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Analysis of Findings & Reporting

Scope limitations practice questions

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

1. A basement has a drop ceiling and the attic is packed with deep blown insulation. Inspectors typically do not move:

  1. Doors to check operation
  2. Ceiling tiles or insulation extensively
  3. Faucets to test flow
  4. Windows to test opening
Show answer & explanation

Answer: B. Ceiling tiles or insulation extensively

Moving insulation or ceiling tiles is commonly beyond scope.

2. A frozen hose bib not tested due to weather should be:

  1. Noted as not operated
  2. Reported defective
  3. Ignored because it is minor
  4. Assumed fine
Show answer & explanation

Answer: A. Noted as not operated

The correct answer is “Noted as not operated.” Report.

3. A buyer asks why the report doesn't say the roof will last five more years. The best explanation is:

  1. The inspector forgot to include the roof life estimate
  2. The roof's life is always printed on the shingles
  3. Roof life is guaranteed only by the seller's agent
  4. Inspections report present condition, not future life
Show answer & explanation

Answer: D. Inspections report present condition, not future life

Future performance is outside scope.

4. A crawlspace with standing water that prevented entry should be:

  1. Described as dry and satisfactory
  2. Reported as not entered and why
  3. Omitted from the inspection report
  4. Assumed to have no structural issues
Show answer & explanation

Answer: B. Reported as not entered and why

Limitations must be disclosed so clients can follow up.

5. A home with utilities off should be:

  1. Considered fine
  2. Considered failed
  3. Ignored because it is minor
  4. Reinspected when on
Show answer & explanation

Answer: D. Reinspected when on

Recommend reinspection.

6. A client asks the inspector to determine whether the home's fill soil is suitable. The inspector should:

  1. Guess from the age of the home
  2. Explain it is outside scope and refer to a geotechnical engineer
  3. State the soil is suitable since the house is standing and level
  4. Dig test holes in the yard and report results
Show answer & explanation

Answer: B. Explain it is outside scope and refer to a geotechnical engineer

Soil analysis is specialized.

7. A heavily wooded lot limiting roof view from the ground is:

  1. A limitation to note
  2. A roof defect
  3. A drainage issue on the lot
  4. Irrelevant to the roof
Show answer & explanation

Answer: A. A limitation to note

The correct answer is “A limitation to note.” Report limits.

8. A limitation statement about a finished basement might read:

  1. Finished walls conceal foundation surfaces
  2. The basement is not important
  3. There are no leaks ever
  4. The foundation is perfect
Show answer & explanation

Answer: A. Finished walls conceal foundation surfaces

Finishes hide the foundation, so note the limitation.

9. A client asks whether the basement will leak in spring. The best answer is:

  1. Describe current evidence; future leaks can't be predicted
  2. Say the basement will definitely leak again next spring
  3. Guarantee the basement will stay dry in spring
  4. Tell the client to ask the seller for a warranty
Show answer & explanation

Answer: A. Describe current evidence; future leaks can't be predicted

Present conditions only.

10. A heavy rainstorm during the exterior inspection may limit:

  1. Roof and exterior observations
  2. Interior outlet tests
  3. Measuring attic insulation depth
  4. Water heater review
Show answer & explanation

Answer: A. Roof and exterior observations

Weather affects observation.

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