FREE Home Inspector MCQ Questions and Answers
Every sleeping area and basement must have an easily accessible emergency exit window. How big of a window must this be?
Explanation:
According to the International Residential Code (IRC), every basement and sleeping room is required to have an easily operable emergency escape window. The minimum clear opening area of the window should be at least 5.7 square feet (0.53 square meters).
What type of foundation is common in areas with expansive soils?
Crawl space foundations are often used in areas with expansive soils to allow for flexibility and prevent potential damage caused by soil movement.
What does the term "R-value" refer to in relation to insulation?
The R-value of insulation measures its thermal resistance, indicating how well it resists the transfer of heat.
What is the purpose of a smoke detector in a home?
Smoke detectors are designed to detect the presence of smoke, indicating a potential fire, and provide an early warning to occupants.
What is the purpose of a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet?
GFCI outlets monitor the electrical current flow and can quickly shut off power to the outlet if a ground fault or leakage of current is detected, preventing electric shocks.
What is the primary purpose of an HVAC system's air filter?
The air filter in an HVAC system helps trap dust, debris, and allergens, improving indoor air quality and protecting the system's components.
Which type of insulation is most effective at reducing heat transfer?
Reflective foil insulation reflects radiant heat, making it highly effective at reducing heat transfer.
Each building requires the installation of branch circuits in several locations. One of them is not which of the following?
Which of the following components of a house is responsible for diverting rainwater away from the foundation?
Gutters are designed to collect rainwater and channel it away from the foundation to prevent water damage and foundation problems.
Which of the following materials is commonly used for plumbing supply lines due to its resistance to corrosion?
Copper is frequently used for plumbing supply lines due to its durability and resistance to corrosion.
A contractor has installed a water heater as an extra weight to a wood truss. Under what conditions does the IRC permit this?
Explanation:
According to the International Residential Code (IRC), adding load to a wood truss, such as a water heater, is allowed only if the additional load has been verified as acceptable by a certified engineer.
Which of the following is not a heating system that uses solid fuel?
Explanation:
An electric heater is not a solid fuel heating device.
Solid fuel heating devices are designed to burn solid fuels such as wood, coal, pellets, and biomass to generate heat. Examples of solid fuel heating devices include wood stoves, pellet stoves, coal stoves, and masonry heaters.
Following the International Residential Code (IRC), rafters must be secured to ridge boards or gusset plates if the roof pitch is more than or equivalent to a specific angle. What angle is it at?
Explanation:
The International Residential Code (IRC) requires rafters to be fastened to ridge boards or gusset plates if the pitch of the roof is greater than or equal to 3/12.
You are looking over a residence. Each system component that is easily accessible must be observed and tested. Which of the following is not regarded as a feature that is easily accessible in a room?
Explanation:
Nails or screws in the floor are not considered to be a readily accessible component of a room.
What is the International Residential Code's (IRC) recommended minimum slope for graded soil near a building's foundation?
Explanation:
According to the International Residential Code (IRC), the minimum allowed slope of graded soil next to a building's foundation is 6 inches of vertical rise for every 10 feet of horizontal distance away from the foundation. This is equivalent to a slope of 5% (0.05) or greater. This slope helps to ensure that water drains away from the foundation and helps to prevent water damage and other issues associated with moisture accumulation.
What is the recommended slope for a residential lot to ensure proper drainage?
A slope of around 2 percent (approximately 1/4 inch per foot) is commonly recommended for residential lots to facilitate proper drainage and prevent water accumulation.