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NEW MEXICO HOME INSPECTOR
LICENSE EXAM QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2025
- What is the primary purpose of a home inspection in New Mexico? A. To appraise the value of the property B. To evaluate the current condition of the home’s major systems C. To estimate repair costs D. To enforce building codes Rationale: Home inspections in New Mexico aim to assess the condition of a property's components, not to determine value or enforce code.
- In New Mexico, which document outlines the ethical conduct and standards a home inspector must follow? A. NM Uniform Building Code B. International Residential Code C. New Mexico Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics D. NM Real Estate Practices Manual
Rationale: New Mexico inspectors are bound by the state’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, detailing duties, scope, and limitations.
- What type of license must a home inspector hold to legally perform inspections in New Mexico? A. General contractor license B. Home inspector license issued by the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD) C. Electrician license D. Building code enforcement certification Rationale: New Mexico law requires a home inspector to hold a license from the RLD’s Construction Industries Division.
- Which of the following is NOT typically included in a standard home inspection in New Mexico? A. Roof covering condition B. Mold sampling and lab analysis C. HVAC system performance D. Structural foundation assessment Rationale: Mold testing goes beyond the standard visual inspection scope and requires additional licensing.
- How long must New Mexico home inspectors retain their inspection reports? A. 1 year B. 3 years C. 5 years
D. Slate Rationale: Asphalt shingles are common but more vulnerable to hail damage than more durable materials.
- Which visible defect in a concrete foundation could indicate a serious structural problem? A. Horizontal crack wider than ¼ inch B. Small surface flakes C. Efflorescence D. Hairline vertical cracks Rationale: Horizontal cracks suggest lateral pressure and potential structural movement. 10.What is the minimum clearance required between siding and grade in a New Mexico home? A. 2 inches B. 6 inches C. 10 inches D. 12 inches Rationale: A 6-inch clearance helps prevent moisture intrusion and pest access. 11.What is the recommended slope of grade away from a home's foundation? A. 2% toward the home B. Level for 5 feet C. 6 inches per 10 feet away from foundation D. 12 inches per 20 feet
Rationale: Proper drainage prevents water damage and foundation settlement. 12.Which of the following wiring types is prohibited in new residential construction in New Mexico? A. NM cable B. MC cable C. Knob-and-tube wiring D. Armored cable Rationale: Knob-and-tube is outdated and not permitted in new construction. 13.What type of circuit protection is required for outlets in bathrooms in New Mexico homes? A. AFCI B. GFCI C. Standard breaker D. Fused disconnect Rationale: GFCI protection is required in wet areas to prevent shock. 14.What is a tell-tale sign of improper attic ventilation? A. Excess moisture or mold on roof sheathing B. Adequate air flow C. Dry insulation D. Visible attic rafters Rationale: Poor ventilation causes moisture buildup, leading to mold and wood rot.
B. 18 inches above the floor C. On a wood shelf D. Behind a screen Rationale: Elevating the heater reduces risk of fire from flammable vapors. 19.Which of the following is a defect in a gas flue pipe? A. Downward slope away from the appliance B. Upward slope of ¼ inch per foot C. Double wall B-vent D. Properly sealed joints Rationale: Flue gases must rise naturally to vent properly; downward slopes are dangerous. 20.During a New Mexico home inspection, what should the inspector do when an active roof leak is observed? A. Repair the leak B. Document the location and recommend further evaluation C. Cover the area with a tarp D. Shut off the water supply Rationale: Inspectors report findings; repairs are not part of the scope. 21.What is the primary cause of wood rot around windows in New Mexico homes? A. Insect infestation
B. Water intrusion due to poor flashing or seals C. Excessive sun exposure D. Termite damage Rationale: Water leaks around windows cause wood to retain moisture and rot. 22.Which type of foundation is most common in New Mexico residential construction? A. Slab-on-grade B. Crawlspace C. Poured concrete slab D. Basement Rationale: The arid climate favors slab-on-grade or poured slab foundations. 23.What is the minimum safe height for guardrails on decks and balconies in New Mexico? A. 30 inches B. 32 inches C. 36 inches D. 42 inches Rationale: Guards must be at least 36 inches high to prevent falls. 24.What is the proper method to test for electrical grounding during an inspection? A. Visual inspection only B. Use of a multimeter or receptacle tester
D. Clean soot buildup Rationale: Cracked flue liners can allow dangerous gases into the home. 28.Which heating system type is most energy efficient in New Mexico's climate? A. Electric baseboard B. Wood stove C. High-efficiency gas furnace D. Oil furnace Rationale: Gas furnaces are commonly efficient and economical for New Mexico. 29.What component prevents backflow in irrigation or plumbing systems? A. Check valve B. Pressure regulator C. Backflow preventer D. Expansion tank Rationale: Backflow preventers stop contamination of potable water. 30.When inspecting a crawl space, what is a common issue in New Mexico homes? A. Excessive moisture B. Termite damage C. Poor ventilation and pest intrusion D. Flooding Rationale: Crawl spaces often have ventilation or pest problems in dry climates.
