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VERMONT HOME INSPECTOR LICENSE
EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2025
- What is the primary purpose of a home inspection? a) To appraise the value of the home b) To identify visible defects and safety issues c) To guarantee the condition of the home d) To inspect only the HVAC system b) To identify visible defects and safety issues The main goal of a home inspection is to identify visible defects and potential safety concerns, not to appraise or guarantee the home’s condition.
- When inspecting a roof, what is the most common defect to look for? a) Missing or damaged shingles b) Loose gutters c) Dirty vents
d) Excessive moss growth only in shaded areas a) Missing or damaged shingles Missing or damaged shingles can cause leaks and further structural damage.
- What is the recommended slope for a properly functioning roof drainage system? a) 1/2 inch per foot b) 1/4 inch per foot c) 2 inches per foot d) No slope is required b) 1/4 inch per foot A slope of 1/4 inch per foot ensures water drains away effectively to prevent pooling.
- Which of the following is a common cause of basement moisture problems? a) Poor exterior drainage b) Excessive HVAC use c) High ceilings d) Painted concrete floors a) Poor exterior drainage Water pooling near the foundation due to poor grading or clogged gutters often leads to basement moisture.
- What type of foundation is typical in Vermont homes? a) Slab on grade
- Which of these indicates a possible plumbing leak inside a home? a) Water stains on ceilings or walls b) Noisy furnace c) Dirty HVAC filters d) Cracks in concrete driveway a) Water stains on ceilings or walls Water stains often indicate leaks or moisture intrusion.
- What is the minimum height of a handrail on stairs according to most building codes? a) 24 inches b) 30 inches c) 34 inches d) 42 inches c) 34 inches Building codes commonly require handrails between 34 and 38 inches in height for safety. 10.What material was commonly used for water supply pipes prior to the 1970s that may pose health risks? a) Copper b) Lead c) PVC d) PEX b) Lead Lead pipes or solder may be present in older homes and pose health hazards.
11.Which of the following is a sign of inadequate attic ventilation? a) Excessive condensation or mold growth b) Cold floors c) Noisy HVAC system d) Flickering lights a) Excessive condensation or mold growth Poor ventilation leads to moisture buildup, causing mold and wood deterioration. 12.What is the primary function of GFCI outlets? a) Prevent electrical shocks in wet areas b) Increase circuit capacity c) Reduce electrical noise d) Lower electricity bills a) Prevent electrical shocks in wet areas Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters help prevent shocks near sinks, bathrooms, and outdoor areas. 13.When inspecting a chimney, what condition indicates the need for immediate repair? a) Loose or missing mortar joints b) Black soot deposits c) A clean chimney liner d) A metal chimney cap a) Loose or missing mortar joints Damaged mortar can lead to structural instability and water penetration.
17.What is the common cause of basement wall cracks in Vermont? a) Soil expansion and contraction due to freeze-thaw cycles b) Poor roof drainage only c) Improper electrical wiring d) Faulty plumbing a) Soil expansion and contraction due to freeze-thaw cycles Freeze-thaw cycles in cold climates can cause soil pressure and cracks. 18.Which insulation material is most commonly found in older Vermont homes? a) Fiberglass batt b) Spray foam c) Cellulose d) Asbestos a) Fiberglass batt Fiberglass batt insulation was widely used before spray foam and cellulose became common. 19.What tool is typically used to check for moisture in wood? a) Moisture meter b) Thermal camera c) Multimeter d) Sound meter a) Moisture meter A moisture meter can detect elevated moisture content that could lead to rot or mold.
20.What does the term "R-value" refer to? a) The thermal resistance of insulation b) The resale value of a home c) The electrical resistance of wiring d) The height of a railing a) The thermal resistance of insulation R-value measures how well insulation resists heat flow. 21.Which of the following vent types should NOT be blocked during a home inspection? a) Dryer vent b) Plumbing vent stack c) Attic vent d) All of the above d) All of the above Blocking any vent can cause system malfunctions or safety hazards. 22.What is a common sign of termite or wood-boring insect damage? a) Hollow or damaged wood with small holes b) Rusted nails c) Cracks in drywall d) Peeling paint on siding a) Hollow or damaged wood with small holes These signs indicate infestation or structural damage from insects. 23.How often should a well water system be tested? a) Every 6 months
26.What is the recommended clearance between a wood stove and combustible materials? a) 6 inches b) 12 inches c) 36 inches d) 48 inches c) 36 inches Building codes generally require at least 36 inches clearance for safety. 27.Which component prevents backflow in a plumbing system? a) Check valve b) Ball valve c) Gate valve d) Pressure regulator a) Check valve Check valves allow water flow in one direction and prevent contamination. 28.What does a GFCI outlet protect against? a) Electrical overload b) Ground faults causing shock c) Power surges d) Short circuits b) Ground faults causing shock GFCI outlets shut off electricity if a ground fault is detected.
