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Analysis of Findings & Reporting

Further evaluation practice questions

10 original sample questions on further evaluation. Pick an answer, then open the explanation. Review the further evaluation study notes first if you like.

1. A chimney with a cracked crown and suspected flue damage should be referred to:

  1. An electrician
  2. A licensed plumber for the drain lines
  3. A flooring contractor
  4. A chimney professional
Show answer & explanation

Answer: D. A chimney professional

Chimney specialists evaluate flues and masonry.

2. A client asks the inspector to estimate the remaining life of the roof in years. The best response is:

  1. Tell the client to ask the seller for the true roof age
  2. Give a precise number of years the roof will last for certain
  3. Describe observed condition; refer to a roofer for life estimates
  4. Refuse to discuss the roof condition with the client
Show answer & explanation

Answer: C. Describe observed condition; refer to a roofer for life estimates

Avoid guarantees; refer.

3. A basement block wall bows inward with horizontal cracks along a mortar joint. This should be referred to:

  1. A structural engineer
  2. A carpet installer
  3. A cabinetmaker experienced with older homes
  4. An insurance agent
Show answer & explanation

Answer: A. A structural engineer

Structural issues need engineering evaluation.

4. A client asks the inspector to evaluate structural adequacy of a beam that appears undersized. The inspector should:

  1. Report the observation and refer to an engineer
  2. Say the beam is fine since nothing has sagged so far
  3. Calculate the beam size and certify it
  4. Replace the beam during the inspection
Show answer & explanation

Answer: A. Report the observation and refer to an engineer

Engineering is outside scope.

5. A cracked garage slab with large vertical offset may need:

  1. Ignoring it as normal shrinkage
  2. Painting to hide the crack
  3. Repair by the inspector
  4. Evaluation by a qualified contractor
Show answer & explanation

Answer: D. Evaluation by a qualified contractor

Refer significant movement.

6. A bathroom subfloor feels spongy near the tub, but the area is finished over. Potential hidden rot should be:

  1. Guaranteed absent
  2. Painted over to hide the condition
  3. Recommended for further invasive evaluation
  4. Ignored because it is minor
Show answer & explanation

Answer: C. Recommended for further invasive evaluation

Specialists can open areas to confirm.

7. A client asks whether a crack in the basement is "a big deal." The most professional reply is:

  1. Explain what was seen and the referral recommended
  2. Say the house will collapse if not fixed
  3. Ask the client to decide on their own
  4. Say it is definitely nothing at all to worry about
Show answer & explanation

Answer: A. Explain what was seen and the referral recommended

Inform and refer.

8. A cracked toilet tank leaking onto the floor should be evaluated by:

  1. A mason
  2. A roofer
  3. A plumber
  4. An electrician
Show answer & explanation

Answer: C. A plumber

Plumbing fixture issue.

9. A furnace showing rust and soot at the draft hood should be referred to:

  1. A landscape designer
  2. A qualified HVAC technician
  3. A real estate appraiser
  4. A licensed roofer
Show answer & explanation

Answer: B. A qualified HVAC technician

HVAC pros evaluate combustion.

10. A foundation with fresh patched cracks and new paint should lead the inspector to:

  1. Report the repairs and suggest asking for history
  2. Ignore the repairs as cosmetic
  3. Remove the patch to look inside
  4. Assume all problems are now solved
Show answer & explanation

Answer: A. Report the repairs and suggest asking for history

Ask about prior repairs.

Original practice items for study only, not actual exam questions. Content may contain errors.