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37 votes, 4.6 avg
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Home Inspector Entry Level Examination

This quiz is 231 questions that cover the following.

  • Illinois Home Inspector Law
  • Roofing
  • Exteriors
  • Structures
  • Electric
  • Plumbing
  • Heating
  • Air-conditioning
  • Interiors
  • Insulation
  • Fireplaces

You are welcome to take this exam as many times as you wish.

Please add the following information if you would like to review the exam results.

1 / 231

Category: Air Conditioning

Which position is medium temperature, low pressure – gas ?

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2 / 231

Category: Exteriors

In the photo above, what is position C

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3 / 231

Category: Plumbing

Horizontal drain pipes should have a slope of roughly _________?

4 / 231

Category: Air Conditioning

Where is the best place for an air-conditioning return vent?

5 / 231

Category: Interiors

Safety glass (also called tempered glass) should be present at a glazed panel _____.

6 / 231

Category: Electric

You decide to remove the outlet from the wall for a closer inspection. You should expect to see _____.

7 / 231

Category: Structures

In the above picture, what is at position B

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8 / 231

Category: Heating

Gas flues on gas or oil fired water heater _________.

9 / 231

Category: Interiors

Indications of wet basement problems include all of the following, except ________.

10 / 231

Category: Plumbing

Which of the following is least likely to have a cross connection?

11 / 231

Category: Illinois Law

The licensee can be disciplined if he/she accepts compensation from more than one interested party for the same service WITH the consent of all interested parties.

12 / 231

Category: Roofing

The best way to prevent ice dams is with _____________

13 / 231

Category: Illinois Law

If you can’t inspect something you said you would (based on your signed pre-inspection agreement)

14 / 231

Category: Plumbing

Causes of poor pressure and flow in a house include all of the following except _______.

15 / 231

Category: Air Conditioning

Which position does gas refrigerant convert to a liquid?

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16 / 231

Category: Structures

This type of truss causes what type of pressure on the walls?

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17 / 231

Category: Exteriors

Roof water runoff is best controlled with _________.

18 / 231

Category: Roofing

The most common defect found in slate roofs is ____________.

19 / 231

Category: Heating

A lack of combustion air is a problem because______.

20 / 231

Category: Appliances

On refrigerators, when the temperature level is set at the lowest cooling temperature, it usually indicates what?

21 / 231

Category: Exteriors

In an attached garage, what areas should have drywall?

22 / 231

Category: Electric

NMC should be secured to the structure within ______ from leaving an electrical box or panel.

23 / 231

Category: Structures

In the above picture, what is at position D

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24 / 231

Category: Interiors

Doors are expected to do, or have, the following except which of the following.

25 / 231

Category: Appliances

On a gas stove burner, the flame is yellow, this would indicate what?

26 / 231

Category: Structures

A foundation bow is often cause by ________.

27 / 231

Category: Structures

In the above picture, what is the drain tile?

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28 / 231

Category: Air Conditioning

The primary component that makes a heat pump work and differentiates it from a regular central a/c system is the?

29 / 231

Category: Interiors

Manufactured skylights should be installed following ___________.

30 / 231

Category: Illinois Law

The licensee can be disciplined if he/she aides or assists another in the violation of the Act or rule.

31 / 231

Category: Insulation and Ventilation

Plumbing pipes (supply and waste) and heating pipes which pass through unheated areas should be insulated to a minimum of R- __, but higher if possible.

32 / 231

Category: Heating

What does BTU stand for?

33 / 231

Category: Insulation and Ventilation

In the above diagram, what is the recommended amount of insulation for position D?

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34 / 231

Category: Electric

The distance over area D on a roof that is less than four feet to the overhang is what?

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35 / 231

Category: Air Conditioning

If the model number of the air conditioning unit is XE 0090302221, what is the approximate size of the air-conditioning compressor?

