OIC Inspection Techniques & Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When inspecting a crawl space, what is the recommended minimum clearance height an inspector should look for between the ground and floor joists?
- 12 inches
- 18 inches (Correct answer)
- 24 inches
- 36 inches
Correct answer: 18 inches
Oregon and most standards require a minimum 18-inch clearance in crawl spaces to allow for adequate access and inspection.
Question 2: During a roof inspection, an inspector notices granule loss in gutters. What is the most appropriate next step?
- Immediately recommend full roof replacement
- Document the finding and inspect the shingles for age-related wear (Correct answer)
- Ignore it as normal for all roofs
- Test the gutter drainage only
Correct answer: Document the finding and inspect the shingles for age-related wear
Granule loss in gutters indicates shingle aging; the inspector should document it and evaluate the overall shingle condition before making any recommendations.
Question 3: An inspector is testing GFCI outlets. Which locations are REQUIRED by current standards to have GFCI protection?
- Only bathroom outlets
- Bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and exterior outlets (Correct answer)
- Only outlets within 3 feet of a sink
- All outlets in the home
Correct answer: Bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and exterior outlets
GFCI protection is required in bathrooms, kitchens near sinks, garages, exterior locations, unfinished basements, and crawl spaces.
Question 4: When inspecting a gas-fired water heater, what is the purpose of checking the flue pipe pitch?
- To ensure water drains properly from the unit
- To verify combustion gases vent upward and out of the structure (Correct answer)
- To confirm the pipe is large enough for the BTU rating
- To check that the flue is not rusted
Correct answer: To verify combustion gases vent upward and out of the structure
Flue pipes must pitch upward toward the chimney so combustion gases rise naturally and do not back-draft into the living space.
Question 5: What technique is used to identify potential moisture intrusion at exterior wall penetrations during a visual inspection?
- Thermal imaging only
- Probing with a moisture meter and visually checking sealant condition (Correct answer)
- Spraying water on the wall and waiting 24 hours
- Removing siding to inspect the sheathing
Correct answer: Probing with a moisture meter and visually checking sealant condition
Inspectors use moisture meters to detect elevated readings and visually assess the condition of caulk and flashing around penetrations without causing damage.
Question 6: During a home inspection, an inspector observes white crystalline deposits on the interior of a basement wall. This condition is called:
- Mold growth
- Efflorescence (Correct answer)
- Rust staining
- Calcium carbonate poisoning
Correct answer: Efflorescence
Efflorescence is the white powdery deposit left when water carries minerals through masonry and evaporates on the surface, indicating moisture migration.
Question 7: When inspecting a forced-air heating system, how should an inspector verify that the heat exchanger is functioning safely?
- Run the system and check outlet temperatures with an infrared gun
- Visually inspect the heat exchanger for cracks or rust, and note any combustion odors in supply air (Correct answer)
- Only confirm the unit turns on and off
- Test CO levels at the furnace only
Correct answer: Visually inspect the heat exchanger for cracks or rust, and note any combustion odors in supply air
Inspectors visually examine accessible heat exchanger surfaces for cracks or corrosion and check if combustion products are detectable in the air supply, which would indicate a breach.
OIC Inspection Techniques & Procedures 2
When inspecting a crawl space, what is the recommended minimum clearance height an inspector should look for between the ground and floor joists?