CPI Inspection Procedures & Techniques 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best describes the 'representative sample' approach in home inspections?
- Inspecting only items the client specifically requests
- Testing every single accessible component in the home
- Operating a portion of similar components to assess overall condition rather than each individual unit (Correct answer)
- Inspecting only the most recently installed components
Correct answer: Operating a portion of similar components to assess overall condition rather than each individual unit
A representative sample means testing enough similar components (e.g., outlets, windows) to draw reasonable conclusions without testing every single one.
Question 2: When inspecting a bathroom exhaust fan, the inspector should verify that it:
- Is rated for at least 150 CFM
- Exhausts to the exterior, not into an attic or wall cavity (Correct answer)
- Uses a GFCI-protected circuit only
- Is installed on an interior wall
Correct answer: Exhausts to the exterior, not into an attic or wall cavity
Bathroom exhaust fans must vent to the exterior; venting into attics or wall cavities causes moisture damage and is a significant defect.
Question 3: During a home inspection, the inspector notices the water heater's Temperature-Pressure Relief (TPR) valve outlet pipe terminates 6 inches above the floor. This is:
- Correct — it should terminate near the floor
- Incorrect — TPR discharge must terminate within 6 inches of the floor (Correct answer)
- A defect — TPR discharge pipes must extend outside the building
- Acceptable only for gas water heaters
Correct answer: Incorrect — TPR discharge must terminate within 6 inches of the floor
TPR discharge pipes must terminate within 6 inches of the floor (or to a safe location) to prevent scalding injuries from discharged steam or water.
Question 4: An inspector finds a double-tapped breaker (two wires under one breaker terminal). This is considered:
- Acceptable if both wires are the same gauge
- A defect unless the breaker is listed for multiple conductors (Correct answer)
- Standard practice in panels manufactured before 1990
- Not within the scope of a home inspection
Correct answer: A defect unless the breaker is listed for multiple conductors
Double-tapping is a defect unless the breaker is specifically listed and labeled for multiple conductors, as it can cause loose connections and overheating.
Question 5: When inspecting a fireplace, what does the inspector check by looking up the flue with a flashlight?
- The chimney's exterior mortar condition
- The damper operation and visible flue liner condition (Correct answer)
- The gas supply valve position
- The presence of a carbon monoxide detector
Correct answer: The damper operation and visible flue liner condition
Looking up the flue verifies the damper opens and closes and provides a visual check of the accessible flue liner for cracks or obstructions.
Question 6: An inspector observes efflorescence on a basement wall. This indicates:
- The concrete was improperly mixed during construction
- Water has been moving through the masonry, depositing mineral salts on the surface (Correct answer)
- The wall has been recently painted with a waterproofing product
- A sign of structural failure requiring immediate evacuation
Correct answer: Water has been moving through the masonry, depositing mineral salts on the surface
Efflorescence is white mineral deposits left on masonry surfaces as water migrates through, indicating moisture intrusion.
Question 7: The correct procedure when inspecting an AFCI-protected circuit is to:
- Use a multimeter to measure arc resistance
- Press the test button on the AFCI breaker and confirm it trips, then reset it (Correct answer)
- Check that the breaker is labeled 'AFCI' and consider the test complete
- Only test AFCI breakers when the client is not present
Correct answer: Press the test button on the AFCI breaker and confirm it trips, then reset it
The functional test for an AFCI breaker is to press its test button and confirm it trips, then reset it to verify it functions as designed.
CPI Inspection Procedures & Techniques 3
Which of the following best describes the 'representative sample' approach in home inspections?