seal at the waste connection and potentially cause leakage.
  27. B — Insufficient combustion air can contribute to incomplete combustion and carbon monoxide production.
  28. B — Horizontal foundation cracking accompanied by inward displacement can indicate significant lateral soil pressure.
  29. A — Roof underlayment provides a secondary weather-resistant layer beneath the primary roof covering.
  30. B — A bathroom exhaust fan terminating in the attic can introduce significant moisture, potentially causing condensation, fungal growth, and deterioration.
  31. B — Fogging or condensation between panes is a common indication of a failed insulated-glass seal.
  32. B — Inconsistent stair riser heights create a significant trip-and-fall hazard.
  33. B — A sump pump removes groundwater or other accumulated water from a sump basin.
  34. A — Circuit breakers primarily protect electrical conductors from excessive current and overheating.
  35. B — Scorching or melted materials around a draft hood can indicate flue-gas spillage or improper venting.
  36. A — Heat escaping into the attic can warm the roof surface, melt snow, and contribute to refreezing at colder roof edges, producing ice dams.
  37. C — An inspector should report the observed fungal-like growth/moisture condition and recommend addressing the moisture source and appropriate further evaluation rather than visually identifying a mold species.
  38. B — Significant sagging accompanied by damaged, cut, altered, or otherwise compromised structural members warrants concern and further evaluation.
  39. A — A 20-amp breaker can allow more current than typical 14 AWG copper branch-circuit conductors are intended to carry before the breaker trips.
  40. C — A home inspection is generally a visual examination of readily accessible components. The inspector should document limitations rather than dismantle finished construction.

Quick Answer Key

1–10: B, C, C, B, B, B, B, B, B, C
11–20: B, B, B, C, B, A, B, B, B, B
21–30: B, B, B, B, B, B, B, B, A, B
31–40: B, B, B, A, B, A, C, B, A, C