NHIE Inspection Process and Methodology 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When inspecting a crawl space, what minimum clearance is typically required for an inspector to enter?
- 12 inches
- 18 inches
- 24 inches (Correct answer)
- 36 inches
Correct answer: 24 inches
A minimum 24-inch clearance is generally required for safe crawl space entry during a home inspection.
Question 2: Which statement best describes the inspector's role regarding appliances during a standard home inspection?
- Inspect all appliances for brand reliability and energy efficiency ratings
- Operate installed appliances using normal controls to observe basic function (Correct answer)
- Disassemble appliances to inspect internal components
- Test appliances under full load conditions
Correct answer: Operate installed appliances using normal controls to observe basic function
Inspectors operate appliances with normal controls to verify basic function, not to evaluate efficiency or internal components.
Question 3: An inspector finds a major structural defect midway through an inspection. What should the inspector do?
- Stop the inspection immediately and leave the premises
- Continue the inspection and include all findings in the final report
- Verbally notify the client immediately and also document it in the written report (Correct answer)
- Contact the listing agent before telling the client
Correct answer: Verbally notify the client immediately and also document it in the written report
Major defects should be communicated to the client promptly and also documented in writing in the inspection report.
Question 4: What is the correct protocol when an inspector observes what appears to be mold during an inspection?
- Collect a sample and send it to a lab for analysis
- Note the presence of suspected microbial growth and recommend further evaluation by a specialist (Correct answer)
- Confirm it as mold and provide remediation cost estimates
- Disinfect the area and document that it was treated
Correct answer: Note the presence of suspected microbial growth and recommend further evaluation by a specialist
Inspectors note suspected microbial growth and recommend specialist evaluation; they do not test, confirm, or remediate.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes 'normal operating controls' as used in home inspection?
- Controls accessible only to a licensed technician
- Standard switches, thermostats, and buttons a homeowner would use (Correct answer)
- Manual overrides and circuit breakers
- Remote control devices not permanently installed
Correct answer: Standard switches, thermostats, and buttons a homeowner would use
Normal operating controls are the standard controls a homeowner uses, such as thermostats and light switches.
Question 6: How should an inspector document a condition that cannot be fully assessed due to personal property blocking access?
- Omit the area from the report entirely
- State the area was inspected with no concerns
- Report that the area could not be fully inspected due to stored items and recommend reinspection (Correct answer)
- Estimate conditions based on adjacent visible areas
Correct answer: Report that the area could not be fully inspected due to stored items and recommend reinspection
Limitations imposed by stored items or furnishings must be clearly noted, and reinspection after removal should be recommended.
Question 7: What is the inspector's obligation regarding environmental hazards such as asbestos or lead paint?
- Test all suspected materials using field test kits
- Note the presence of materials that may contain hazardous substances and recommend specialist testing (Correct answer)
- Remove or encapsulate hazardous materials found
- Certify the home as hazard-free if none are observed
Correct answer: Note the presence of materials that may contain hazardous substances and recommend specialist testing
Inspectors identify potential hazard indicators and refer to specialists; they do not test, remove, or certify.
NHIE Inspection Process and Methodology 3
When inspecting a crawl space, what minimum clearance is typically required for an inspector to enter?