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Quiz Session - Attempts With Random Questions

EBPHI NHIE Exam Questions

Page 4 of 15

61.

Which definition best describes a balcony?

  • A platform on the exterior, at the second story or above

  • An exterior extension of the house that is roofed

  • A platform on the exterior that can be attached to the building or freestanding, supported by posts

  • A small platform that serves as a landing on the exterior

Correct answer: A platform on the exterior, at the second story or above

While terminology can vary throughout the country, the distinction between a balcony and a deck is that a balcony is at the second level or higher. 

A deck is a platform on the exterior. It can be attached to the building; or it can be freestanding, supported by posts. A stoop is a small platform that serves as a landing on the exterior. A porch is an exterior extension of the house that is roofed.

62.

When framing a bearing wall, the wall should NOT be offset more than _____ from the supporting wall or beam underneath it.

  • One joist depth

  • Bearing walls should not be offset at all

  • Two parallel studs

  • One beam (girder) depth

Correct answer: One joist depth

For example: If the flooring joist is a nominal 2 x 6 (1 1/2" x 5 1/2"), then the offset of the supporting wall or beam under the floor should not be more than 5 1/2" to the side of that supporting wall or beam.

63.

Which of the following is NOT a requirement of identification and reporting when inspecting the cooling system?

  • Electronic air filters

  • Cooling equipment and operation using normal controls

  • Energy source and connections

  • Through-the-wall unit(s) or installed units

Correct answer: Electronic air filters

The NHIE uses the most common Standard Of Practice (SOP) documents (American Society of Home Inspectors and InterNACHI) for questions about what is required and not required to be included in the inspection report. If you can familiarize yourself with these SOPs for the exam, you will do well.

64.

Access to the sub-floor area if mechanical equipment is present should be a minimum of:

  • 22" x 30"

  • 16" x 24"

  • 30" x 30"

  • 36" x 36"

Correct answer: 22" x 30"

16" x 24" is the minimum opening for the underfloor (crawlspace) area that does not have any equipment. 30" x 30" is the minimum measurement of the required working area necessary for a service technician to service equipment in an attic space. 36" x 36" is the minimum depth and width of a staircase landing or a landing outside the walking path of a door that does not meet grade.

65.

The vent for a wall furnace should terminate a minimum of how many feet above the bottom of the furnace? 

  • 12'

  • 8'

  • 4'

  • 15'

Correct answer: 12'

Wall furnaces use type B-W vent material, which requires a minimum termination point that is 12' from the base of the unit. 

Type B or Type L gas vent pipes require 5' above the highest connected appliance draft hood.

66.

What is the required distance from the base of the weep screed to a paved or hard surface?

  • 2"

  • 4"

  • 4 3/8"

  • 3"

Correct answer: 2"

4" is the clearance to the earth, and the other two answers do not apply to siding clearances.

67.

Headroom over a stairway must be a minimum of:

  • 6'8" with exceptions

  • 7’4” with exceptions

  • 7’ with exceptions

  • 6’ with exceptions

Correct answer: 6'8" with exceptions

While home inspectors are not required to determine if a home is "code compliant," it is important for home inspectors to know the minimum requirements of common elements so that they can inform clients of the current condition of the element. 

As with many aspects of the building, home inspectors should be aware of basic minimums. The other answers are just distractors.

68.

What is live load?

  • The constant load and downward force imposed on a building by occupants and their belongings

  • The amount of water vapor that needs to be removed from the air inside a building because of the temperature of the air, including solar heat gain, operation of equipment, and through walls and ceilings

  • The amount of water vapor that needs to be removed from the air inside a building, including from breathing, cooking, bathing, and air infiltration from the exterior

  • The constant load and downward force imposed on a building by building materials and permanently affixed equipment

Correct answer: The constant load and downward force imposed on a building by occupants and their belongings

Sensible load is the amount of water vapor that needs to be removed from the air inside a building because of the temperature of the air, including solar heat gain, operation of equipment, and through walls and ceilings. Latent load is the amount of water vapor that needs to be removed from the air inside a building, including from breathing, cooking, bathing, and air infiltration from the exterior. Dead load is the constant load and downward force imposed on a building by building materials and permanently affixed equipment. 

69.

What is the difference between identifying the exterior unit for an air conditioning system and a heat pump system?

  • Presence of a reversing valve

  • Nothing

  • Presence of a metering device

  • Presence of expansion valves

Correct answer: Presence of a reversing valve

The reversing valve is only found on a condenser that functions in both the heating and cooling mode (heat pump). The mechanism reverses the flow of the refrigerant, depending on whether the unit is being operated in the heating or cooling mode.

