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NEW HAMPSHIRE HOME INSPECTOR
LICENSE PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2025
- What is the maximum allowable spacing between balusters on a residential deck railing according to standard building safety codes? A. 6 inches B. 5 inches C. 4 inches D. 3 inches Rationale: Baluster spacing must not exceed 4 inches to prevent small children from slipping through.
- Which of the following roofing materials typically has the longest lifespan? A. Asphalt shingles B. Wood shake C. Rolled roofing D. Slate
Rationale: Slate roofs can last over 100 years, much longer than asphalt or wood.
- A home inspector must disclose which of the following to the client? A. The inspector's opinion on remodeling B. Any material defects found during inspection C. The home's market value D. Their personal experience buying homes Rationale: Inspectors are required to report material defects that could affect the property’s value or safety.
- What is the main purpose of a GFCI outlet? A. To reduce high energy bills B. To protect people from electric shock C. To prevent fires from lightning D. To regulate voltage fluctuations Rationale: GFCIs shut off power quickly to prevent electric shock, especially in wet areas.
- What is the recommended slope for proper grading away from a house foundation? A. 1/2 inch per foot for 10 feet B. 6 inches over the first 10 feet C. Level ground for 5 feet D. 3 inches over 15 feet Rationale: A minimum of 6 inches of slope over 10 feet ensures proper drainage away from the foundation.
- A home's attic insulation is found to be compressed and uneven. What is the likely result? A. Mold will develop B. The attic will overheat C. The insulation's R-value will be reduced D. Heat will not rise Rationale: Compression reduces insulation's effectiveness, lowering the R- value. 10.What is the standard height of residential stair risers according to the IRC? A. 8 inches B. 5 inches C. 7 3/4 inches D. 6 inches Rationale: The IRC allows a maximum riser height of 7 3/4 inches for safety and comfort. 11.Aluminum wiring is considered a safety concern in older homes primarily because: A. It can carry less current B. It expands and contracts more than copper, loosening connections C. It corrodes faster D. It is more expensive Rationale: Aluminum wiring can lead to loose connections and fire hazards due to thermal expansion.
12.In New Hampshire, a home inspector license is issued by which agency? A. Department of Building Safety B. Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) C. Board of Home Trades D. Department of Consumer Affairs Rationale: The OPLC regulates licensing for home inspectors in New Hampshire. 13.What does efflorescence on a basement wall indicate? A. Moisture intrusion B. Inadequate heating C. Foundation shifting D. Pesticide residue Rationale: Efflorescence is a salt deposit left behind from evaporated water, indicating moisture issues. 14.Which component is responsible for venting sewer gases from a home’s plumbing system? A. Drain line B. Sewer lateral C. Plumbing vent stack D. Cleanout Rationale: The vent stack allows gases to escape and prevents vacuum lock in drains. 15.What is the typical life expectancy of an asphalt shingle roof? A. 10–15 years
Rationale: Roofs with slopes less than 2:12 require special waterproofing techniques. 19.What is the purpose of a weep hole in a brick veneer wall? A. Structural support B. Pest prevention C. Drainage of moisture D. Fireproofing Rationale: Weep holes allow moisture to drain from behind the veneer, preventing rot and mold. 20.Knob-and-tube wiring is generally considered: A. Energy efficient B. Still compliant with modern codes C. Obsolete and potentially unsafe D. A form of solar wiring Rationale: Knob-and-tube lacks grounding and insulation, posing fire and shock hazards. 21.What is the minimum clearance above grade for untreated wood siding? A. 2 inches B. 6 inches C. 10 inches D. 12 inches Rationale: To prevent moisture damage and rot, untreated wood must be at least 6 inches from the ground.
22.When inspecting an electrical panel, a home inspector should: A. Always remove the panel cover without exception B. Test the voltage in each breaker C. Remove the cover only if safe and qualified to do so D. Assume all panels are safe Rationale: Inspectors should not endanger themselves or others; safety is paramount. 23.What is the purpose of a thermal expansion tank on a water heater? A. Filters water B. Regulates water temperature C. Absorbs excess pressure from heated water D. Drains sediment Rationale: Thermal expansion tanks relieve pressure to prevent plumbing damage. 24.Which of the following defects in a chimney is most hazardous? A. Cracked exterior bricks B. Missing flue liner C. Leaning slightly D. Soot buildup Rationale: Without a flue liner, combustible gases and heat can damage surrounding materials. 25.A sagging ridge line on a roof is usually a sign of: A. Ice damming B. Structural framing issues
Rationale: AFCIs detect and prevent arc faults, which can lead to electrical fires. 29.What is the purpose of a sump pump? A. Increase water pressure B. Drain a hot water tank C. Remove water from basements or crawlspaces D. Provide well water Rationale: Sump pumps prevent basement flooding by discharging groundwater. 30.Where is backdrafting most dangerous? A. Dryer vent B. Gas water heater or furnace C. Kitchen range D. Attic Rationale: Backdrafting can cause carbon monoxide buildup in combustion appliances. 31.What is the minimum headroom required for stairways in residential homes according to IRC? A. 6 feet B. 6 feet 4 inches C. 6 feet 8 inches D. 6 feet 10 inches
Rationale: IRC requires a minimum of 6 feet 8 inches headroom for residential stairs. 32.What is a common issue with improperly installed vinyl siding? A. Paint flaking B. Sagging floor C. Buckling or warping due to lack of expansion gaps D. High energy bills Rationale: Vinyl siding expands and contracts; without gaps, it buckles in the heat. 33.In older homes, which material might indicate asbestos-containing insulation? A. Fiberglass B. Spray foam C. White or gray corrugated wrap on pipes D. Loose-fill cellulose Rationale: Asbestos insulation was often used as a corrugated wrap on heating pipes. 34.A spongy subfloor near a toilet usually indicates: A. Improper sealing B. Water damage or rot C. Air leaks D. Loose tiles Rationale: Soft subflooring around toilets often indicates water seepage and rot.
