EBPHI NHIE Exam Questions

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181.

The inspection report is necessary:

  • To control the inspector's liability

  • There is no need for a report

  • To dictate the necessary methods, materials, or costs of corrections

  • To provide an opinion as to the advisability of the purchase of the property

Correct answer: To control the inspector's liability

While there are conditions that could apply to not providing an inspection report, a report provides a clear and concise means of establishing the expectations of the inspection and the conditions found at the time of the inspection. 

The report should not be used to dictate methods or materials to be used in repairing items, unless the inspector is a professional in that profession. The report and the inspection process are intended to provide an unbiased condition of the property so that the client can make an informed decision.

182.

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) is found:

  • In low-slope roofing

  • In walkways

  • In siding

  • In plumbing

Correct answer: In low-slope roofing

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) membranes are a durable synthetic roofing material used on low-slope buildings.

183.

 What device is often referred to as a glow stick and is used within a gas-fired furnace?

  • Hot-surface igniter

  • Intermittent-pilot igniter 

  • Thermocouple

  • Thermopile

Correct answer: Hot-surface igniter

The hot-surface igniter is often referred to as a glow stick and serves as the ignition source for the gas burner instead of a standing pilot light or intermittent-pilot igniter. 

An intermittent-pilot igniter (or spark igniter) uses a high-voltage spark to ignite the pilot. A thermocouple is a safety device that is activated by heat to convert into an electric current. The current will then open the pilot portion of the gas valve to supply gas to the pilot light. A thermopile is a collection of thermocouples and produces more electricity than a thermocouple. 

184.

An underground catch basin made up of sand and crushed stone is called a:

  • Drywell

  • Daylight

  • Leader

  • Runoff

Correct answer: Drywell

A drywell is a catch basin comprised of a hole filled with sand and gravel to aid in quickly transferring excess surface water deeper into the subsoil. Drainage of the site is important to protecting the structure. 

Leaders can be daylighted or run to connect to a drywell and help contain roof water runoff from dispensing too close to the foundation.

185.

Which of the following is NOT required to be reported on?

  • The presence of plants, animals, and other life forms and substances that may be hazardous or harmful to humans

  • Unsafe or inoperative items, or items near the end of their life expectancy

  • Systems or components that are not inspected

  • Recommendations

Correct answer: The presence of plants, animals, and other life forms and substances that may be hazardous or harmful to humans

The presence of plants, animals, and other life forms and substances that may be hazardous or harmful to humans is not required by many SOPs (Standards Of Practice).

However, clients may have an expectation that they are included. The damage caused by plants, animals, and other life forms and substances should be reported, as it is a condition of the components that have been affected by their presence. 

Unsafe or inoperative items or items near the end of their life expectancy are required by many SOPs; as are identifying systems or components that are not inspected, and any recommendations for repair, replacement, or service of a component.

186.

The home inspector is required to:

  • Examine readily accessible systems and components

  • Take apart or remove pieces of equipment that would not be removed by a homeowner

  • Turn on components that have been shut down

  • Move personal property

Correct answer: Examine readily accessible systems and components

The home inspector is NOT required to take apart equipment that would not be easily removable by the homeowner. The home inspector should never turn on a component that has been shut down, and they should note in the report that the item was not inspected due to not being functional. The home inspector is not required to move any personal property.

187.

What acceptable condition would prevent a home inspector from inspecting the electrical panel?

  • The deadfront cover is hot to the touch

  • The headroom at the panel is less than 6'

  • The inspector forgot to bring a screwdriver

  • The real estate agent said it wasn't necessary.

Correct answer: The deadfront cover is hot to the touch

Prior to removing the deadfront cover of the electrical enclosure, a home inspector should properly check it for heat or live voltage. If the cover is warm or hot to the touch, they should record the condition in their report as unable to inspect, and list the reason why. The inspector is not required to inspect a component that, in their professional opinion, is likely to be dangerous to the inspector or other people.

188.

What is the recommended minimum width of a one-lane driveway?

  • 10'

  • 20'

  • 8'

  • 15'

Correct Answer: 10'

The minimum width of a one-lane driveway is 10'. 

The minimum width of a two-lane driveway is 20'. Curved driveways should be increased in width to account for space required for turning.

189.

A vertical crack in the concrete foundation wall that extends through the footing is an indication of what condition?

  • Settlement of the structure

  • Excessive horizontal pressure

  • Improperly supported openings

  • Stair-stepped hillside

Correct answer: Settlement of the structure

Vertical cracks through the footing should be taken seriously, but the most likely cause is improper drainage of the site and/or original settlement. 

