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Domain 1 · 70% of the outline

Property & Building Inspection practice questions

A mixed set of 10 original questions from this domain. Tasks covered: Site conditions, Exterior, Roof, Structure, Electrical, Cooling, Heating, Insulation, moisture & ventilation, Mechanical exhaust, Plumbing & fuel distribution, Interior, Fireplaces & fuel-burning appliances, Life safety.

1. A concrete driveway with a crack wider than 1/4 inch and vertical offset is best reported as:

  1. Normal for all new driveways
  2. A cosmetic item never reported
  3. A trip hazard needing repair
  4. Proof of foundation failure
Show answer & explanation

Answer: C. A trip hazard needing repair

Displacement creates a trip hazard. Report location and recommend repair by a qualified contractor.

2. A balcony with ponding water and soft decking near the house wall suggests:

  1. Possible concealed framing decay
  2. Recently sealed decking
  3. Normal wear only
  4. Proper drainage slope toward the home to protect the edges
Show answer & explanation

Answer: A. Possible concealed framing decay

Ponding and soft spots near the wall suggest water intrusion. Recommend evaluation, as concealed balcony framing failures can be serious.

3. A chimney cricket is used to:

  1. Vent attic air out through the chimney
  2. Divert water around a wide chimney
  3. Prevent birds from nesting in the flue
  4. Hold up the chimney crown in high winds
Show answer & explanation

Answer: B. Divert water around a wide chimney

Crickets prevent water and debris from collecting behind wide chimneys.

4. A basement wall shows a vertical crack that is wider at the bottom and dry, with a matching crack in the floor slab. This pattern may suggest:

  1. A roof leak running down the inside wall
  2. Normal shrinkage cracking with no movement of any kind
  3. Settlement near that area; evaluation recommended
  4. An electrical problem behind the wall
Show answer & explanation

Answer: C. Settlement near that area; evaluation recommended

Wider-at-bottom cracks can indicate movement.

5. A 14 AWG copper branch circuit protected by a 30-amp breaker is an example of:

  1. Proper sizing
  2. Reversed polarity at the receptacle
  3. A bonding jumper
  4. Overfusing (overcurrent protection too large for the wire)
Show answer & explanation

Answer: D. Overfusing (overcurrent protection too large for the wire)

14 AWG copper is typically limited to 15 amps. An oversized breaker lets the wire overheat before tripping.

6. A clogged condensate trap can cause:

  1. Water overflow
  2. Less noise
  3. Lower humidity
  4. More cooling
Show answer & explanation

Answer: A. Water overflow

Clogs back up water.

7. A boiler expansion tank that is waterlogged may cause:

  1. Pressure swings and relief valve discharge
  2. Lower energy use
  3. Better heat output
  4. Quieter operation
Show answer & explanation

Answer: A. Pressure swings and relief valve discharge

Expansion tanks absorb pressure changes.

8. A basement rim joist area is insulated with exposed foam plastic with no covering in a finished space. The concern is:

  1. Exposed foam improves fire safety in basements
  2. Foam on rim joists is never permitted anywhere
  3. Foam plastic generally needs a thermal barrier
  4. Rim joists should never be insulated at all
Show answer & explanation

Answer: C. Foam plastic generally needs a thermal barrier

Many foams require covering for fire protection.

9. A bath fan duct runs uphill then down to a wall cap and water drips from the fan grille in winter. The likely cause is:

  1. A plumbing leak above
  2. Condensation collecting in the duct
  3. Rain entering through the wall cap
  4. A defective fan motor
Show answer & explanation

Answer: B. Condensation collecting in the duct

Moist air condenses in cold ducts; slope and insulate.

10. A dishwasher drain hose runs flat along the cabinet floor to the disposal with no high loop or air gap. The concern is:

  1. Wastewater can back-siphon into the dishwasher
  2. The disposal will run constantly
  3. The dishwasher will drain far too quickly into the sink
  4. The hose will freeze in winter
Show answer & explanation

Answer: A. Wastewater can back-siphon into the dishwasher

A high loop or air gap prevents backflow.