Virginia Home Improvement Contracting
(HIC) Exam with Accurate Solutions
1. What should be applied to crevices in wood flooring?
A. Glue
B. Filler
C. Caulk
D. Sealant
Answer: B. Filler
Explanation: Wood filler is used to fill small cracks and gaps in flooring to create a
smooth, even surface before finishing. It prevents dirt accumulation and improves the
floor’s longevity.
2. What is the best nail for hardwood flooring?
A. Common nail
B. Smooth shank nail
C. Ring shank nail
D. Brad nail
Answer: C. Ring shank nail
Explanation: Ring shank nails have superior holding power compared to smooth nails,
reducing board movement over time and preventing squeaks in hardwood floors.
3. What is the maximum size of a floor frame opening?
A. 3 sq ft / 3 ft header
B. 5 sq ft / 4 ft header
C. 6 sq ft / 5 ft header
D. 8 sq ft / 6 ft header
Answer: B. 5 sq ft / 4 ft header
Explanation: Floor openings larger than 5 square feet require additional framing support
such as a 4-foot header to maintain structural integrity (R502.10).
4. When installing a string of wall cabinets, the cabinets should:
A. Be attached to the wall first
B. Be attached to the floor first
C. Be attached to adjacent cabinets before the wall
D. Be installed individually
Answer: C. Be attached to adjacent cabinets before the wall
Explanation: Connecting cabinets together ensures proper alignment and stability before
securing to the wall.
5. What is the minimum height for a stairway handrail?
A. 30 inches
B. 32 inches
C. 34 inches
D. 36 inches
, Answer: C. 34 inches
Explanation: Handrails must be installed between 34–38 inches above stair nosings to
meet safety codes and provide proper support for users.
6. A third stairway stringer should be used when the stair width exceeds:
A. 24 inches
B. 30 inches
C. 36 inches
D. 40 inches
Answer: B. 30 inches
Explanation: Wider stairs require a center stringer to prevent sagging and maintain
structural strength.
7. What type of nails are best for general construction?
A. Ring shank
B. Smooth shank
C. Common
D. Finish nails
Answer: B. Smooth shank
Explanation: Smooth shank nails are easy to drive and provide adequate holding power
for general framing and construction purposes.
8. What is the maximum flame spread index for insulation materials?
A. 15
B. 25
C. 50
D. 75
Answer: B. 25
Explanation: Materials with a flame spread index of 25 or less are considered safe for
use in residential insulation, limiting fire propagation (R302.10.1).
9. What is the maximum dimension of ventilation coverings for under-floor space?
A. 1/8 inch
B. 1/4 inch
C. 1/2 inch
D. 3/4 inch
Answer: B. 1/4 inch
Explanation: This prevents rodents from entering while maintaining airflow to reduce
moisture accumulation under floors (R408.2).
10. Flexible insulation placed in floor joists above an unheated crawl space should:
A. Be stapled to joists
B. Hang freely
C. Be well supported between joists using wire mesh or rigid board
D. Be compressed to fit tightly
Answer: C. Be well supported between joists using wire mesh or rigid board
Explanation: Proper support prevents sagging, maintains R-value, and ensures consistent
thermal performance (C904-5).
11. In a crawl space, how far from the floor joints do you need to place a vapor
retarder?
A. Top soil
, B. Bottom soil
C. 6 inches above ground
D. 12 inches above ground
Answer: A. Top Soil
Explanation: Vapor retarders should be placed on the ground surface to reduce moisture
migration from soil into the crawl space.
12. Ice dam protection needs to be installed how far from the edge of eaves?
A. 12 inches
B. 18 inches
C. 24 inches
D. 36 inches
Answer: C. 24 inches
Explanation: Ice and water shield is installed at least 24 inches from eaves to prevent
leaks caused by ice dams (R905.1.2).
13. Where should a radiant heat barrier be installed in an attic?
A. Between rafters
B. On top of insulation
C. On ceiling joists
D. Outside roof deck
Answer: A. Between rafters
Explanation: Installing the radiant barrier along rafters reflects heat away from the living
space and improves attic energy efficiency.
14. What is the major advantage of Icynene over polyurethane foam?
A. Lower cost
B. Easier to spray
C. Can be poured instead of sprayed
D. Requires less insulation thickness
Answer: C. Can be poured instead of sprayed
Explanation: Icynene’s versatility allows for pouring in cavities where spraying may be
difficult, making installation easier in tight areas.
15. In a crawl space, what kind of vapor retarder should be used?
A. 2 mil polyethylene
B. 4 mil polyethylene
C. 6 mil or 8 mil polyethylene
D. 10 mil polyethylene
Answer: C. 6 mil or 8 mil
Explanation: Heavier polyethylene sheets resist tearing and provide effective moisture
control in crawl spaces.
16. When batt insulation is installed, a vapor retarder that _______ is commonly used.
A. Faces the cold side of the wall
B. Faces the warm side of the wall
C. Is optional
D. Is always 6 mil
Answer: B. Faces the warm side of the wall
Explanation: Vapor retarders reduce moisture migration from interior spaces into
insulation, preventing mold and rot.
