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Property & Building Inspection

Structure practice questions

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

1. A beam pocket in a foundation wall is where:

  1. Water drains from the wall cavity
  2. A beam bears on the foundation
  3. Electrical wires enter
  4. Foundation vents attach
Show answer & explanation

Answer: B. A beam bears on the foundation

Pockets support beam ends.

2. 'Sistering' a damaged joist means:

  1. Removing it completely
  2. Adding a steel post under it
  3. Fastening a new full-length member alongside it
  4. Painting it with preservative
Show answer & explanation

Answer: C. Fastening a new full-length member alongside it

Sistering adds a new member beside the damaged one to restore strength.

3. A basement wall crack that is wider at the bottom than at the top most suggests:

  1. Normal curing that occurs in all walls
  2. Damage from interior paint application
  3. Simple drying shrinkage of the concrete
  4. Settlement or heave at the footing area
Show answer & explanation

Answer: D. Settlement or heave at the footing area

Crack geometry hints at movement direction.

4. A collar tie in a roof is typically located:

  1. In the upper third of the rafters
  2. At the bottom of the rafters resting on the top plates of exterior walls
  3. In the foundation
  4. Under the subfloor
Show answer & explanation

Answer: A. In the upper third of the rafters

Collar ties connect opposing rafters near the ridge.

5. A basement floor slab with heaved, humped areas may indicate:

  1. Soil movement or hydrostatic pressure
  2. Proper drainage under the concrete slab
  3. Good concrete curing practice
  4. New flooring installation
Show answer & explanation

Answer: A. Soil movement or hydrostatic pressure

Upward movement points to soil or water pressure.

6. A basement support post rests on a stack of loose bricks rather than a footing. This should be reported as:

  1. A cosmetic issue for finished basements
  2. A normal post detail for older homes
  3. An improper, possibly unstable support
  4. An approved temporary support method
Show answer & explanation

Answer: C. An improper, possibly unstable support

Posts need proper footings and connections.

7. A block wall bowing inward more than an inch with horizontal cracking should be:

  1. Called normal for all concrete block walls
  2. Referred to a structural engineer
  3. Sealed with caulk and ignored
  4. Painted and monitored only
Show answer & explanation

Answer: B. Referred to a structural engineer

Significant bowing can progress to failure.

8. A brick pier in a crawlspace leaning noticeably should be:

  1. Removed by the inspector
  2. Painted to slow further deterioration
  3. Reported for structural evaluation
  4. Ignored as normal for piers
Show answer & explanation

Answer: C. Reported for structural evaluation

Leaning piers may fail.

9. A basement wall with a vertical crack showing water seepage after rain should be:

  1. Sealed by the inspector during the visit
  2. Called a structural failure of the wall
  3. Ignored since vertical cracks are normal
  4. Reported as a moisture intrusion point
Show answer & explanation

Answer: D. Reported as a moisture intrusion point

Leaking cracks need repair even if structurally minor.

10. A brick veneer wall showing a horizontal crack and bulging near a window head may indicate:

  1. A ventilation problem in the attic causing the bricks to expand
  2. A failed or corroded lintel
  3. Proper weep holes
  4. Frost-free footings
Show answer & explanation

Answer: B. A failed or corroded lintel

Corroding steel lintels expand (rust jacking) and crack masonry above openings.

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