36 / 231

Category: Electric

You look inside the main electrical panel, you notice two 100 amp breakers being fed by #3 copper wire.

37 / 231

Category: Heating

You are inspecting an older home, you notice a recently replaced mid efficiency furnace with a metal flue that terminates in the regular masonry chimney. You inform your client what?

38 / 231

Category: Illinois Law

According to the IDFPR SoP; which of the following is a MANDATED reporting item?

39 / 231

Category: Illinois Law

The definition of “Classroom hour” for education or continuing education means

40 / 231

Category: Heating

On a Steam heating system, the pressure relief valve is usually set at _____ psi.

41 / 231

Category: Air Conditioning

A “split air-conditioning system” refers to what?

42 / 231

Category: Exteriors

The distance between the balusters in a railing should be no more than _____.

43 / 231

Category: Electric

Figure 2 is a _________ type of heating system.

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44 / 231

Category: Illinois Law

During your inspection you notice an imminently hazardous condition.

45 / 231

Category: Electric

You notice a silver colored wire in a home that was build in 1950. You assume this wire to be what?

46 / 231

Category: Heating

Under normal operating conditions the color of a flame of an oil burning heating system is?

47 / 231

Category: Plumbing

Gas water heaters will not have _____.

48 / 231

Category: Roofing

______ slope is acceptable to install regular asphalt shingles.

49 / 231

Category: Heating

In figure 1, where would back drafting occur at?

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50 / 231

Category: Exteriors

As a general rule, a downspout should be provided for every _______ feet of gutters.

51 / 231

Category: Heating

In figure 5, which is the “Hartford loop”

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52 / 231

Category: Insulation and Ventilation

What should be used to prevent attic insulation from blocking soffit vents?

53 / 231

Category: Illinois Law

Fact: Home Inspectors are governed by the State of Illinois office of Financial & Professional Regulation – division of Banks & Real Estate (formerly OBRE) as are real estate agents. Because the governing body is the division of Banks & Real Estate a home inspector MUST_________.

54 / 231

Category: Interiors

All of the following are signs of water problems in basements, except _______.

55 / 231

Category: Heating

Which of the above units uses oil as its fuel?

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56 / 231

Category: Air Conditioning

The approximate temperature within the earth at a depth of 6′

57 / 231

Category: Interiors

All habitable rooms should have a heat source.

58 / 231

Category: Illinois Law

The licensee can be disciplined if he/she discloses any information concerning the results of a home inspection without the approval of the client(s).

59 / 231

Category: Electric

The distance over area B should be _____.

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60 / 231

Category: Structures

In the above picture, what is at position C

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61 / 231

Category: Roofing

The top of the chimney should be ____ feet higher than anything closer than ____ feet and at least ____ feet over any flat surface.

62 / 231

Category: Electric

Two wires coming from the electric company’s pole to the house indicates what?

63 / 231

Category: Heating

What is the maximum operating pressure on a hot water boiler?

64 / 231

Category: Insulation and Ventilation

What is the recommended amount of ventilation for attics with a vapor barrier?

65 / 231

Category: Interiors

The minimum tread width of stairs is ____.

66 / 231

Category: Fireplaces

Which position is the smoke shelf?

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67 / 231

Category: Exteriors

Earth to brick clearance should be a minimum of _______.

68 / 231

Category: Exteriors

On attached garages, the passage door (man door) that enters the house is different from any other door in the house because of what?

69 / 231

Category: Fireplaces

Which position is the hearth?

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70 / 231

Category: Electric

Knob and tube wiring should have how much separation between parallel runs.

71 / 231

Category: Air Conditioning

On the outside unit of an air conditioner, which line should be warm?

72 / 231

Category: Interiors

A guard rail on new construction should be ____ high?

73 / 231

Category: Structures

Truss uplift is ______.

74 / 231

Category: Air Conditioning

Which position does liquid refrigerant convert to a gas?

