BC Real Estate Trading Services Course Building Design and Construction 2

Question 1

Which type of foundation is most commonly used for wood-frame residential construction in BC?

Accepted Answer

Poured concrete perimeter wall

Answer

Poured concrete perimeter (foundation) walls are the most common foundation type for wood-frame homes in BC, providing continuous support around the structure's perimeter.

Question 2

In wood-frame construction, a 'header' is used to:

Accepted Answer

Span openings such as doors and windows to carry load

Answer

A header is a horizontal structural member that spans across the top of an opening (door or window) to carry the load from above and transfer it to the adjacent wall studs.

Question 3

Which roofing material has the longest typical lifespan in BC's climate?

Accepted Answer

Metal roofing

Answer

Metal roofing (steel or aluminum) has the longest lifespan, often 40-70 years, compared to asphalt shingles (20-30 years) and wood shakes (20-40 years), and is increasingly popular in BC.

Question 4

A building's 'R-value' refers to:

Accepted Answer

A material's resistance to heat flow (thermal resistance)

Answer

R-value is the measure of a material's thermal resistance — its ability to resist heat flow. Higher R-values indicate better insulating performance and are specified in building codes for walls, floors, and roofs.

Question 5

In BC residential construction, 'balloon framing' differs from 'platform framing' primarily in that:

Accepted Answer

In balloon framing, studs run continuously from foundation to roof without floor platforms

Answer

In balloon framing, exterior wall studs run continuously from the sill plate at the foundation to the roof, with floors attached mid-stud. Platform framing constructs each floor as a separate platform before erecting the next storey's walls.

BC Real Estate Practice Test

BC Real Estate Practice Test

BC Real Estate Trading Services Course Building Design and Construction 2