ICC Building Inspection 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best describes the primary role of a building inspector?
- Design and approve building plans for new construction
- Verify that construction work complies with adopted codes and approved plans (Correct answer)
- Estimate construction costs for permit fee calculations
- Issue certificates of insurance to contractors
Correct answer: Verify that construction work complies with adopted codes and approved plans
Building inspectors verify that construction work complies with the adopted codes and the approved construction documents.
Question 2: At what stage should a footing inspection typically be requested?
- After concrete has been poured and forms removed
- After excavation but before any forms or reinforcing are placed
- After forms and reinforcing are in place but before concrete is poured (Correct answer)
- After the slab has been poured and cured for 28 days
Correct answer: After forms and reinforcing are in place but before concrete is poured
Footing inspections must occur after forms and reinforcing are in place but before concrete is poured so the inspector can verify proper placement.
Question 3: According to the IBC, who is responsible for requesting required inspections?
- The building official
- The owner or the owner's authorized agent (Correct answer)
- The architect of record
- The structural engineer of record
Correct answer: The owner or the owner's authorized agent
Under the IBC, it is the responsibility of the owner or the owner's authorized agent to notify the building official that work is ready for inspection.
Question 4: A stop work order may be issued when:
- A contractor performs work after normal business hours
- Work is being done contrary to the provisions of the code or the issued permit (Correct answer)
- A new subcontractor is added to the project
- Material deliveries temporarily block a public roadway
Correct answer: Work is being done contrary to the provisions of the code or the issued permit
A stop work order is issued when work is proceeding contrary to the adopted code or the approved permit conditions.
Question 5: Which inspection verifies that all required inspections have been completed and that the structure is suitable for occupancy?
- Final inspection (Correct answer)
- Progress inspection
- Partial inspection
- Preliminary inspection
Correct answer: Final inspection
A final inspection is conducted to verify all required work is complete and the structure meets code requirements before a certificate of occupancy is issued.
Question 6: Under the IBC, 'substantial improvement' to a structure located in a flood hazard area means any improvement whose cost equals or exceeds what percentage of the structure's market value?
- 25%
- 40%
- 50% (Correct answer)
- 75%
Correct answer: 50%
The IBC defines substantial improvement in a flood hazard area as reconstruction, rehabilitation, or improvement whose cost equals or exceeds 50% of the structure's pre-improvement market value.
Question 7: Which of the following generally does NOT require a building permit under the IBC?
- Constructing a new accessory structure greater than 200 square feet
- Installing a new roof covering on a residence
- Ordinary repairs that do not affect structural members or fire-rated assemblies (Correct answer)
- Adding a new bedroom addition to a house
Correct answer: Ordinary repairs that do not affect structural members or fire-rated assemblies
The IBC exempts ordinary repairs from permit requirements when they do not affect structural members, fire-rated assemblies, means of egress, or building systems.
ICC Building Inspection 1
Which of the following best describes the primary role of a building inspector?