7 National His

Front 1

Joists are used to attach decks to homes. What is the BEST way to secure joists?

Back 1

With metal brackets

Front 2

When concrete is not installed properly, defects inevitably become apparent. What cause do most concrete problems have in common?

Back 2

Excess water is added

Front 3

If the garage is attached, what type of door is required between the house and garage?

Back 3

Self-closing door

Front 4

Which of the following statements about attic ventilation is true?

Back 4

Attic ventilation is needed during each season.

Front 5

Which of the following terms represents rates of energy transfer in an electrical system?

Back 5

Watt

Front 6

What is the safest way to inspect the roof?

Back 6

With binoculars

Front 7

Which of the following statements is true about septic tanks?

Back 7

Both C and D

Front 8

What types of concerns are associated with installed countertops?

Back 8

All of the above

Front 9

Where is the BEST location for heat registers in any home?

Back 9

Below windows

Front 10

The theory of air movement results in unpleasant outcomes for homes. Which of the following outcomes is NOT a common result of the theory of air movement?

Back 10

Unpredictable heat gain

Front 11

While inspecting a home recently built on a slab, you notice a hairline crack on the flooring. Since there appears to be vertical displacement as well, what do you identify as the problem?

Back 11

A settlement crack

Front 12

Which of the following examples is NOT a type of junction box?

Back 12

Metal flapjack box

Front 13

What is the average temperature differential an AC unit should produce during the summer?

Back 13

15-20°F

Front 14

What is the purpose of an anchor bolt?

Back 14

All of the above

Front 15

What is the safety standard for setting water heater temperatures to avoid scalding?

Back 15

120°F

Front 16

Which of the following is NOT a possible indication of exhaust spillage from a gas furnace?

Back 16

Cold air in the draft hood

Front 17

Crawl spaces should be insulated. What do home inspectors tend to find when inspecting crawl spaces?

Back 17

All of the above

Front 18

During the exterior inspection of a home built in 1972, you notice paint chips on windowsills and on the ground near wood railings. Why should you be concerned?

Back 18

The paint chips may contain lead.

Front 19

Which of the following statements is the BEST reason to inspect for proper ventilation in a home?

Back 19

Ventilation prevents deterioration and decay in the home.

Front 20

Which of the following coats is NOT part of a three-coat stucco system?

Back 20

Black coat

Front 21

Where are you likely to find evidence of black mold during a home inspection?

Back 21

All of the above

Front 22

During your inspection of the plumbing system, the owner mentions frequent drain clogs. You decide to check the slope of the drainpipes. Which of the following slopes is recommended for drain lines?

Back 22

At least 1/4" per foot

Front 23

The basement of the home you are inspecting has evidence of water leakage. Which of the following problems is NOT a possible cause of water leakage in basements?

Back 23

Absence of a sump pump

Front 24

When identifying deficiencies, home inspectors must determine if each deficiency poses a safety hazard. Which of the following deficiencies is the greatest safety concern?

Back 24

Aged electrical wiring

Front 25

Which of the following deficiencies is a warning sign of a serious electrical problem?

Back 25

All of the above

Front 26

To determine whether sufficient insulation is in place, home inspectors need to know the different types of insulation available for home use. Which of the following is NOT a type of insulation?

Back 26

Roll foam

Front 27

The home you are inspecting may have a solid fuel heating device that needs to be checked. Which of the following heating devices is NOT an example of a solid fuel heating device?

Back 27

Electric heater

Front 28

Which type of window is known to be problematic?

Back 28

Steel casement windows

Front 29

What is it called when waste pipes are also vent pipes?

Back 29

Wet venting

Front 30

R-value is associated with which of the following components?

Back 30

Insulation

Front 31

What is the minimum size requirement for emergency escape windows in basements?

Back 31

5.7 square feet

Front 32

Which of the following components is not part of a natural gas furnace?

Back 32

Expansion valve

Front 33

Which of the following toxins is odorless, invisible, and caused by deposits of natural uranium?

Back 33

Radon gas

Front 34

Which of the following constructs are structural components of a home?

Back 34

All of the above

Front 35

What BEST describes the purpose of a flue?

Back 35

To dispel exhaust gases from fireplaces

Front 36

In addition to checking for safe handrails, home inspectors need to consider the width and depth of stairs. If stairs have railings on both sides, what is the recommended minimum width for stairways?

Back 36

36 inches

Front 37

Asbestos can be found in which of the following materials?

Back 37

All of the above

Front 38

What is a floating foundation?

Back 38

Foundation that does not include footings

Front 39

What characteristics of mortar joints do you want to see when inspecting the exterior of a chimney?

Back 39

Both A and B

Front 40

Which of the following examples is NOT a type of deck?

Back 40

Swale

Front 41

Most homes have gutters that require inspections. Which of the following examples is a type of gutter?

