Property Evaluation & Analysis Flashcards
7 cards from real CHI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Property Evaluation & Analysis flashcards as text
When inspecting a crawl space, which moisture indicator is most concerning?
Answer: Standing water or water staining on the vapor barrier
Standing water or water staining in a crawl space indicates active moisture intrusion that can lead to wood rot, mold, and structural damage.
A home inspector observes that floor joists are notched at mid-span. What is the primary concern?
Answer: Notching mid-span significantly weakens the joist's load-bearing capacity
Notching a joist at mid-span removes material from the highest stress zone, dramatically reducing the joist's ability to carry loads.
Which condition in an attic most directly indicates inadequate ventilation?
Answer: Rust stains on nail tips penetrating the roof deck
Rust on nail tips in an attic indicates condensation is forming on cold metal surfaces, a classic sign of inadequate ventilation and moisture accumulation.
During a property evaluation, an inspector finds that gutters are sloped away from downspouts. What should be reported?
Answer: Improper slope will cause water to pool and overflow rather than drain
Gutters must slope toward downspouts to ensure water drains properly; reverse slope causes pooling, overflow, and potential foundation damage.
An inspector observes horizontal cracking in a concrete block foundation wall. This pattern most likely indicates:
Answer: Lateral soil pressure exceeding the wall's design capacity
Horizontal cracks in block foundation walls are a serious indicator of lateral soil or hydrostatic pressure bowing the wall inward.
What does efflorescence on a masonry wall indicate?
Answer: Water has moved through the masonry, depositing mineral salts
Efflorescence is the white powdery deposit left when water migrates through masonry and evaporates, carrying dissolved minerals to the surface.
When evaluating grading around a foundation, the minimum recommended slope away from the house is:
Answer: 6 inches drop within the first 10 feet
IRC guidelines recommend a minimum 6-inch drop within the first 10 feet from the foundation to direct surface water away from the structure.