Home Inspector Test Home Inspector Foundation and Basement Inspection

Question 1

Which type of foundation crack is generally considered most serious in a poured concrete foundation?

Accepted Answer

Horizontal cracks in the middle of the wall

Answer

Hairline shrinkage cracks

Answer

Diagonal cracks at corners of window openings

Answer

Vertical cracks near the center of the wall

Question 2

What is 'efflorescence' and what does it indicate to a home inspector?

Accepted Answer

White mineral deposits on masonry surfaces indicating water migration through the wall

Answer

A type of foundation repair epoxy

Answer

Black mold on basement walls

Answer

Spalling caused by freeze-thaw cycles

Question 3

A home inspector finds that the grade around the foundation slopes toward the house. What is the recommended minimum slope away from the foundation?

Accepted Answer

6 inches in the first 10 feet

Answer

1 inch per 10 feet

Answer

12 inches in the first 5 feet

Answer

3 inches in the first 20 feet

Question 4

What is the purpose of a weep hole in a brick veneer wall?

Accepted Answer

Drain water that collects at the base of the wall cavity

Answer

Allow air circulation behind the brick

Answer

Provide a path for electrical conduit

Answer

Improve brick veneer adhesion to the foundation

Question 5

Which foundation type is most susceptible to moisture intrusion because it sits partially or fully below grade?

Accepted Answer

Full or partial basement

Answer

Slab-on-grade

Answer

Crawl space with vented foundation

Answer

Pier and beam

Question 6

A home inspector observes stair-step cracking in a brick foundation. This pattern typically indicates:

Accepted Answer

Differential settlement of the foundation

Answer

Thermal expansion of the brick

Answer

Normal curing shrinkage

Answer

Impact damage from outside