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75 / 231

Category: Plumbing

What is the maximum static water pressure you should find in a residential plumbing system?

76 / 231

Category: Electric

This is measured in amps

77 / 231

Category: Heating

Combustion air for a gas burning heating system can be taken from a bedroom______.

78 / 231

Category: Roofing

The owner of the home told you that “we removed the old asphalt shingles and had this new slate roof installed last year”

79 / 231

Category: Electric

Wall receptacles in a garage should be ________ type.

80 / 231

Category: Illinois Law

A person or entity licensed under the Act shall be required to maintain a work log record of home inspections conducted for a period of ______ years after the home inspection is performed.

81 / 231

Category: Exteriors

In the photo above, what is position A

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82 / 231

Category: Roofing

What is the difference between wood shakes and wood shingles?

83 / 231

Category: Air Conditioning

Why are heat pumps not popular in the northern climates?

84 / 231

Category: Structures

When the center section of the bottom chord moves upward, and gaps as large as 1-1/2″ appear at the top of the interior walls, where they join the ceiling.

85 / 231

Category: Electric

Which of the above outlets are GFCI protected?

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86 / 231

Category: Insulation and Ventilation

Polystyrene and polyurethane insulations create a severe fire hazard when left exposed. Inside a house or garage, they should be covered with at least _____.

87 / 231

Category: Structures

What is the minimum bearing that should support a wood beam?

88 / 231

Category: Fireplaces

Which position is the throat?

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89 / 231

Category: Air Conditioning

Can a heat pump be run in the heating and cooling mode at the same time?

90 / 231

Category: Insulation and Ventilation

When insulating an unused attic area, the goal is to ________.

91 / 231

Category: Appliances

If the dishwasher leaks, causes may be _________.

92 / 231

Category: Air Conditioning

Which position is medium temperature, high pressure – liquid ?

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93 / 231

Category: Structures

Which of the following is NOT a member of a truss?

94 / 231

Category: Heating

The primary concerns of a cracked heat exchanger is?

95 / 231

Category: Air Conditioning

A problem of using an evaporative cooler in the Northern climates is ?

96 / 231

Category: Air Conditioning

What is the expected temperature differential in the supply and return of an air-conditioner?

97 / 231

Category: Heating

In figure 5, which is the “equalizer pipe”

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98 / 231

Category: Insulation and Ventilation

The hardest area to ventilate is a __________.

99 / 231

Category: Exteriors

Guard rail heights should be a minimum of ____ inches?

100 / 231

Category: Roofing

Which of the above roof types is the most prone to leakage

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101 / 231

Category: Exteriors

The term E.I.F.S. stand for what?

102 / 231

Category: Appliances

All of these items can contribute to one or more elements not working on an electric stove except which?

103 / 231

Category: Heating

The phrase “cracked heat exchanger” is used. This implies what type of heating system?

104 / 231

Category: Interiors

Exterior hinges on exterior doors ________.

105 / 231

Category: Insulation and Ventilation

In the northern climate, vapor barrier should be installed _______.

106 / 231

Category: Insulation and Ventilation

Recess cans (pot lights) that can be covered with insulation need to be_______

107 / 231

Category: Exteriors

Ideally, downspouts should discharge ______ from the foundation.

108 / 231

Category: Heating

In Figure 2, which is the return line

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109 / 231

Category: Electric

The service drop wire should not be within ________ feet of the sides or bottom of the window.

110 / 231

Category: Plumbing

Copy – The name of the pipe in position D is called _________.

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111 / 231

Category: Insulation and Ventilation

In the above diagram, what is the recommended amount of insulation for position B?

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112 / 231

Category: Plumbing

TPR valves are optional on water heaters when _______.

113 / 231

Category: Heating

Under normal operating conditions the color of a flame of a natural gas burning heating system ?

114 / 231

Category: Exteriors

You notice white salty deposit substance appearing on the brick siding material. This is ____?