(HIC) Exam with Accurate Solutions
1. What should be applied to crevices in wood flooring?
A. Glue
B. Filler
C. Caulk
D. Sealant
Answer: B. Filler
Explanation: Wood filler is used to fill small cracks and gaps in flooring to create a
smooth, even surface before finishing. It prevents dirt accumulation and improves the
floor’s longevity.
2. What is the best nail for hardwood flooring?
A. Common nail
B. Smooth shank nail
C. Ring shank nail
D. Brad nail
Answer: C. Ring shank nail
Explanation: Ring shank nails have superior holding power compared to smooth nails,
reducing board movement over time and preventing squeaks in hardwood floors.
3. What is the maximum size of a floor frame opening?
A. 3 sq ft / 3 ft header
B. 5 sq ft / 4 ft header
C. 6 sq ft / 5 ft header
D. 8 sq ft / 6 ft header
Answer: B. 5 sq ft / 4 ft header
Explanation: Floor openings larger than 5 square feet require additional framing support
such as a 4-foot header to maintain structural integrity (R502.10).
4. When installing a string of wall cabinets, the cabinets should:
A. Be attached to the wall first
B. Be attached to the floor first
C. Be attached to adjacent cabinets before the wall
D. Be installed individually
Answer: C. Be attached to adjacent cabinets before the wall
Explanation: Connecting cabinets together ensures proper alignment and stability before
securing to the wall.
5. What is the minimum height for a stairway handrail?
A. 30 inches
B. 32 inches
C. 34 inches
D. 36 inches
, Answer: C. 34 inches
Explanation: Handrails must be installed between 34–38 inches above stair nosings to
meet safety codes and provide proper support for users.
6. A third stairway stringer should be used when the stair width exceeds:
A. 24 inches
B. 30 inches
C. 36 inches
D. 40 inches
Answer: B. 30 inches
Explanation: Wider stairs require a center stringer to prevent sagging and maintain
structural strength.
7. What type of nails are best for general construction?
A. Ring shank
B. Smooth shank
C. Common
D. Finish nails
Answer: B. Smooth shank
Explanation: Smooth shank nails are easy to drive and provide adequate holding power
for general framing and construction purposes.
8. What is the maximum flame spread index for insulation materials?
A. 15
B. 25
C. 50
D. 75
Answer: B. 25
Explanation: Materials with a flame spread index of 25 or less are considered safe for
use in residential insulation, limiting fire propagation (R302.10.1).
9. What is the maximum dimension of ventilation coverings for under-floor space?
A. 1/8 inch
B. 1/4 inch
C. 1/2 inch
D. 3/4 inch
Answer: B. 1/4 inch
Explanation: This prevents rodents from entering while maintaining airflow to reduce
moisture accumulation under floors (R408.2).
10. Flexible insulation placed in floor joists above an unheated crawl space should:
A. Be stapled to joists
B. Hang freely
C. Be well supported between joists using wire mesh or rigid board
D. Be compressed to fit tightly
Answer: C. Be well supported between joists using wire mesh or rigid board
Explanation: Proper support prevents sagging, maintains R-value, and ensures consistent
thermal performance (C904-5).
11. In a crawl space, how far from the floor joints do you need to place a vapor
retarder?
A. Top soil
, B. Bottom soil
C. 6 inches above ground
D. 12 inches above ground
Answer: A. Top Soil
Explanation: Vapor retarders should be placed on the ground surface to reduce moisture
migration from soil into the crawl space.
12. Ice dam protection needs to be installed how far from the edge of eaves?
A. 12 inches
B. 18 inches
C. 24 inches
D. 36 inches
Answer: C. 24 inches
Explanation: Ice and water shield is installed at least 24 inches from eaves to prevent
leaks caused by ice dams (R905.1.2).
13. Where should a radiant heat barrier be installed in an attic?
A. Between rafters
B. On top of insulation
C. On ceiling joists
D. Outside roof deck
Answer: A. Between rafters
Explanation: Installing the radiant barrier along rafters reflects heat away from the living
space and improves attic energy efficiency.
14. What is the major advantage of Icynene over polyurethane foam?
A. Lower cost
B. Easier to spray
C. Can be poured instead of sprayed
D. Requires less insulation thickness
Answer: C. Can be poured instead of sprayed
Explanation: Icynene’s versatility allows for pouring in cavities where spraying may be
difficult, making installation easier in tight areas.
15. In a crawl space, what kind of vapor retarder should be used?
A. 2 mil polyethylene
B. 4 mil polyethylene
C. 6 mil or 8 mil polyethylene
D. 10 mil polyethylene
Answer: C. 6 mil or 8 mil
Explanation: Heavier polyethylene sheets resist tearing and provide effective moisture
control in crawl spaces.
16. When batt insulation is installed, a vapor retarder that _______ is commonly used.
A. Faces the cold side of the wall
B. Faces the warm side of the wall
C. Is optional
D. Is always 6 mil
Answer: B. Faces the warm side of the wall
Explanation: Vapor retarders reduce moisture migration from interior spaces into
insulation, preventing mold and rot.
