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Property & Building Inspection

Site conditions practice questions

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

1. A cracked asphalt drive with weeds growing through mainly indicates:

  1. Surface deterioration and moisture entry
  2. A new seal coat was recently applied by the owner
  3. Proper curing of the asphalt surface
  4. Good compaction of the gravel base
Show answer & explanation

Answer: A. Surface deterioration and moisture entry

Vegetation in cracks widens them. Report maintenance needs.

2. A common guideline for positive grade is a fall of about:

  1. No fall within 20 feet
  2. 6 inches within the first 10 feet
  3. 1 inch within the first 50 feet
  4. 12 inches within the first 1 foot
Show answer & explanation

Answer: B. 6 inches within the first 10 feet

The IRC calls for at least 6 inches of fall within the first 10 feet where lot lines allow.

3. A basement walkout has a trench drain at the bottom of the exterior stairs that is filled with leaves and soil. During heavy rain this most likely causes:

  1. The stairs to heave upward during freezing weather
  2. The foundation footing to rise above the frost line
  3. Better drainage because the leaves filter the water
  4. Water to pond and enter under the basement door
Show answer & explanation

Answer: D. Water to pond and enter under the basement door

A blocked trench drain at a below-grade entry allows water to build up and enter.

4. A cracked concrete stoop pulling away from the house may allow:

  1. Better ventilation of the crawlspace
  2. The door to seal better
  3. Improved insulation of the floor
  4. Water to enter at the gap
Show answer & explanation

Answer: D. Water to enter at the gap

Gaps at stoops funnel water to the foundation. Recommend sealing or repair.

5. A concrete driveway has a 1-inch vertical offset where it meets the garage slab. The primary concern to report is:

  1. Normal curing that will level out by itself
  2. A trip hazard and possible settlement of the driveway
  3. A sign of excessive steel reinforcement in the concrete slab
  4. Proper expansion joint spacing for the slab
Show answer & explanation

Answer: B. A trip hazard and possible settlement of the driveway

A vertical displacement is a trip hazard and suggests settlement; report for repair or monitoring.

6. A curb-level storm inlet clogged at the street is generally:

  1. Outside scope, though it can be mentioned as observed
  2. A structural defect of the home
  3. Evidence of a failed sewer lateral
  4. The inspector's job to clear on site
Show answer & explanation

Answer: A. Outside scope, though it can be mentioned as observed

Public infrastructure is out of scope. Observations may be noted.

7. A cracked sidewalk slab with no vertical displacement is typically:

  1. Reported as minor or cosmetic
  2. A sign of foundation collapse
  3. An immediate structural failure
  4. A required code repair item
Show answer & explanation

Answer: A. Reported as minor or cosmetic

Shrinkage cracks without displacement usually aren't a trip hazard but can be noted.

8. A concrete retaining wall has a horizontal crack and is bulging at mid-height. This suggests:

  1. Soil pressure exceeding the wall's capacity
  2. Shrinkage cracking during the initial cure
  3. Normal behavior for concrete in cold weather
  4. Paint failure on the face of the wall only
Show answer & explanation

Answer: A. Soil pressure exceeding the wall's capacity

Horizontal cracking with bulging indicates lateral pressure; refer for evaluation.

9. A deck's ledger area shows staining and the soil below the deck is muddy because the deck has no gutter above. What should be reported?

  1. Excess ventilation under the deck causing condensation
  2. Normal conditions that occur under every exterior wood deck
  3. Concentrated roof runoff on the deck and staining at the ledger area
  4. A plumbing leak inside the wall that the deck is hiding
Show answer & explanation

Answer: C. Concentrated roof runoff on the deck and staining at the ledger area

Runoff falling on the deck soaks the ledger area; describe the source and the staining.

10. A downspout discharges onto a neighbor's driveway at a lot line. The inspector should:

  1. File a complaint with the city
  2. Decide the property line location
  3. Disconnect the downspout
  4. Report observed discharge but not determine legal issues
Show answer & explanation

Answer: D. Report observed discharge but not determine legal issues

Inspectors report conditions, not legal boundary questions.

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