115 / 231

Category: Electric

If the service main wire is copper 2/0, you should expect to see a ____ amp breaker.

116 / 231

Category: Plumbing

Potable water is ____________.

117 / 231

Category: Fireplaces

Which position is the ash-pit?

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118 / 231

Category: Heating

What is the upper limit pressure for a steam operated boiler?

119 / 231

Category: Illinois Law

The licensee can be disciplined if he/she fails to disclose in writing to the client prior to the home inspection any limitations or exclusions of systems or components being inspected.

120 / 231

Category: Heating

Which system above is a steam heat system?

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121 / 231

Category: Plumbing

Faucets or spouts must be above the ________ of the sink or basin.

122 / 231

Category: Electric

Assuming proper wiring methods, which is accurate based on copper wire.

123 / 231

Category: Roofing

A cricket should be installed on chimneys when?

124 / 231

Category: Air Conditioning

What is the most likely cause of frost on a condenser coil of a regular a/c system?

125 / 231

Category: Air Conditioning

When liquids vaporize into gases, they ______ a considerable amount of heat.

126 / 231

Category: Insulation and Ventilation

Ice dams are __________

127 / 231

Category: Interiors

Based on new construction practices, “habitable” basement space including bedrooms and family rooms should have ________.

128 / 231

Category: Air Conditioning

The temperature change across the coil is 28 degrees, you inform your client.

129 / 231

Category: Exteriors

In the photo above, what is position B

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130 / 231

Category: Plumbing

Which item is not essential for the safe operation of a conventional gas fired water heater?

131 / 231

Category: Plumbing

Which of the following is NOT a common material used for water entry piping?

132 / 231

Category: Insulation and Ventilation

What is a common type of air barrier found in new construction today?

133 / 231

Category: Electric

A white electrical cable used in residential wiring is commonly referred to as _____?

134 / 231

Category: Appliances

Which of the following is true regarding microwave ovens?

135 / 231

Category: Air Conditioning

What is the expected temperature differential in the supply and return of a heat pump with the emergency heat activated?

136 / 231

Category: Exteriors

If the torsion balance springs are properly adjusted, the overhead garage door should remain ______ without any assistance.

137 / 231

Category: Electric

__________ is the potential energy of the electrical system.

138 / 231

Category: Interiors

A mullion is _______.

139 / 231

Category: Electric

How close can an electrical switch be to a shower?

140 / 231

Category: Exteriors

The cracking at position A in the picture above indicates what?

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141 / 231

Category: Exteriors

It has not rained in two weeks. Upon inspection of a gutter system, you notice granules from the roof shingles at the opposite end of the downspouts. You inform your client which of the following.

142 / 231

Category: Roofing

Which of the above roof types is a Butterfly?

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143 / 231

Category: Air Conditioning

You notice a 2 pole breaker that is over-sized in relation to the wire attached. This breaker is for an air-conditioning compressor. You inform your client what?

144 / 231

Category: Insulation and Ventilation

Roof vents rely on __________ to work properly.

145 / 231

Category: Insulation and Ventilation

As a general rule, a vapor barrier can be installed over existing insulation if how much insulation is added on top of the vapor barrier?

146 / 231

Category: Roofing

Which of the above roof types is a gambrel roof?

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147 / 231

Category: Insulation and Ventilation

What does the term “bypass” mean as it refers to insulating spaces.

148 / 231

Category: Fireplaces

Which of the following is true regarding wood burning fireplaces and their associated chimney.

149 / 231

Category: Exteriors

A shallow ditch with gently sloped sides to divert water run off around the house to areas which are lower-lying is called.

150 / 231

Category: Roofing

On an open valley, where asphalt rolled roofing is used, how many layers should be present?

151 / 231

Category: Electric

This is measured in Ohms

152 / 231

Category: Interiors

All of the following are limitations to your wet basement investigation except ______.

