NHIE Interior Inspection 2

Question 1

When inspecting interior walls, which condition most strongly indicates moisture intrusion behind the surface?

Accepted Answer

Efflorescence staining at the base

Answer

Efflorescence (white mineral deposits) on interior walls indicates water is moving through the material, signaling active moisture intrusion.

Question 2

A home inspector finds that several interior doors bind and fail to latch properly on the upper corner. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Foundation settlement or structural movement

Answer

Doors binding at the upper corner on the latch side typically indicate differential settlement or structural racking that has distorted the door frame.

Question 3

Which flooring defect represents the greatest safety hazard that an inspector must report?

Accepted Answer

Soft or spongy areas indicating subfloor deterioration

Answer

Soft or spongy flooring indicates subfloor rot or structural damage that could cause a fall-through, making it the most immediate safety concern.

Question 4

An inspector observes staining on the ceiling directly below a bathroom. What is the FIRST step in determining the cause?

Accepted Answer

Inspect the bathroom above for plumbing leaks and caulking failures

Answer

The bathroom above is the most probable source; inspecting plumbing connections, supply lines, and drain seals is the logical first diagnostic step.

Question 5

What does 'truss uplift' typically cause in a home's interior?

Accepted Answer

Separation between partition walls and the ceiling

Answer

Truss uplift occurs when the bottom chord of a truss moves upward in cold weather, pulling attached partition walls away from the ceiling drywall.

(NHIE) National Home Inspector Examination Practice Test

(NHIE) National Home Inspector Examination Practice Test

NHIE Interior Inspection 2