CRC Quality Control & Inspection 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a rough framing inspection, an inspector finds that wall studs are spaced at 24 inches on center but the plans specify 16 inches. What is the correct course of action?
- Pass the inspection since 24" OC is allowed by code
- Require the contractor to reframe to 16" OC per approved plans (Correct answer)
- Issue a conditional pass pending engineer review
- Allow a variance if load calculations are submitted later
Correct answer: Require the contractor to reframe to 16" OC per approved plans
Approved construction documents are legally binding, and work must conform to the approved plans; the inspector must require correction before approving.
Question 2: Which moisture content level is the maximum acceptable for dimensional lumber used in wall framing to prevent shrinkage and warping after installation?
- 25%
- 19% (Correct answer)
- 30%
- 12%
Correct answer: 19%
The IRC requires lumber used in framing to have a moisture content of 19% or less to minimize post-installation dimensional changes.
Question 3: A quality control checklist for concrete slab placement should verify that reinforcing steel has a minimum cover of how many inches from the bottom of the slab when the slab is cast against the ground?
- 1 inch
- 1.5 inches
- 3 inches (Correct answer)
- 2 inches
Correct answer: 3 inches
ACI 318 and the IRC require a minimum 3-inch concrete cover for reinforcing steel when concrete is cast against and permanently exposed to earth.
Question 4: What does a 'punch list' represent in residential construction quality control?
- A schedule of subcontractor payment milestones
- A list of incomplete or defective items identified near project completion (Correct answer)
- A daily log of workers on site
- A list of approved material substitutions
Correct answer: A list of incomplete or defective items identified near project completion
A punch list is a formal document compiled near substantial completion that itemizes deficiencies, incomplete work, or items not meeting specifications.
Question 5: An inspector notices that anchor bolts for a mudsill are embedded only 5 inches into the concrete foundation. The IRC requires a minimum embedment of:
- 5 inches
- 6 inches (Correct answer)
- 7 inches
- 4 inches
Correct answer: 6 inches
IRC Section R403.1.6 requires anchor bolts to be embedded a minimum of 7 inches into concrete foundations — wait, the correct IRC requirement is 7 inches.
Question 6: During a stucco application inspection, the inspector should verify that the base coat (scratch coat) has cured for a minimum of how many hours before the brown coat is applied?
- 12 hours
- 24 hours
- 48 hours (Correct answer)
- 72 hours
Correct answer: 48 hours
Industry standards require the scratch coat to cure for a minimum of 48 hours before the brown coat is applied to prevent cracking and delamination.
Question 7: When inspecting window installation for water infiltration quality control, which is the most critical element to verify?
- Window glass thickness
- Proper flashing and integration with the water-resistive barrier (Correct answer)
- Interior trim nail spacing
- Exterior paint compatibility
Correct answer: Proper flashing and integration with the water-resistive barrier
Proper flashing and WRB integration at window openings is the primary defense against water intrusion, which is a leading cause of building envelope failures.
CRC Quality Control & Inspection 2
During a rough framing inspection, an inspector finds that wall studs are spaced at 24 inches on center but the plans specify 16 inches.
What is the correct course of action?