CAPS Quality Assurance & Compliance 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the ADA, which of the following is NOT one of the four accessibility design requirements for new multifamily construction?
- Accessible building entrance on an accessible route
- Accessible common and public use areas
- At least one accessible unit per floor in all buildings (Correct answer)
- Usable kitchens and bathrooms in covered units
Correct answer: At least one accessible unit per floor in all buildings
The Fair Housing Act's seven design requirements do not mandate one accessible unit per floor; instead, they require all covered units to meet basic accessibility features.
Question 2: A CAPS specialist is reviewing a contractor's work and finds that a ramp was built with a 1:10 slope instead of the required 1:12. What does this mean for the client?
- The ramp is steeper than permitted and may be unsafe for wheelchair users (Correct answer)
- The ramp is compliant because 1:10 is within acceptable tolerance
- The ramp is too flat and should be reconstructed
- No change is needed if the client feels comfortable using it
Correct answer: The ramp is steeper than permitted and may be unsafe for wheelchair users
A 1:10 slope is steeper than the maximum permitted 1:12 ratio, making the ramp more difficult and potentially unsafe for wheelchair users.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of requiring a client signature on a project scope-of-work document before modifications begin?
- To transfer liability entirely to the client
- To establish mutual agreement on the work to be performed and protect all parties (Correct answer)
- To satisfy insurance requirements only
- To allow the contractor to make changes without additional approval
Correct answer: To establish mutual agreement on the work to be performed and protect all parties
A signed scope-of-work document establishes shared understanding and agreement on project details, protecting both the client and the professional from disputes.
Question 4: Which standard governs the minimum width of doorways in accessible residential design under most U.S. building codes?
- 28 inches clear width
- 32 inches clear width (Correct answer)
- 36 inches clear width
- 40 inches clear width
Correct answer: 32 inches clear width
Most accessibility standards require a minimum 32 inches of clear width for doorways, with 36 inches preferred for better accessibility.
Question 5: A CAPS specialist notices that a newly installed stair lift does not have obstruction sensors on the footrest. What compliance concern does this raise?
- Electrical code violations only
- A potential UL or ASME A18.1 safety standard non-compliance (Correct answer)
- No concern, as sensors are optional features
- A Fair Housing Act violation
Correct answer: A potential UL or ASME A18.1 safety standard non-compliance
Stair lifts must meet ASME A18.1 or UL safety standards, which include requirements for obstruction sensors to prevent entrapment injuries.
Question 6: When should a CAPS specialist conduct a final quality inspection relative to the client moving in or resuming use of the modified space?
- After the client has used the space for at least one week
- Before the client uses the modified space and before final payment is released (Correct answer)
- During the first use of the space with the client present
- Final inspections are not necessary if the contractor certified the work
Correct answer: Before the client uses the modified space and before final payment is released
Final quality inspections must occur before client use and before releasing final payment to ensure all work meets standards and is safe for occupancy.
Question 7: What does the term 'visitability' refer to in accessible housing standards?
- The ability of any resident to visit all rooms in their home
- A basic level of accessibility that allows people with disabilities to visit a home (Correct answer)
- Full ADA compliance for all areas of a home
- Universal design applied to exterior landscaping only
Correct answer: A basic level of accessibility that allows people with disabilities to visit a home
Visitability refers to a minimum level of accessibility—typically one zero-step entrance, wide doorways, and a half-bath on the main floor—that allows people with disabilities to visit a home.
CAPS Quality Assurance & Compliance 3
Under the ADA, which of the following is NOT one of the four accessibility design requirements for new multifamily construction?