Back 41

Seamless

Front 42

Which of the following statements related to electrical systems that use aluminum wiring is true?

Back 42

A certified electrician is the only one able to determine if the wiring is safe.

Front 43

Which of the following deficiencies is a common defect of combustion venting systems?

Back 43

All of the above

Front 44

Fixtures and faucets are components of the plumbing system. Common defects of fixtures and faucets include all but which one of the following deficiencies?

Back 44

Low water pressure

Front 45

Why are restraining cables needed for garage doors?

Back 45

To prevent injuries if the garage door spring breaks

Front 46

Lawn irrigation systems tend to have which one of the following defects?

Back 46

Pipes that need to be replaced

Front 47

A home inspection contract or agreement must include which of the following elements?

Back 47

All of the above

Front 48

After delivering the inspection report to the client, you receive a call from the seller who wants a copy of the report. How do you handle this situation?

Back 48

You discuss nothing with him over the phone and do not mail a copy of the report to him.

Front 49

A real estate agent contacts you and proposes a partnership so she can include your home inspection services in her marketing materials. In accordance with professional standards and the code of ethics for home inspectors, you

Back 49

thank her but refuse because you do not want to compromise your integrity.

Front 50

Home inspectors are not required to test for mold or identify mold that is found during an inspection as stated under which section of the home inspection agreement?

Back 50

General exclusions

Front 51

A client can file a dispute related to the home inspection agreement for which of the following reasons?

Back 51

All of the above

Front 52

A home inspector may test for which of the following?

Back 52

Radon

Front 53

During an inspection, you notice a ceiling fan does not work when the switch is turned on. Which of the following actions should you take?

Back 53

Note the problem in the inspection report.

Front 54

When reviewing home inspection findings with a client, which of the following actions should you avoid?

Back 54

All of the above

Front 55

While inspecting the electrical system, you forget to close the door on the breaker box located in the basement. During an overnight storm, water gets in and short-circuits the electrical system, which requires repairs because it is an older home. Which type of insurance covers this issue"?

Back 55

General liability

Front 56

Which of the following individuals is NOT a good candidate for home inspectors to establish a strategic partnership with?

Back 56

Home renovator

Front 57

It is acceptable to partner with a real estate agent under certain circumstances. Which of the following circumstances is NOT acceptable?

Back 57

All of the above

Front 58

While performing an inspection of the basement, it appears there is not sufficient insulation between the wood stairs and piping from the furnace. You cannot adequately determine if this poses a potential fire hazard throughout the home unless walls are removed. what do you tell the client?

Back 58

"It appears there is not sufficient insulation between the wood stairs and piping from the furnace. Walls will need to be removed to determine if this poses a potential fire hazard."

Front 59

When you first meet with a client, you should NOT disclose which of the following?

Back 59

That you have errors and omissions insurance

Front 60

There are several purposes of a home inspection contract. Which is the PRIMARY purpose of the contract?

Back 60

To provide information to your client regarding what you will and will not be inspecting

Front 61

As a housing inspector, you do not want people wandering around while you are reviewing the property. Should the client be present during the home inspection?

Back 61

Yes, the client should always be present.

Front 62

It is not uncommon for clients to have complaints about inspections, especially after they have purchased a home and realized the cost of certain repairs. If you get a complaint from a client, how should you handle it?

Back 62

Call the client to discuss the matter.

Front 63

With so many players involved in a home inspection, it can be confusing to know where to place your loyalties. The home inspector has the greatest responsibility to which entity?

Back 63

The Home

Front 64

There are times when you may need to return to a property for a follow-up inspection. What is required of you during a re-inspection?

Back 64

An update of the inspection report

Front 65

When resolving complaints that involve refunds of inspection fees or other compensation, what action should you always take when dealing with clients?

Back 65

Have clients sign a release

Front 66

Attending a seminar for first-time homebuyers is a good idea for several reasons. Which of the following is NOT a reason to attend such a seminar?

Back 66

You can network with home improvement contractors.

Front 67

When you initially draft a pre-inspection contract, who should you have review it before you begin to use it with clients?

Back 67

Both

Front 68

While conducting an inspection, you notice a problem with the furnace but forget to include it in the inspection report. After purchasing the home, your client files a complaint against you. Which type of insurance protects you in this situation?

Back 68

Errors and omissions insurance

Front 69

Is it true or false that you do not need to include the inspection fee in the pre-inspection contract if you charge a flat fee for all inspections you perform?

Back 69

It is false regardless of where you include information about your fees.

Front 70

Home inspectors need to understand the Standards of Practice. What is the purpose of these standards?

Back 70

All of the above

Front 71

Upon conclusion of the inspection, your client wants your opinion on whether or not you would purchase the home. How do you respond to your client?