29.Which is a visible sign of a foundation settlement problem? a) Stair-step cracks in masonry b) Loose door handles c) Peeling paint on walls d) Dirty gutters a) Stair-step cracks in masonry Stair-step cracks often indicate movement or settling in the foundation. 30.Which ventilation system is most efficient for air exchange in tight homes? a) Exhaust fans only b) Supply fans only c) Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) or Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) d) Open windows only c) Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) or Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) HRVs and ERVs exchange air while recovering heat, improving energy efficiency. 31.What is the standard height for kitchen countertops? a) 30 inches b) 34 inches c) 36 inches d) 42 inches c) 36 inches Standard kitchen countertops are typically installed at 36 inches for ergonomic use.
35.What tool can help detect hidden electrical wiring behind walls? a) Stud finder b) Circuit tester c) Voltage detector d) Moisture meter c) Voltage detector Voltage detectors can sense live wires behind surfaces. 36.What is the minimum recommended thickness for concrete slabs in residential garages? a) 2 inches b) 3 inches c) 4 inches d) 6 inches c) 4 inches A 4-inch slab is standard for garage floors to handle vehicle weight. 37.What is a common sign of poor drainage around a home's foundation? a) Cracked basement walls b) Peeling wallpaper c) Loose roof shingles d) Sagging gutters a) Cracked basement walls Water pressure from poor drainage can cause foundation cracks. 38.Which of these is NOT a typical safety concern during an inspection? a) Missing handrails on stairs
b) Exposed electrical wiring c) Mold growth d) Fresh paint color d) Fresh paint color Fresh paint is not a safety concern, but the other items are. 39.What is the purpose of a sump pump in a basement? a) Remove excess water to prevent flooding b) Increase air circulation c) Heat the basement d) Filter water a) Remove excess water to prevent flooding Sump pumps help keep basements dry by pumping out water. 40.Which type of window is easiest to clean from inside the house? a) Fixed window b) Casement window c) Double-hung window d) Awning window b) Casement window Casement windows open outward on hinges, allowing easy access to clean both sides. 41.What is the main risk of knob and tube wiring? a) Fire hazard due to insulation deterioration b) Electrical surges c) High voltage
b) 16 inches 16 inches on center is a common spacing for joists to support floors. 45.Which of the following is a sign of a failing septic system? a) Slow draining toilets and sewage odors b) Noisy HVAC c) Cracked basement walls d) Loose cabinet doors a) Slow draining toilets and sewage odors These symptoms often indicate septic system failure or blockage. 46.What is the minimum clearance required between a gas meter and ignition sources? a) 3 feet b) 5 feet c) 10 feet d) 20 feet a) 3 feet A minimum 3-foot clearance helps prevent gas ignition hazards. 47.What type of flooring is most susceptible to water damage? a) Vinyl b) Tile c) Hardwood d) Concrete c) Hardwood Hardwood can warp, swell, or rot when exposed to moisture.
48.Which system should be inspected to assess potential radon risk? a) Basement and crawlspace ventilation b) HVAC ductwork only c) Water supply pipes d) Electrical outlets a) Basement and crawlspace ventilation Radon gas typically enters from soil and accumulates in basements or crawlspaces. 49.What is the function of flashing on a roof? a) Direct water away from joints and openings b) Provide insulation c) Support shingles d) Increase attic ventilation a) Direct water away from joints and openings Flashing prevents water penetration at vulnerable roof intersections. 50.What is the typical lifespan of a modern asphalt shingle roof? a) 10 years b) 20 years c) 30 years d) 50 years c) 30 years Modern asphalt shingles generally last about 20-30 years depending on climate and maintenance.
