Home Inspector Test Home Inspector Foundation and Basement Inspection 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does a home inspector check when evaluating a sump pump installation?
- The brand and model number
- The presence of a pit, functioning float switch, discharge line routing away from the foundation, and a check valve (Correct answer)
- Only whether the pump turns on
- The electrical panel amperage only
Correct answer: The presence of a pit, functioning float switch, discharge line routing away from the foundation, and a check valve
A complete sump pump evaluation includes the pit, float operation, check valve to prevent backflow, and confirming the discharge line terminates well away from the foundation.
Question 2: What is 'spalling' in the context of concrete or masonry foundations?
- Outward bowing of a foundation wall
- Flaking, chipping, or breaking away of the surface layer of concrete or masonry (Correct answer)
- Settlement cracks in a slab
- Efflorescence on block walls
Correct answer: Flaking, chipping, or breaking away of the surface layer of concrete or masonry
Spalling is the deterioration of a concrete or masonry surface where pieces break off, often caused by freeze-thaw cycles, moisture, or corrosion of embedded reinforcing steel.
Question 3: When inspecting a crawl space, what clearance between the ground and the bottom of the floor joists is typically required by code?
- 6 inches
- 12 inches
- 18 inches (Correct answer)
- 24 inches
Correct answer: 18 inches
Most building codes require a minimum of 18 inches of clearance between the ground and the bottom of the floor joists in a crawl space to allow inspection and maintenance access.
Question 4: A home inspector notes that downspout extensions are missing and gutters discharge directly at the foundation. The primary concern is:
- Gutter system aesthetic appearance
- Concentrated water discharge that saturates soil adjacent to the foundation, increasing risk of water intrusion and settlement (Correct answer)
- Splash erosion of landscaping only
- Ice dam formation in winter
Correct answer: Concentrated water discharge that saturates soil adjacent to the foundation, increasing risk of water intrusion and settlement
Gutters without extensions concentrate roof runoff directly at the foundation, overwhelming drainage capacity and increasing hydrostatic pressure and moisture intrusion risk.
Question 5: What is pyrite-induced heaving in a foundation context?
- Damage from tree root intrusion under the slab
- Expansion of pyrite-bearing fill material when oxidized, causing slab or basement floor upheaval (Correct answer)
- Settlement from poorly compacted fill
- Frost heave in cold climates
Correct answer: Expansion of pyrite-bearing fill material when oxidized, causing slab or basement floor upheaval
When fill containing pyrite (iron sulfide) is used beneath a slab, it can oxidize and expand, causing upward heaving of the concrete floor or foundation.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes 'hydrostatic pressure' as it relates to foundation inspection?
- The weight of the structure pushing down on the foundation
- Water pressure exerted against foundation walls and floors by saturated soil or a high water table (Correct answer)
- Pressure from expanding clay soils during dry periods
- Internal air pressure differences in a sealed basement
Correct answer: Water pressure exerted against foundation walls and floors by saturated soil or a high water table
Hydrostatic pressure is the lateral and upward force exerted by water-saturated soil or groundwater against foundation walls and slabs, a leading cause of basement water intrusion.
Home Inspector Test Home Inspector Foundation and Basement Inspection 2
What does a home inspector check when evaluating a sump pump installation?