153 / 231

Category: Insulation and Ventilation

Unconditioned crawl spaces should have one square foot of venting for every _________ of crawl space.

154 / 231

Category: Interiors

The head room above stairs should be a minimum of ______.

155 / 231

Category: Air Conditioning

Which position is high temperature, high pressure – gas ?

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156 / 231

Category: Heating

A furnace or water heater installed in the garage needs have its burners _____ inches off the floor.

157 / 231

Category: Appliances

Golden rule to be known about testing a garbage disposer is what?

158 / 231

Category: Air Conditioning

At what would be considered a minimum safe temperature to operate an air-conditioning system and provided that it has been this temperature or warmer for at least 24 hours ?

159 / 231

Category: Structures

Anchor bolts for sill plates are to be placed within how many inches the corner of a foundation wall?

160 / 231

Category: Fireplaces

Which position is the smoke chamber?

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161 / 231

Category: Roofing

On built up roofs, blisters and bubbles usually indicate what?

162 / 231

Category: Insulation and Ventilation

Which of the following are accepted of insulation that you would find during a home inspection?

163 / 231

Category: Heating

Proper clearances to combustibles for single wall vent connectors of gas burning heating equipment.

164 / 231

Category: Structures

In the above picture, what is the footing?

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165 / 231

Category: Insulation and Ventilation

In the above diagram, what is the recommended amount of insulation for position A?

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166 / 231

Category: Heating

Which system above is a gas forced air furnace?

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167 / 231

Category: Roofing

Which of the above roof types is a mansard roof?

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168 / 231

Category: Illinois Law

How many hours of continuing education are required every two years to renew a license?

169 / 231

Category: Roofing

What should be installed on top of a parapet wall?

170 / 231

Category: Illinois Law

According to the IDFPR SoP; which of the following is a MANDATED reporting item?

171 / 231

Category: Roofing

Although it is slang and inaccurate, modified bitumen roofs are commonly called _______.

172 / 231

Category: Electric

During your inspection, you are inspecting the service ground wire (Grounding Electrode Conductor – GEC). You notice a splice inside a junction box. You inform your client what?

173 / 231

Category: Structures

Trusses can be cut, bored, notched ____________.

174 / 231

Category: Structures

Which type of framing construction offers the worst type of fire protection?

175 / 231

Category: Structures

Referring to structural framing such as a roof, dead load means ___________

176 / 231

Category: Exteriors

Ideally, and when the house layout in relation to a neighboring home allows, the drainage away from the house / foundation should be approximately____________.

177 / 231

Category: Structures

Footings are typically how wide? (typical single family home)

178 / 231

Category: Plumbing

Which of the following fixture does not require an external trap?

179 / 231

Category: Electric

This is measured in watts

180 / 231

Category: Illinois Law

The work log shall be kept in a sequential format and shall include the—

181 / 231

Category: Heating

In figure 3, which is the overflow pipe

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182 / 231

Category: Heating

Finding cracks in heat exchangers is _______.

183 / 231

Category: Heating

The fan limit switches are set to start the blower fan at ____, stop the blower fan at _____, and shut down the entire unit at ______.

184 / 231

Category: Fireplaces

Which position is the damper?

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185 / 231

Category: Heating

Which system above is an open hot water heating system?

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186 / 231

Category: Insulation and Ventilation

You are inspecting a crawl space. You look up and see the vapor barrier of the insulation stapled neatly to each floor joist. The vapor barrier is holding up the insulation. You inform your client what?

187 / 231

Category: Air Conditioning

What is the problem of locating the evaporator upstream of the heat exchanger?

188 / 231

Category: Air Conditioning

How does a thermostat for a heat pump differ from a conventional thermostat?

189 / 231

Category: Plumbing

Each temperature/pressure relief valve shall have a _______.

190 / 231

Category: Exteriors

Railings on a deck should be provided wherever there is a danger of falling (when the difference in height is greater than ______).

