North Carolina Home Inspector
Examination Practice Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. Which of the following is the primary purpose of a home inspection?
A) Provide a warranty for the home
B) Determine the market value of the property
C) Identify visible defects and safety hazards
D) Ensure compliance with local building codes
Rationale: The primary role of a home inspection is to identify visible
defects and safety hazards, not to provide warranties or appraise
value.
2. When inspecting a roof, a home inspector should:
A) Measure the cost of replacement
, B) Check for damaged, missing, or deteriorated shingles
C) Replace any broken components
D) Ensure roofing is installed according to manufacturer’s instructions
Rationale: Inspectors observe the condition of roofing materials;
installation compliance or replacement is outside their scope.
3. Which of the following is considered a safety hazard in electrical
systems?
A) Exposed wiring
B) Grounded outlets
C) Properly installed GFCIs
D) Correct circuit labeling
Rationale: Exposed wiring poses a risk of shock or fire, making it a
primary safety concern.
4. The purpose of GFCI outlets is to:
A) Increase energy efficiency
B) Prevent power surges
C) Protect against electrical shock
D) Reduce appliance wear
Rationale: GFCIs detect ground faults and quickly shut off power to
prevent shock.
5. Which of the following is a common sign of water intrusion in a
basement?
A) Fresh paint
, B) Efflorescence on walls
C) Carpeted floors
D) Drywall texture
Rationale: Efflorescence indicates water has moved through
masonry, leaving mineral deposits.
6. A home inspector notices sagging floors and cracks in floor joists. This
is typically a sign of:
A) Normal settling
B) Cosmetic damage
C) Structural deficiency
D) Moisture damage only
Rationale: Sagging floors and joist cracks suggest structural issues
requiring further evaluation.
7. Which type of insulation is commonly found in older homes and can
pose health risks?
A) Fiberglass
B) Cellulose
C) Asbestos
D) Spray foam
Rationale: Asbestos was used historically for insulation and can be
hazardous if disturbed.
8. When inspecting plumbing, the presence of rust on pipes may
indicate:
, A) Corrosion and potential leaks
B) Properly functioning pipes
C) Clean water supply
D) Recent installation
Rationale: Rust can weaken pipes, leading to leaks and reduced
water quality.
9. The primary function of a home’s foundation is to:
A) Support the structure and distribute loads
B) Prevent roof leaks
C) Insulate the home
D) Improve aesthetic appeal
Rationale: Foundations carry structural loads to the ground safely.
10. During a window inspection, cracked or broken panes are
considered:
A) Cosmetic issues
B) Defects
C) Normal wear
D) Outside the inspector’s scope
Rationale: Broken windows are a defect affecting safety and
function.
11. Which of the following is a common sign of termite infestation?
A) Clean wooden surfaces
B) Mud tubes along foundation walls
Examination Practice Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. Which of the following is the primary purpose of a home inspection?
A) Provide a warranty for the home
B) Determine the market value of the property
C) Identify visible defects and safety hazards
D) Ensure compliance with local building codes
Rationale: The primary role of a home inspection is to identify visible
defects and safety hazards, not to provide warranties or appraise
value.
2. When inspecting a roof, a home inspector should:
A) Measure the cost of replacement
, B) Check for damaged, missing, or deteriorated shingles
C) Replace any broken components
D) Ensure roofing is installed according to manufacturer’s instructions
Rationale: Inspectors observe the condition of roofing materials;
installation compliance or replacement is outside their scope.
3. Which of the following is considered a safety hazard in electrical
systems?
A) Exposed wiring
B) Grounded outlets
C) Properly installed GFCIs
D) Correct circuit labeling
Rationale: Exposed wiring poses a risk of shock or fire, making it a
primary safety concern.
4. The purpose of GFCI outlets is to:
A) Increase energy efficiency
B) Prevent power surges
C) Protect against electrical shock
D) Reduce appliance wear
Rationale: GFCIs detect ground faults and quickly shut off power to
prevent shock.
5. Which of the following is a common sign of water intrusion in a
basement?
A) Fresh paint
, B) Efflorescence on walls
C) Carpeted floors
D) Drywall texture
Rationale: Efflorescence indicates water has moved through
masonry, leaving mineral deposits.
6. A home inspector notices sagging floors and cracks in floor joists. This
is typically a sign of:
A) Normal settling
B) Cosmetic damage
C) Structural deficiency
D) Moisture damage only
Rationale: Sagging floors and joist cracks suggest structural issues
requiring further evaluation.
7. Which type of insulation is commonly found in older homes and can
pose health risks?
A) Fiberglass
B) Cellulose
C) Asbestos
D) Spray foam
Rationale: Asbestos was used historically for insulation and can be
hazardous if disturbed.
8. When inspecting plumbing, the presence of rust on pipes may
indicate:
, A) Corrosion and potential leaks
B) Properly functioning pipes
C) Clean water supply
D) Recent installation
Rationale: Rust can weaken pipes, leading to leaks and reduced
water quality.
9. The primary function of a home’s foundation is to:
A) Support the structure and distribute loads
B) Prevent roof leaks
C) Insulate the home
D) Improve aesthetic appeal
Rationale: Foundations carry structural loads to the ground safely.
10. During a window inspection, cracked or broken panes are
considered:
A) Cosmetic issues
B) Defects
C) Normal wear
D) Outside the inspector’s scope
Rationale: Broken windows are a defect affecting safety and
function.
11. Which of the following is a common sign of termite infestation?
A) Clean wooden surfaces
B) Mud tubes along foundation walls
