CPI Inspection Procedures & Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When inspecting a roof from the ground level only due to safety concerns, what must the inspector do?
- Skip the roof section entirely
- Note in the report that a ground-level inspection was performed and recommend further evaluation (Correct answer)
- Estimate conditions based on the home's age
- Require the client to sign a waiver before proceeding
Correct answer: Note in the report that a ground-level inspection was performed and recommend further evaluation
Inspectors must disclose the scope limitation and recommend further evaluation by a specialist when a full roof inspection cannot be performed.
Question 2: Which condition would most likely cause an inspector to defer a garage door safety reverse test?
- The door is painted an unusual color
- The opener motor is older than 10 years
- The door panels are visibly cracked and could shatter on contact (Correct answer)
- The remote control battery is low
Correct answer: The door panels are visibly cracked and could shatter on contact
An inspector should not perform the reverse test if door panels are visibly compromised, as the test could cause injury or further damage.
Question 3: When inspecting a crawl space with standing water, the inspector should:
- Wade through to complete a full inspection
- Probe the water depth with a rod and enter if less than 2 inches deep
- Note the condition, inspect as much as safely accessible, and recommend further evaluation (Correct answer)
- Refuse to write a report until the homeowner pumps it out
Correct answer: Note the condition, inspect as much as safely accessible, and recommend further evaluation
The inspector documents the accessible portion, notes the unsafe condition, and recommends a specialist for areas not safely reached.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of operating a representative sample of windows during a home inspection?
- To check interior paint adhesion around frames
- To verify operability, locking function, and condition of hardware (Correct answer)
- To test the home's passive ventilation capacity
- To measure energy efficiency ratings
Correct answer: To verify operability, locking function, and condition of hardware
Testing a representative sample of windows confirms they open, close, lock properly, and that hardware is functional.
Question 5: An inspector discovers an actively sparking electrical panel during an inspection. The correct action is to:
- Document it with photos and continue the inspection normally
- Immediately notify the client and vacate until the utility company deactivates power (Correct answer)
- Reset the breakers and retest
- Cover the panel and note it as a cosmetic concern
Correct answer: Immediately notify the client and vacate until the utility company deactivates power
An actively sparking panel is an immediate safety hazard requiring evacuation and utility notification before any further inspection.
Question 6: When should an inspector test a sump pump during an inspection?
- Only during heavy rain
- By pouring water into the pit to trigger the float switch, if the pump is accessible and power is on (Correct answer)
- By running it continuously for 10 minutes
- Only if the client requests it in writing
Correct answer: By pouring water into the pit to trigger the float switch, if the pump is accessible and power is on
Inspectors test sump pumps by triggering the float switch with water when the unit is accessible and power is available.
Question 7: Which technique is used to identify potential moisture intrusion behind wall surfaces without invasive probing?
- Thermal imaging or moisture meter scanning of wall surfaces (Correct answer)
- Tapping walls with a hammer to detect hollow voids
- Removing outlet cover plates to inspect interior wall cavities
- Smelling for mold through air vents
Correct answer: Thermal imaging or moisture meter scanning of wall surfaces
Thermal cameras and moisture meters are non-invasive tools that can detect moisture anomalies behind finished wall surfaces.
CPI Inspection Procedures & Techniques 2
When inspecting a roof from the ground level only due to safety concerns, what must the inspector do?