Home Inspector Test Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield Home Inspector Test facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Please indicate what should NOT be done if an electrical issue is discovered during an electrical system inspection: → One shouldn't identify the cause of the electrical problem.
2. What is the primary function of a fireplace damper that a home inspector verifies during an inspection? → Control airflow and prevent conditioned air loss when the fireplace is not in use
3. Please indicate the best course of action to take in the event that a client asks a "technically exhaustive" inspection: → One should explain that they're only able to perform a standard inspection.
4. Please mark the appropriate way of giving one's findings to a client after the completion of the home inspection: → Any of the above
5. What is the purpose of a flue liner in a masonry chimney? → To contain combustion gases and protect masonry from heat and corrosive byproducts
6. Please indicate the window-related component of the house inspection report that is NOT required to be remarked on: → The condition of window treatments
7. What does 'thermal bridging' refer to in the context of building insulation? → Heat transfer through a conductive structural element bypassing insulation
8. What is the purpose of a weep hole in a brick veneer wall? → Drain water that collects at the base of the wall cavity
9. What is the primary function of an Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) device? → To de-energize a circuit when it detects a dangerous arcing condition.
10. Please write the following advice about inadequate air ducts when assessing an air conditioning system in a home inspection report: → You should recommend installation of additional return air ducts, especially in bedrooms.
11. What is the purpose of a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet? → To prevent electric shocks
12. A home inspector finds that attic insulation is blocking soffit vents. What is the primary concern? → Restricted attic ventilation leading to moisture and heat buildup
13. According to the '10-2-3 rule,' how high must a chimney extend above any portion of the roof within 10 feet horizontally? → 2 feet
14. Which type of foundation crack is generally considered most serious in a poured concrete foundation? → Horizontal cracks in the middle of the wall
15. What liner material does a home inspector expect when a high-efficiency gas furnace has been connected to a previously wood-burning chimney that was relined? → Flexible aluminum or stainless steel liner rated for gas appliance condensate
16. What is the International Residential Code's (IRC) recommended minimum slope for graded soil near a building's foundation? → ≥ 6"/10'
17. What is the purpose of a vapor retarder installed on the warm side of insulation? → Prevent moisture migration into wall or ceiling cavities
18. What is 'spalling' in the context of concrete or masonry foundations? → Flaking, chipping, or breaking away of the surface layer of concrete or masonry
19. How many amps will the white wire carry if the black wire carries ten? → Same as the black wire
20. What is the purpose of a circuit breaker in an electrical panel? → To prevent overload and short circuits
21. Which of the following is the BEST evidence that a crawl space ground cover vapor barrier is functioning properly? → The barrier covers at least 6 inches up the walls and is continuous with no gaps
22. Which component is responsible for distributing treated water throughout a house's plumbing system? → Water supply line
23. Which of the following components of a house is responsible for diverting rainwater away from the foundation? → Gutter
24. Please check the statement that best describes a report written following an examination of a vacant property: → Pre-closing inspection is recommended.
25. Spalling bricks observed on a chimney exterior during a home inspection most commonly indicate what condition? → Chronic moisture intrusion causing freeze-thaw deterioration inside the brick
26. What is the correct installation orientation for kraft-faced fiberglass batt insulation in an exterior wall? → Kraft facing toward the interior (warm-in-winter side)
27. When inspecting a gas fireplace, what safety device does the home inspector verify is present and operational? → A thermocouple or thermopile that shuts off gas flow if the pilot flame extinguishes
28. A home inspector finds that the grade around the foundation slopes toward the house. What is the recommended minimum slope away from the foundation? → 6 inches in the first 10 feet
29. What common defect does a home inspector look for in the chimney crown? → Cracks, spalling, or improper slope that allows water infiltration
30. During a winter inspection in a cold climate, you observe a significant ridge of ice along the eaves of a home. This is most likely caused by: → Heat loss from the house into the attic, melting snow on the upper roof.