CHI Property Maintenance & Operations 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An inspector finds that a bathroom exhaust fan vents into the attic space. This is a problem because:
- It violates voltage requirements for the fan motor
- Moisture discharged into the attic can cause mold and structural damage (Correct answer)
- Attic insulation absorbs the sound, masking fan operation issues
- It reduces attic ventilation efficiency
Correct answer: Moisture discharged into the attic can cause mold and structural damage
Bathroom fans must vent to the exterior; venting into attic spaces introduces moisture that promotes mold growth and wood decay.
Question 2: What is the MAIN purpose of a sacrificial anode rod in a storage water heater?
- To filter sediment from incoming water
- To prevent corrosion of the tank lining through galvanic sacrifice (Correct answer)
- To improve heat transfer efficiency
- To reduce scale buildup on the heating element
Correct answer: To prevent corrosion of the tank lining through galvanic sacrifice
The magnesium or aluminum anode rod corrodes preferentially, protecting the steel tank from rust through cathodic protection.
Question 3: A home inspector observes that the main electrical panel neutral bar is bonded to the cabinet enclosure. This is:
- A defect — neutral should never touch the enclosure
- Correct only in a main service panel, not subpanels (Correct answer)
- A defect in all panel locations
- Required in subpanels but not in main panels
Correct answer: Correct only in a main service panel, not subpanels
In a main service panel the neutral-to-ground bond is required, but in subpanels the neutral must be isolated from the enclosure to prevent parallel neutral paths.
Question 4: Which type of roof flashing is installed in a stepped pattern along a sloped roof-to-wall junction?
- Counter flashing
- Step flashing (Correct answer)
- Kick-out flashing
- Valley flashing
Correct answer: Step flashing
Step flashing consists of individual L-shaped pieces installed in overlapping steps at the intersection of a sloped roof and a vertical wall.
Question 5: During an inspection you find that the kitchen sink drain trap is installed WITHOUT a trap arm connecting it to the drain in the wall. What is the concern?
- Water will drain too slowly due to increased friction
- Sewer gases can enter the living space without proper venting (Correct answer)
- The trap will dry out faster without the arm
- Hot water will damage the trap seal
Correct answer: Sewer gases can enter the living space without proper venting
Without a proper drain configuration, the water seal in the trap can be siphoned away, allowing sewer gases to enter the home.
Question 6: What is the recommended minimum clearance between the bottom of a wood structural member and the soil in a crawlspace?
- 6 inches
- 12 inches
- 18 inches (Correct answer)
- 24 inches
Correct answer: 18 inches
A minimum 18-inch clearance between wood structural members and soil is required to allow inspection access and prevent wood contact with moisture.
Question 7: An inspector notices that a downspout discharges directly against the foundation wall. The BEST recommendation is to:
- Extend the downspout at least 6 feet away from the foundation (Correct answer)
- Install a splash block only
- Cap the downspout and rely on roof gutters alone
- Redirect water to a neighboring drainage easement
Correct answer: Extend the downspout at least 6 feet away from the foundation
Downspouts should discharge water at least 6 feet from the foundation, either via extensions or underground drains, to prevent foundation moisture problems.
CHI Property Maintenance & Operations 3
An inspector finds that a bathroom exhaust fan vents into the attic space.
This is a problem because: