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RHODE ISLAND HOME INSPECTOR
LICENSE PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2025
- What is the primary purpose of a home inspection? A) To estimate the market value of the home B) To evaluate the condition of the home’s major systems and components C) To provide a repair estimate for the buyer D) To enforce local building codes B) To evaluate the condition of the home’s major systems and components This is the main goal of a home inspection—to identify existing conditions and potential defects.
- When inspecting a roof, what is the most common material you will examine in Rhode Island residential homes? A) Slate B) Wood shakes
C) Asphalt shingles D) Metal panels C) Asphalt shingles Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material on residential properties in Rhode Island.
- Which of the following is NOT typically part of a standard home inspection? A) HVAC system evaluation B) Plumbing system examination C) Pest inspection for termites D) Structural components assessment C) Pest inspection for termites Pest inspections are usually performed by licensed pest control professionals, not home inspectors.
- What type of foundation is most common in older Rhode Island homes? A) Poured concrete slab B) Basement with concrete block or stone walls C) Crawl space with wooden piers D) Steel pilings B) Basement with concrete block or stone walls Older homes in Rhode Island often have basements with stone or concrete block foundations.
- How should a home inspector report the presence of asbestos? A) Remove it during the inspection B) Note its presence and recommend a specialist for testing
- Which system does a home inspector usually NOT test during a routine inspection? A) Electrical system B) HVAC system C) Security alarm system D) Plumbing system C) Security alarm system Security systems are typically excluded from standard home inspections.
- What is the typical life expectancy of asphalt shingles? A) 5-10 years B) 15-30 years C) 40-50 years D) 60-80 years B) 15-30 years Asphalt shingles generally last about 15 to 30 years depending on quality and weather conditions. 10.What is the primary cause of moisture problems in crawl spaces? A) Excessive ventilation B) Poor drainage and water intrusion C) Overheating of pipes D) Lack of insulation B) Poor drainage and water intrusion Moisture often accumulates due to inadequate drainage around the foundation.
11.During a home inspection, a water heater is found to be leaking. What is the proper action? A) Repair the leak immediately B) Report the defect and recommend evaluation by a licensed plumber C) Ignore it if it’s minor D) Drain the tank and flush it B) Report the defect and recommend evaluation by a licensed plumber Inspectors report defects but do not perform repairs. 12.What is a common safety concern with older knob-and-tube wiring? A) It uses too much electricity B) It lacks grounding and insulation C) It is waterproof D) It is made of aluminum B) It lacks grounding and insulation Knob-and-tube wiring does not have a grounding conductor and can pose fire hazards. 13.What tool is commonly used to detect moisture inside walls or ceilings? A) Thermometer B) Moisture meter C) Multimeter D) Tape measure B) Moisture meter Moisture meters help identify water intrusion or leaks.
17.What type of heating system is most common in Rhode Island homes? A) Electric baseboard B) Forced hot air C) Radiant floor heating D) Solar heating B) Forced hot air Forced air heating with a furnace and ductwork is common in Rhode Island. 18.What is the minimum height a guardrail should be on a deck over 30 inches high? A) 24 inches B) 30 inches C) 36 inches D) 42 inches C) 36 inches Building codes typically require guardrails at least 36 inches high. 19.Which component of the plumbing system is inspected for leaks and proper function? A) Water heater vent only B) Faucets, visible pipes, and water supply lines C) Sewer lines underground only D) Fixtures not visible to the inspector B) Faucets, visible pipes, and water supply lines Inspectors check accessible plumbing components for leaks and function.
20.What is the most common cause of cracks in drywall? A) Poor painting technique B) Settling or structural movement C) Excess humidity alone D) Pest infestation B) Settling or structural movement Drywall cracks usually indicate movement in the building structure. 21.How should a home inspector approach inspecting an attic? A) Inspect only if it’s accessible and safe to enter B) Inspect all attics regardless of access C) Never inspect attics D) Inspect only the insulation thickness A) Inspect only if it’s accessible and safe to enter Safety and accessibility determine whether an attic is inspected. 22.What should be used to test electrical outlets during a home inspection? A) Voltage tester or outlet tester B) Hammer C) Screwdriver D) Moisture meter A) Voltage tester or outlet tester Electrical testers confirm outlets are properly wired and functional. 23.What does an inspector look for when evaluating a home's drainage system? A) Condition of gutters, downspouts, and surface grading
A) Drafts and uneven temperature Poor insulation allows heat loss or gain, causing drafts and temperature differences. 27.What is the typical thickness of drywall in residential construction? A) 1/8 inch B) 1/2 inch C) 1 inch D) 2 inches B) 1/2 inch Half-inch drywall is the standard thickness in most homes. 28.Which of these is NOT a typical safety hazard for home inspectors? A) Electrical shock B) Falls from heights C) Dog bites D) Exposure to paint fumes only during painting D) Exposure to paint fumes only during painting Inspectors are usually not exposed to fresh paint fumes unless the home was just painted. 29.How should a home inspector handle testing a sump pump? A) Plug it in and observe if it operates properly B) Remove it from the pit C) Ignore it during the inspection D) Replace the pump if it’s old
A) Plug it in and observe if it operates properly Inspectors check sump pumps for function by running them. 30.What is the main reason to recommend further evaluation by a structural engineer? A) Minor drywall cracks B) Significant foundation cracks or movement C) Missing shingles D) Leaking faucet B) Significant foundation cracks or movement Structural engineers are required for major foundation or structural concerns. 31.What should a home inspector do if a gas odor is detected during the inspection? A) Ignore it if faint B) Immediately notify the homeowner or buyer and recommend a professional evaluation C) Attempt to locate the leak D) Spray air freshener B) Immediately notify the homeowner or buyer and recommend a professional evaluation Gas odors indicate a potential safety hazard and require immediate attention. 32.What is a common cause of uneven floors in older homes? A) Poor floor finish
C) Electronic sensors only D) None of the above A) Visual observation and running water tests Inspectors operate faucets and observe for leaks, drainage, and flow. 36.What is a common sign of water damage on ceilings? A) Paint bubbling or stains B) Fresh paint color C) New light fixtures D) Clean surface A) Paint bubbling or stains Water stains or bubbling paint indicate previous or current leaks. 37.What is the maximum distance an electrical outlet should be from a corner in a living space according to common code? A) 6 inches B) 12 inches C) 24 inches D) 48 inches C) 24 inches Outlets should be placed so no point on a wall is more than 24 inches from an outlet. 38.What is the main reason for grounding electrical systems? A) To increase power output B) To provide a safe path for electrical faults to prevent shock or fire C) To reduce electricity consumption
D) To protect from lightning only B) To provide a safe path for electrical faults to prevent shock or fire Grounding protects people and property by safely dissipating fault current. 39.Which of the following is NOT typically included in a roof inspection? A) Condition of shingles or roofing material B) Flashing around chimneys and vents C) Interior attic inspection for leaks D) Solar panel efficiency testing D) Solar panel efficiency testing Inspectors note solar panel presence but do not test efficiency. 40.What should a home inspector do if a door or window does not operate smoothly? A) Report as a defect or maintenance issue B) Repair it on the spot C) Ignore it D) Remove the door or window A) Report as a defect or maintenance issue Home inspectors report functional defects for buyer awareness. 41.What is a common cause of basement dampness? A) Excessive ventilation B) Poor exterior drainage and cracks in foundation walls C) New paint D) Insufficient heating
A) Visual inspection and feeling for air leaks Inspectors look for gaps that could cause drafts and energy loss. 45.What is the main concern with aluminum wiring in older homes? A) It is more expensive than copper B) It can oxidize and create fire hazards at connections C) It is heavier than copper D) It is easier to install B) It can oxidize and create fire hazards at connections Aluminum wiring can cause overheating and fires if not properly maintained. 46.What type of insulation is commonly found in attics? A) Fiberglass batt B) Concrete blocks C) Plywood sheets D) Metal panels A) Fiberglass batt Fiberglass batt or loose-fill is common insulation in attics. 47.What is the proper way to inspect a garage door opener? A) Observe its operation and safety features like auto-reverse B) Disassemble the motor C) Test electrical wiring only D) Lubricate all parts A) Observe its operation and safety features like auto-reverse Inspectors verify the opener works safely and correctly.
48.Which of the following is a sign of electrical overload? A) Warm outlets or switches B) No power C) Flickering lights only D) Paint peeling A) Warm outlets or switches Warm or hot electrical devices can indicate overload and potential fire risk. 49.What is the main purpose of a vapor barrier in crawl spaces? A) To prevent insects B) To reduce moisture migration from soil into the crawl space C) To insulate electrical wiring D) To provide structural support B) To reduce moisture migration from soil into the crawl space Vapor barriers reduce moisture that can lead to mold and wood rot. 50.Which of the following should be included in a home inspection report? A) Clear descriptions of defects and recommendations for further evaluation B) Price estimates for repairs C) Guarantees of home condition D) Personal opinions about the neighborhood A) Clear descriptions of defects and recommendations for further evaluation Reports focus on objective findings, not repair costs or opinions.