Back 71

"It is not appropriate for me to recommend purchasing or not purchasing the home."

Front 72

A real estate agent asks you to inspect a home. She offers to double your fee if the home inspection report is favorable. You should respond by

Back 72

declining her offer on the grounds that it violates ethical standards.

Front 73

Your client is the prospective buyer of a home. The seller offers to pay you the same fee for the same inspection. How should you handle this situation?

Back 73

Do not accept the offer and only provide an inspection report to your client.

Front 74

You have a relationship with a real estate agent who offers to refer additional clients your way if your findings for a particular site are favorable to the prospective buyer. How do you handle this offer?

Back 74

You tell the real estate agent that accepting the offer would not be ethical.

Front 75

How long are you required to wait before you can be paid to make repairs on a home you previously inspected?

Back 75

12 months

Front 76

Although you have passed the National Home Inspector Examination and are a licensed inspector, you have limited experience with certain types of furnaces. How should this influence your actions during an inspection?

Back 76

Even though you are licensed, you should be honest and inform your client.

Front 77

While conducting an inspection, you notice the roof is missing several shingles. Is it okay to tell your client that the roofing needs to be replaced?

Back 77

No, you would be overstating the condition of the roof.

Front 78

The real estate agent working with your client asks to see the inspection report. What is your response?

Back 78

You respond by getting permission from your client first.

Front 79

Which of the following statements should you NOT include when marketing your services?

Back 79

"Ask me about free inspection services."

Front 80

Is it true or false that you should not inspect any component or system that is not specifically included in the Standards of Practice for home inspectors?

Back 80

It is false because the Standards of Practice simply establish the minimum requirements.

Front 81

The buyer and seller offer to split the inspection fee. Can you accept payment from both parties in this situation?

Back 81

Yes, this is acceptable as long as both parties agree upfront.

Front 82

Home inspectors should not build relationships with which of the following types of technician?

Back 82

All of the above

Front 83

Why do home inspectors require vehicle insurance that is separate from their personal car insurance?

Back 83

Most personal policies do not cover damages that occur when you use your car for business.

Front 84

Which of the following actions is an example of your fiduciary responsibilities?

Back 84

All of the above

Front 85

Which of the following statements is true about home inspectors?

Back 85

Home inspectors are not legally required to offer guarantees and warranties.

Front 86

Which of the following descriptions is BEST representative of contractual responsibility?

Back 86

Identification of who is responsible for what during the home inspection

Front 87

There are many reasons to join industry associations. Which is the BEST reason for home inspectors to join industry associations?

Back 87

To gain credibility

Front 88

Which of the following acronyms does NOT represent a leading industry association that home inspectors should join?

Back 88

NLIHC

Front 89

Which of the following should be included in your pre-inspection contract?

Back 89

ASHI certification number

Front 90

Home inspectors should be prepared to have which of the following documents before conducting their first inspection?

Back 90

All of the above

Front 91

Which of the following is the most common type of business structure for home inspectors?

Back 91

Sole proprietorship

Front 92

What is a good rule of thumb when it comes to scheduling inspections?

Back 92

Allow 2-3 hours per inspection

Front 93

Many states and municipalities allow home inspectors to offer ancillary services in conjunction with the home inspection. Which of the following examples is NOT a recommended service?

Back 93

Lawn care services

Front 94

How should you respond if a client asks about your professional objectivity?

Back 94

Explain that you have no vested interest in the inspection outcomes.

Front 95

After accepting compensation from your client, the seller approaches you and offers you $100 to "soft sell" deficiencies you identify during the inspection. What is the appropriate response to this situation?

Back 95

Decline the offer and suggest your client get a technically exhaustive inspection.

Front 96

When you get to the home that is to be inspected, you realize it is your cousin's home. What do you do?

Back 96

Inform your client of the situation and refund their money.

Front 97

While conducting an inspection, you notice that the furnace needs to be repaired. Your client asks about the costs of the needed repairs. Which of the following responses is appropriate?

Back 97

Explain to the client you cannot give estimates for repairs you will not be making.

Front 98

Your best friend is a remodeling contractor. The two of you agree to refer clients to one another for a $25 referral fee. Which of the following statements is true about this situation?

Back 98

You are violating ethical and professional standards.

Front 99

A popular real estate agent contacts you and offers to include you on a "recommended services list" she gives to her clients. While there is no charge to be included on the list, she asks that you simply tell your friends and family members about her real estate agency. How should you respond?

Back 99

No thanks. It would be unethical of me to enter into such a relationship."

Front 100

Which of the following activities should home inspectors engage in to build their reputations?

Back 100

Participate in continuing education

Front 101

Which of the following statements is the most important one you need to make sure your client understands?

Back 101

Inspections determine the condition of the home on a particular day.