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
An inspector observes that a gas water heater is installed in a bedroom closet without a sealed enclosure. The primary safety concern is:
Answer: Combustion air and exhaust gases can enter the living space, creating a CO hazard
A combustion appliance in a bedroom must be fully sealed from the living space to prevent carbon monoxide from the exhaust from entering occupants' breathing air.
During roof evaluation, the inspector notes that step flashing at a dormer sidewall is sealed with roofing caulk instead of proper metal flashing. This is reported as deficient because:
Answer: Caulk degrades and fails over time, allowing water infiltration at a critical joint
Caulk is a short-term solution that cracks and separates, while metal step flashing provides a durable, water-shedding joint between the roof and vertical wall.
A home inspector observes that bathroom exhaust fans vent into the attic space. This is reported as a defect because:
Answer: Moist air discharged into the attic promotes mold growth and wood rot
Venting bathroom fans into the attic introduces warm, moist air that condenses on cold structural members, creating conditions for mold and rot.
Which observation during a property evaluation suggests active termite activity rather than past damage?
Answer: Live termites or fresh mud tubes with active moisture
Active termite infestation is indicated by live insects or fresh, moist mud tubes, which termites use for travel and which dry out when abandoned.
When evaluating a forced-air heating system, what does a cracked heat exchanger represent?
Answer: A serious hazard as combustion gases including CO can mix with circulated air
A cracked heat exchanger allows combustion byproducts, including lethal carbon monoxide, to enter the air distribution system and be delivered throughout the home.
An inspector finds TPR valve discharge piping on a water heater terminates 6 inches above the floor. Why is this correct?
Answer: It allows visual confirmation of discharge while directing scalding water toward the floor safely
TPR discharge pipes should terminate between 6 inches and floor level to direct scalding water safely downward and allow observation of valve operation.
An inspector discovers that a garage door opener lacks auto-reverse functionality when tested with a 2x4 board placed in the path. This should be reported as:
Answer: A safety deficiency requiring correction regardless of opener age
Auto-reverse is a critical safety feature; any opener that fails to reverse upon contact with an obstruction presents an entrapment and injury hazard.