Mixed Deck — All NHIE Topics Flashcards

Which radon mitigation system is most commonly installed in homes with a basement or slab-on-grade foundation?

Answer: Sub-slab depressurization (SSD) using a fan and PVC pipe through the slab

Sub-slab depressurization creates negative pressure under the slab, drawing radon-laden soil gas out through a pipe before it can enter the home.

A home inspector observes a 240V dryer circuit using a 3-wire connection to a newer dryer. What is the issue?

Answer: Dryers require 4-wire connections in new installations per current NEC

Current NEC requires 4-wire connections (two hots, neutral, and ground) for new dryer installations to separate the neutral and ground.

Which of the following best describes 'balloon framing'?

Answer: Wall studs run continuously from foundation sill to roof plate across all floors

In balloon framing, wall studs run continuously from the sill plate to the top plate without interruption at intermediate floor levels.

A home inspector finds that the ledger board connecting a deck to the house was fastened through the exterior stucco without proper flashing. What is the PRIMARY risk?

Answer: Water infiltrates behind the stucco at fastener penetrations, causing rot to the rim joist and framing

Unflashed ledger-to-stucco connections allow water to enter at every fastener penetration and accumulate against the house framing, causing hidden structural decay.

What type of filter has the highest MERV rating capability and most effective particulate removal?

Answer: HEPA filter

HEPA filters achieve MERV 17-20 equivalent ratings and remove 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns or larger, making them the most effective filtration option.

A home inspector notices that handrail ends on an open stairway terminate abruptly in mid-air. This is a deficiency because:

Answer: Open ends create a catch hazard for clothing and body parts

Handrail ends that do not return to the wall or post create a catch hazard where sleeves or body parts can become snagged, causing falls.

What problem results when batt or blown-in insulation is compressed or disturbed from its installed position?

Answer: Reduced R-value and diminished thermal performance

Compression or disturbance reduces insulation thickness and disrupts the air pockets that provide thermal resistance, directly lowering the effective R-value.

An inspector is asked by the seller to not disclose a known defect to the buyer. What should the inspector do?

Answer: Refuse and document all discovered defects in the report per professional standards

Inspectors have a professional and ethical obligation to report all observed deficiencies regardless of seller requests.

What occurs when warm moist interior air contacts a cold surface and releases moisture?

Answer: Condensation at the dew point

Condensation occurs when air is cooled to its dew point temperature, causing water vapor to change phase to liquid water on the cold surface.

What is the standard amperage rating for a residential kitchen small appliance circuit?

Answer: 20 amps

NEC requires at least two 20-amp small appliance circuits for kitchen countertop receptacles.

An inspector finds floor joists in a crawl space that show notching at mid-span. This is significant because:

Answer: Notching at mid-span is prohibited as it removes material from the highest stress zone of the joist

Mid-span is the zone of maximum bending stress in a simply supported joist; notching there significantly reduces load capacity and is prohibited by code.

A home inspector finds a 20-amp breaker protecting a circuit with 14 AWG wire. What is the problem?

Answer: 14 AWG wire is only rated for 15 amps and is undersized for a 20-amp breaker

14 AWG copper wire is rated for 15 amps; a 20-amp breaker will not trip before the wire overheats.

A home inspector observes a washing machine drain hose inserted into a standpipe that is only 18 inches tall. What is the concern?

Answer: The standpipe is too short and may allow wastewater to overflow or siphon

A washing machine standpipe must be at least 18–42 inches tall (per most codes), and the drain hose must not be inserted so deep as to create a seal that causes siphoning.

During a crawl space inspection, an inspector finds batt insulation installed with the kraft paper vapor retarder facing downward away from the subfloor. What should be noted?

Answer: This is improper — the vapor retarder should face upward toward the warm subfloor

Insulation in a crawl space should be installed with the vapor retarder facing the warm side (toward the floor above) to prevent moisture from condensing within the insulation assembly.

What is the relationship between theory and practice in Roofing?

Answer: Theory provides the foundation; practice applies it to real situations

Theory provides the conceptual foundation and principles, while practice involves applying those concepts to real-world situations. Both are essential for competence.

Which of the following is a required safety feature on a temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve discharge pipe?

Answer: The pipe must terminate within 6 inches of the floor or to the exterior, not be capped or reduced in size

TPR valve discharge pipes must terminate near the floor or exterior to safely direct scalding water away from occupants, and must never be capped, plugged, or reduced.

An interior door that swings open on its own most likely indicates:

Answer: The door is hung in an out-of-plumb frame

A door that swings open by itself is typically hung in a frame that is not plumb, causing the door to swing toward the low side under gravity.

Which of the following indicates a potential safety issue in an electrical panel?

Answer: Double-tapped breakers

Double-tapped breakers occur when two wires are connected to a single breaker terminal designed for only one wire. This creates an unsafe condition because the breaker may not properly trip when overloaded, leading to overheating, potential fire hazards, and non-compliance with electrical codes. It indicates a significant safety defect in the electrical panel that requires immediate attention.

A client asks the inspector to omit a minor deficiency from the report to avoid complicating the sale. The inspector should:

Answer: Include the deficiency regardless, maintaining report accuracy and integrity

Omitting or altering findings to influence a real estate transaction compromises the inspector's integrity and may violate ethics standards.

What is the relationship between theory and practice in Exterior Evaluation?

Answer: Theory provides the foundation; practice applies it to real situations

Theory provides the conceptual foundation and principles, while practice involves applying those concepts to real-world situations. Both are essential for competence.