CHI Property Evaluation & Analysis 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When inspecting a crawl space, which moisture indicator is most concerning?
- Minor dust accumulation on joists
- Standing water or water staining on the vapor barrier (Correct answer)
- Slight discoloration on concrete piers
- Spider webs in corners
Correct 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.
Question 2: A home inspector observes that floor joists are notched at mid-span. What is the primary concern?
- Notching mid-span significantly weakens the joist's load-bearing capacity (Correct answer)
- Notching mid-span improves airflow through the floor system
- Mid-span notching is standard practice for utility routing
- Notching only matters at joist ends near supports
Correct 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.
Question 3: Which condition in an attic most directly indicates inadequate ventilation?
- Presence of blown-in insulation
- Rust stains on nail tips penetrating the roof deck (Correct answer)
- Ridge vent installation along the peak
- Soffit vents visible along the eaves
Correct 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.
Question 4: During a property evaluation, an inspector finds that gutters are sloped away from downspouts. What should be reported?
- This is acceptable as long as gutters are clean
- Improper slope will cause water to pool and overflow rather than drain (Correct answer)
- Gutters should always be level, so this is correct
- Only the downspout size matters for drainage efficiency
Correct 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.
Question 5: An inspector observes horizontal cracking in a concrete block foundation wall. This pattern most likely indicates:
- Normal concrete curing shrinkage
- Lateral soil pressure exceeding the wall's design capacity (Correct answer)
- Vertical settlement of the footing
- Thermal expansion of the block units
Correct 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.
Question 6: What does efflorescence on a masonry wall indicate?
- The masonry was improperly painted
- Water has moved through the masonry, depositing mineral salts (Correct answer)
- The mortar joints are correctly sealed
- High-strength cement was used in construction
Correct 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.
Question 7: When evaluating grading around a foundation, the minimum recommended slope away from the house is:
- 1 inch drop per 10 feet
- 6 inches drop within the first 10 feet (Correct answer)
- 1 foot drop over 20 feet
- 2 inches drop over 5 feet
Correct 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.
CHI Property Evaluation & Analysis 2
When inspecting a crawl space, which moisture indicator is most concerning?