70.

Which three are the main components of the air conditioning or heat pump system?

  • Air handler, condenser, and evaporator coil

  • Compressor, evaporative cooler, and suction line

  • Suction line, condensate, and heat pump

  • Split system, duct, and evaporator coil

Correct answer: Air handler, condenser, and evaporator coil

While all the answers relate to the air conditioning or heat pump system, the main components are the air handler (also known as a furnace), condenser, and evaporator coil. 

The compressor and suction line are part of the condenser. Condensate will be created through the operation of the system. Split system and evaporative cooler are both types of A/C systems.

71.

What are two styles of windows?

  • Double hung and casement

  • Factory sealed and vented

  • Double and triple pane

  • Sashes and muntins

Correct answer: Double hung and casement

Factory sealed refers to the hermetic seal that provides some level of energy efficiency. Double or triple pane windows are "sealed" with an inert gas between the panes. Vented windows are used in high-efficiency buildings for allowing air to flow passively into the space (they are often referred to as trickle vents). Sashes and muntins are parts of a window.

72.

All the following should be inspected when inspecting the interior of the home EXCEPT: 

  • Window treatments

  • Steps and stairways

  • Representative number of doors and windows

  • Appliances using normal operating controls

Correct answer: Window treatments

Temporary or cosmetic features are not required to be inspected. However, clear communication with the client as to what is and what is not included in the inspection will save you and the client from frustration and misunderstanding.

73.

What is the minimum clearance to soil for untreated dimensional wood beams?

  • 12"

  • 6"

  • 8"

  • 18"

Correct answer: 12"

Clearance of the ground is dependent on the thickness of the untreated dimensional wood. Pressure treated or naturally durable wood will have different clearance requirements. 

74.

Wells are not to be located within how many feet of a leach field?

  • 100'

  • 50'

  • 20'

  • 5–10'

Correct answer: 100'

A well should be located so that minimum isolation distances reduce the possibility for the well to be contaminated. Distances may vary by jurisdiction. However, the generally accepted clearance from a septic tank is 50' to prevent possible contamination. 5–10' clearance from a building is recommended so that roof water runoff can dissipate. 100' clearance to a leach field is recommended to protect from potential contamination. 20' clearance is recommended from in-ground swimming pools.

75.

What is the maximum variance in riser height allowed?

  • 3/8"

  • 1/2"

  • 3/4"

  • 1"

Correct answer: 3/8"

Differences in height and depth of stair risers and treads can be a tripping hazard and should be reported.

76.

What is the minimum separation between framing and a masonry chimney?

  • 2"

  • 6"

  • 8"

  • 3"

Correct answer: 2"

Clearance requirements may vary depending on how far away the framing is from the firebox or flue liner. However, they are never less than 2".

77.

A heating system should be able to maintain how many degrees Fahrenheit in a habitable space?

  • 68 degrees Fahrenheit

  • 65 degrees Fahrenheit

  • 60 degrees Fahrenheit

  • 72 degrees Fahrenheit

Correct answer: 68 degrees Fahrenheit

The International Residential Code has established that a heating system, in order to be deemed "functional," should be able to maintain 68 degrees Fahrenheit at a point 3' above the floor level and 2' from the exterior wall.

78.

Which of the following best describes the force imposed upon a building in a pulling motion?

  • Tension

  • Lateral

  • Uplift

  • Compression

Correct answer: Tension

In physics, tension is described as the pulling force, and compression is a pressing inward force. Lateral force is a force that acts in parallel. Uplift is the upward pressure applied to the structure, usually by wind.

79.

All the following are expected of the home inspector EXCEPT:

  • Disclosing inspection results or client information to anyone requesting that information

  • Expressing their opinions based on genuine conviction and only within their areas of expertise

  • Being objective in their reporting of the condition of the property

  • Disclosing any observed, immediate safety hazards to occupants

Correct answer: Disclosing inspection results or client information to anyone requesting that information

Inspectors should never disclose inspection results or private information with anyone, other than their client, without written permission. Remember to request permission from your client to share the report with their agent.

80.

The duct work for a furnace located in the garage must have a minimum of what gauge steel?

  • 26-gauge

  • 28-gauge

  • 12-gauge

  • 6-gauge

Correct answer: 26-gauge

26-gauge is the minimum for steel used in the construction of ductwork in the garage with no openings into the garage.

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