191 / 231

Category: Roofing

What is a cant strip?

192 / 231

Category: Plumbing

The name of the pipe in position C is called _________.

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193 / 231

Category: Plumbing

The name of the pipe in position A is called _________.

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194 / 231

Category: Interiors

The functions of exterior doors include all of the following, except _____.

195 / 231

Category: Structures

Notches in the top or the bottom of a floor joist should not be more than ________.

196 / 231

Category: Interiors

The maximum rise of a staircase riser is approximately _______.

197 / 231

Category: Electric

Romex is a brand name. What is the proper generic for Romex?

198 / 231

Category: Plumbing

The name of the pipe in position B is called _________.

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199 / 231

Category: Appliances

Clothes dryer vents can ________.

200 / 231

Category: Interiors

Manufactured skylights should be installed following ___________.

201 / 231

Category: Structures

Which of the following is true regarding cracks in foundation walls.

202 / 231

Category: Structures

Collar ties should be spaced every _____________.

203 / 231

Category: Roofing

What happens to asphalt shingles when they loose their granular covering?

204 / 231

Category: Illinois Law

All entities performing business must have an entity license if the entity is a _______.

205 / 231

Category: Heating

In figure 1, which position is the manifold

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206 / 231

Category: Plumbing

When we test for functional flow and functional drainage, we check all except which of the following?

207 / 231

Category: Plumbing

A deep well is any well over ______ feet.

208 / 231

Category: Structures

In the diagram above, the piece labeled C is called a __________.

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209 / 231

Category: Plumbing

Common problems with expansion tanks on well and pump systems include all of the following except _________.

210 / 231

Category: Insulation and Ventilation

Exhaust ducts in unheated areas __________.

211 / 231

Category: Insulation and Ventilation

What is the R value for standard batt insulation (per inch)?

212 / 231

Category: Structures

Under interior walls where they run parallel to the floor joist.

213 / 231

Category: Structures

What is a cause of footing failure?

214 / 231

Category: Roofing

Roofs with a pitch between 2 in 12 and 4 in 12 are considered a __________ roof system.

215 / 231

Category: Interiors

All of the following are common window types, except ________.

216 / 231

Category: Electric

A primary difference between AC and Greenfield is ____ ?

217 / 231

Category: Appliances

Central vacuum system has the power unit _________.

218 / 231

Category: Electric

If the service main wire is #2 aluminum, you should expect to see a ____ amp breaker.

219 / 231

Category: Electric

The term “split wired receptacle” indicates what.

220 / 231

Category: Exteriors

The proper way to inspect the automatic reverse feature on an automatic door opener is to do what?

221 / 231

Category: Heating

In figure 3, which is the automatic water make-up?

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222 / 231

Category: Roofing

You are inspecting a flat roof. Last rain was two weeks prior to your inspection. You notice white circles in numerous size radiuses on the membrane. You inform your client what?

223 / 231

Category: Structures

The strut is located in position ____

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224 / 231

Category: Air Conditioning

What is the expected temperature differential in the supply and return of a heat pump in heating mode?

225 / 231

Category: Appliances

The door to an oven should stay ________.

226 / 231

Category: Structures

The maximum allowable lean on a supporting wall is ________.

227 / 231

Category: Exteriors

In the above diagram, what should be the minimum clearance between the earth wood, or EIFS, siding.

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228 / 231

Category: Roofing

Typically (rule of thumb) no more than ______ of a wood shingle is exposed to the weather.

229 / 231

Category: Exteriors

Upon inspection of the exterior of the property, you notice vines growing on the building. You inform your client what?

230 / 231

Category: Fireplaces

A fireplace mantle that projects 1-1/2″ or more out (as shown in position I) from the surface of the mantle should be at least ____ inches above the opening.

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231 / 231

Category: Roofing

On a dormer, how far above the roofing should wood siding materials be?

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