Excessive horizontal pressure of the earth will result in horizontal cracking in the foundation wall and is a serious concern. Improperly supported openings will usually be present with diagonal cracking and should be noted as a serious issue that requires further investigation.

190.

The point at which water overflows from a fixture is referred to as:

  • Flood rim

  • Overflow

  • Air gap

  • Fill valve

Correct answer: Flood rim

A flood rim is the point at which a plumbing fixture (such as a sink or tub) overflows. 

The overflow is a small opening located near the top of the basin, intended to prevent water from flowing over the flood rim. An air gap is the vertical separation between the water inlet and a contamination source. The fill valve is the mechanism in a toilet that refills the tank after flushing.

191.

What is the term that best describes the pressing inward force placed on a building?

  • Compression

  • Tension

  • Lateral

  • Uplift

Correct answer: Compression

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

192.

Inspection reports provide:

  • Information regarding the condition of the systems and components of the home at the time of the inspection

  • An opinion of the suitability of the property for specialized use

  • Documentation for the mortgage lender to determine whether the home can be loaned upon

  • Documentation for the insurance company to determine the rates for the policy

Correct answer: Information regarding the condition of the systems and components of the home at the time of the inspection

The inspection report is intended to be an objective opinion on the condition of the property at the time of the inspection. 

The report should be used by the client to determine suitability based on objective facts and not on the inspector's opinion. The report should only be used by the client and not shared with any other entity. 

193.

When inspecting the roof, an inspection would typically include: 

  • Flashing, vents, skylights, and other penetrations

  • Water testing

  • Walking all roofing materials for close-up evaluation

  • Predicting the life expectancy of the roof material

Correct answer: Flashing, vents, skylights, and other penetrations

An inspection is an evaluation of the materials at the time of inspection. If it is not raining, there is no expectation of doing any water testing. In addition, if the roof is deemed unsafe to traverse in the opinion of the inspector, it does not need to be closely evaluated. Predicting the life expectancy of materials is beyond the scope of the inspection.

194.

The term used to describe items such as nails, screws, bolts, or anchors is:

  • Fasteners

  • Monolithic

  • Perm

  • Diaphragm

Correct answer: Fasteners

Monolithic is a term used to describe a type of concrete pour that does not contain any joints, such as a footing or slab. Perm refers to the unit of measurement of water vapor that passes through a material. Diaphragm is a term used to describe a horizontal system, such as a floor.

195.

Which of the following best describes the force imposed upon a building in a parallel (or horizontal) direction?

  • Lateral

  • Uplift

  • Tension

  • Compression

Correct answer: Lateral

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

196.

What is latent load?

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

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

Correct answer: 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

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. Dead load is the constant load and downward force imposed on a building by building materials and permanently affixed equipment. Live load is the constant load and downward force imposed on a building by occupants and their belongings.

197.

A material with high resistance is a good:

  • Insulator

  • Conductor

  • Transformer

  • Neutral

Correct answer: Insulator

Insulators have a high resistance to the movement of electricity (they do not conduct electricity well). Conductors have a low resistance or conduct electricity well. Different materials have different levels of resistance. Electricity will flow through the material with the least resistance.

198.

B vents greater than 12" in diameter should terminate above the roof at a minimum of:

  • 2'

  • 3'

  • 8'

  • 10'

Correct answer: 2'

Vent and chimney termination points can get complicated, and a home inspector should understand the concepts and nuances of clearance requirements. However, the minimum distance for a B vent that is greater than 12" in diameter is 2' above the roof. 

If the B vent is less than 12" in diameter, the roof slope will determine the distance. If it is a chimney, the distance should be 3'; and it should be at least 2' above any roof structure within a 10' radius. This is known as the 2' in 10' rule, and it is a rule an inspector should be acquainted with.

199.

A material with low resistance is a good:

  • Conductor

  • Insulator

  • Transformer

  • Neutral

Correct answer: Conductor

Conductors have a low resistance or conduct electricity well. Different materials have different levels of resistance. Electricity will flow through the material with the least resistance. 

Insulators have a high resistance to the movement of electricity (they do not conduct electricity well). 

200.

Current is expressed in:

  • Amperes

  • Watts

  • Voltage

  • Ohms

Correct answer: Amperes

Amperes is the unit used to measure current.

An ohm is the measurement of the resistance a material has to conducting electricity. Watts measure the amount of power. Voltage is the pressure of electricity.