RAA Property Description 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A residential property features a 'gambrel roof.' Which architectural style most commonly uses this roof type?
- Spanish Colonial Revival
- Dutch Colonial or barn-style structures (Correct answer)
- Craftsman bungalow
- Mid-century modern
Correct answer: Dutch Colonial or barn-style structures
The gambrel roof, with its two slopes on each side where the lower slope is steeper, is characteristic of Dutch Colonial homes and traditional barn construction.
Question 2: When appraising a property, 'site utility' refers to:
- The monthly cost of electric and gas service
- The usefulness and suitability of the site for its intended purpose (Correct answer)
- The number of utility easements crossing the parcel
- The capacity of public water and sewer connections
Correct answer: The usefulness and suitability of the site for its intended purpose
Site utility describes how well the land's shape, size, topography, and other physical characteristics serve its intended use as a building site.
Question 3: Which term describes the exterior decorative horizontal boards that cover the gap between the top of the exterior wall and the roof overhang?
- Soffit
- Fascia
- Frieze board (Correct answer)
- Rake board
Correct answer: Frieze board
A frieze board is the horizontal trim element installed at the top of an exterior wall just below the cornice or roofline, often used in traditional architectural styles.
Question 4: In property description, a 'daylight basement' is defined as a basement that:
- Has windows only on the front wall facing the street
- Is fully below grade on all sides with a window well for light
- Is exposed on at least one side due to sloping terrain, allowing natural light and direct exterior access (Correct answer)
- Has a glass ceiling to allow light from the floor above
Correct answer: Is exposed on at least one side due to sloping terrain, allowing natural light and direct exterior access
A daylight basement is created when a sloping lot allows one or more sides of the basement to be above grade, providing natural light and often walkout access.
Question 5: The term 'egress window' in a bedroom refers to a window that:
- Faces the street for curb appeal
- Meets minimum size requirements to serve as an emergency escape and rescue opening (Correct answer)
- Is double-hung for ventilation purposes
- Is energy-rated with low-E glass coating
Correct answer: Meets minimum size requirements to serve as an emergency escape and rescue opening
Building codes require bedroom windows to meet minimum size standards for width, height, and sill height so occupants can escape and rescuers can enter in an emergency.
Question 6: Which electrical panel component protects an individual circuit by interrupting power when current exceeds the rated amperage?
- Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
- Circuit breaker or fuse (Correct answer)
- Main disconnect switch
- Surge protector
Correct answer: Circuit breaker or fuse
A circuit breaker (or fuse in older systems) is a safety device that automatically opens a circuit when it detects current exceeding the breaker's amperage rating.
Question 7: A property description notes the home has 'fiber cement siding.' What is a key characteristic distinguishing this material from wood siding?
- Fiber cement is significantly lighter than wood
- Fiber cement is resistant to rot, insects, and fire, requiring less maintenance than wood (Correct answer)
- Fiber cement is installed without nails using adhesive only
- Fiber cement expands and contracts more than wood in temperature changes
Correct answer: Fiber cement is resistant to rot, insects, and fire, requiring less maintenance than wood
Fiber cement siding (such as HardiePlank) resists rot, termites, and fire, making it more durable and lower maintenance than traditional wood siding.
RAA Property Description 5
A residential property features a 'gambrel roof.' Which architectural style most commonly uses this roof type?