B. It has no weatherproofing C. It can hinder escape during a fire D. It violates door color rules Rationale: Double-keyed deadbolts require a key to exit, posing a fire egress hazard. 39.Which of the following is most likely to cause negative grading? A. Cracked sidewalks B. Settled soil near the foundation C. Leaking hose bibb D. Large trees Rationale: Soil settling toward the house can create negative grading and drainage issues. 40.A gas furnace lacks a sediment trap. This may result in: A. High electric bills B. Low flame C. Debris entering gas valve or burners D. Backdrafting Rationale: A sediment trap prevents particles from entering sensitive furnace components. 41.The presence of a TPR valve on a water heater is meant to: A. Save energy B. Release excess pressure and prevent explosion C. Drain water for servicing D. Prevent backflow
Rationale: The temperature and pressure relief valve prevents dangerous pressure buildup. 42.What is the most common sign of foundation settlement? A. Diagonal cracks above door frames or windows B. Nail pops C. Chipped paint D. Sweating windows Rationale: Diagonal wall cracks near openings indicate differential foundation movement. 43.A 3-tab asphalt shingle roof is rated for: A. 15 years B. 20–25 years C. 30–40 years D. 10 years Rationale: Standard 3-tab shingles are usually rated for 20–25 years. 44.What should a home inspector do if a significant safety issue is found? A. Report it in passing B. Ignore it if not part of SOP C. Immediately notify the client D. Fix it themselves Rationale: Inspectors must alert the client immediately to major safety issues. 45.Which of the following is NOT considered part of the HVAC system? A. Ductwork
Rationale: Dryer vents must discharge to the outside to prevent moisture and fire risks. 49.The inspection of a fireplace must include: A. Cleaning soot B. Measuring the mantel C. Checking for a damper and flue condition D. Determining chimney height Rationale: Fireplace inspection includes the damper, flue, and firebox for safety. 50.What is the danger of back-pitched plumbing drain lines? A. Noise B. Pipe freezing C. Poor drainage and possible sewage backup D. Air leaks Rationale: Back-pitched lines flow the wrong way, leading to clogs and backups. 51.Which of the following is NOT a common problem with roof flashing? A. Corrosion B. Shrinking C. Loose or missing sections D. Improper installation Rationale: Flashing does not shrink, but it can corrode or detach. 52.A visible gas line splice that uses Teflon tape on black iron pipe threads indicates:
A. A potentially unsafe or improper repair B. Proper sealing C. Acceptable gas code D. Certified work Rationale: Only approved pipe joint compounds should be used on gas fittings. 53.What does "step cracking" in brick veneer commonly suggest? A. Paint failure B. Foundation movement C. Poor pointing D. Pest activity Rationale: Stair-step cracks often result from structural shifting or settling. 54.If a deck is attached to the house without flashing, what is the primary concern? A. Appearance B. Water intrusion and rot C. Termite access D. Loose fasteners Rationale: Flashing prevents water from entering the wall where the deck ledger is attached. 55.What is the term for the distance between the bottom of a door and the finished floor? A. Header gap
59.What should the inspector recommend if mold is visible on an attic rafter? A. Further evaluation by a mold remediation specialist B. Clean with bleach C. Install skylight D. Replace the rafter immediately Rationale: Mold findings should be referred to a qualified specialist for proper testing/removal. 60.A roof valley with granule loss may indicate: A. Roof leaks only B. Poor attic ventilation C. Premature wear from water runoff concentration D. Normal aging Rationale: Valleys handle more water flow and wear faster than flat sections. 61.If a home’s electrical service is rated at 60 amps, this is generally: A. Sufficient for modern usage B. Obsolete and possibly inadequate C. Recommended for homes with solar D. More than adequate Rationale: Most modern homes require at least 100 amps; 60 amps is outdated. 62.Which of the following is an example of a cross-connection? A. Two electrical panels B. A garden hose submerged in a pool without a backflow preventer
C. Double-pane windows D. Dishwasher in the wrong cabinet Rationale: A cross-connection can cause contaminated water to backflow into clean supply lines. 63.What is the maximum acceptable spacing between anchors for a deck ledger board? A. 36 inches B. 24 inches C. 16 inches D. 48 inches Rationale: Ledger bolts must typically be placed every 16 inches for proper load distribution. 64.What tool is most appropriate for detecting moisture intrusion in walls? A. Voltage tester B. Moisture meter C. IR thermometer D. Stud finder Rationale: Moisture meters provide direct readings of water content in building materials. 65.If a window does not meet egress standards in a basement bedroom, the inspector should: A. Ignore it B. Measure window treatment C. Recommend blinds