31.Which sign indicates electrical overloading in a panel? A. Clean breakers B. Burn marks or melted insulation C. Labelled circuits D. Double-pole breakers Rationale: Overloading causes heat, which damages panel components. 32.What is the maximum allowable distance between supports for horizontal floor joists made of dimensional lumber? A. 12 inches B. 16 inches C. 24 inches D. 36 inches Rationale: Floor joists are typically spaced 16 to 24 inches on center for structural integrity. 33.Which ventilation system component is critical to inspect in a kitchen? A. Window screens B. Range hood exhaust vent C. Light fixtures D. Cabinet doors Rationale: Properly functioning exhaust vents remove smoke and odors. 34.What is the minimum electrical service amperage typically found in modern New Mexico homes? A. 60 amps B. 100 amps
38.What is a potential hazard of missing or damaged GFCI outlets in a kitchen? A. Flickering lights B. Electrical shock risk C. Higher utility bills D. Noise from appliances Rationale: GFCI outlets protect users from shock in wet locations. 39.How far must a smoke detector be installed from a kitchen stove to avoid false alarms? A. 2 feet B. 10 feet C. 20 feet D. 30 feet Rationale: Distance helps reduce nuisance alarms from cooking smoke. 40.Which of the following is the best description of a structural beam? A. A vertical post B. Decorative molding C. A horizontal support transferring load to columns or walls D. A drywall panel Rationale: Beams carry structural loads horizontally. 41.What type of insulation is most commonly found in New Mexico attics? A. Spray foam B. Fiberglass batts C. Loose-fill cellulose or fiberglass D. Rigid foam board
Rationale: Loose-fill insulation is often used due to ease of installation and coverage. 42.Which of these indicates inadequate drainage around a foundation? A. Clean gutters B. Downspouts extending 5 feet from foundation C. Soil sloping toward the foundation D. Dry soil around the foundation Rationale: Soil sloping toward the house can lead to water infiltration. 43.When inspecting stairs, what is the maximum allowable riser height? A. 5 inches B. 7 inches C. 7 ¾ inches D. 9 inches Rationale: Building codes set 7 ¾ inches as maximum riser height to ensure safety. 44.What is the main purpose of a vapor barrier in a crawl space? A. To insulate B. To support the floor joists C. To prevent moisture migration from the soil D. To provide structural strength Rationale: Vapor barriers reduce ground moisture that can cause mold or rot. 45.What electrical hazard is posed by missing panel covers? A. Overcurrent
D. Peeling paint Rationale: Exposed live wiring presents shock and fire risk. 49.What is the purpose of a weep hole in a brick veneer wall? A. To allow air inside B. To let moisture escape from behind the brick C. To provide decorative accents D. To attach siding Rationale: Weep holes allow trapped moisture to drain and prevent damage. 50.Which of the following systems must be inspected but not operated during a New Mexico home inspection? A. HVAC system B. Fire suppression sprinkler system C. Water supply system D. Electrical outlets Rationale: Sprinkler systems are visually inspected only due to complexity and licensing. 51.What is the typical minimum depth for water service pipes below grade to avoid freezing in New Mexico? A. 6 inches B. 12 inches C. 18 inches D. 24 inches
Rationale: Burying pipes at 12 inches or more helps prevent freezing in colder areas. 52.How should an inspector handle a client request for inspection of a swimming pool? A. Decline due to licensing B. Inspect visible components and recommend specialist for in-depth pool inspection C. Ignore the pool D. Inspect and certify pool safety Rationale: Pool inspections require specialized knowledge; inspectors can note visible conditions only. 53.Which part of a roof should be examined for signs of water infiltration? A. Ridge vent B. Flashing around chimneys and skylights C. Shingle color D. Gutter size Rationale: Flashing failures are a common cause of leaks. 54.What is the acceptable gap size between stair balusters to meet safety standards? A. 6 inches B. 4 inches C. 2 inches D. 8 inches
58.What is a common sign of plumbing leaks in walls? A. Cracks in drywall B. Water stains or bubbling paint C. Dust accumulation D. Loose electrical outlets Rationale: Water stains indicate moisture intrusion behind walls. 59.When inspecting flooring, what condition requires reporting? A. Normal wear B. Minor scratches C. Significant sagging or unevenness D. Clean surface Rationale: Structural floor problems affect safety and should be reported. 60.What is the maximum length of a grounding electrode conductor in residential electrical systems? A. 10 feet B. 15 feet C. 20 feet D. No limit Rationale: NEC limits grounding electrode conductor length to maintain effective grounding. 61.What is the best way to detect moisture intrusion in attics? A. Visual inspection for stains or mold B. Touching insulation C. Use of moisture meter
D. Smelling for odors Rationale: Moisture meters give quantitative readings beyond visible signs. 62.What is the minimum required ceiling height for habitable rooms in New Mexico? A. 6 feet 8 inches B. 7 feet C. 8 feet D. 9 feet Rationale: Building codes set 7 feet as minimum ceiling height for habitable rooms. 63.How should an inspector handle a roof that is too steep to safely access? A. Climb anyway B. Ignore the roof entirely C. Inspect from ladder or vantage points and note limitations D. Refuse the inspection Rationale: Safety limits the inspector’s ability to climb; visual inspection from safe locations is acceptable. 64.What type of damage is commonly caused by soil expansion and contraction in New Mexico? A. Rust B. Foundation cracking C. Termite infestation D. Mold growth
