Nevada Home Inspector Licensing
Examination Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
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1. A home inspector observes a concrete slab-on-grade foundation with a
series of mapped cracks that are uniform in width, approximately 1/8 inch,
and extend diagonally from the corners of interior wall openings toward the
exterior grade beam. Which of the following is the most likely primary cause
of this cracking pattern?
A. Plastic shrinkage during the curing process
B. Differential settlement of the supporting soils
C. Restrained thermal contraction of the concrete
D. Corrosion of the embedded reinforcing steel
Answer: B
Rationale: Diagonal cracking radiating from re-entrant corners, such as
wall openings, toward the slab edge is a classic indicator of differential
settlement, where one portion of the foundation moves downward
relative to another. Plastic shrinkage cracks are typically random, shallow,
and non-directional. Thermal contraction cracks are more often straight
and through the full depth, while reinforcing steel corrosion leads to
spalling and longitudinal cracking along the bar paths, not diagonal
corner-to-edge patterns.
2. During an exterior inspection of a two-story wood-framed home, the
inspector finds that the wall sheathing is composed of oriented strand
board (OSB) and notes several areas where the panels are beginning to
delaminate and swell at the lower edges near the grade. What is the most
, probable underlying condition causing this deterioration?
A. Inadequate nailing spacing of the sheathing panels
B. Prolonged exposure to liquid water and capillary action from the ground
C. Chemical reaction between the OSB adhesive and galvanized fasteners
D. Ultraviolet degradation of the surface resin binder
Answer: B
Rationale: Oriented strand board is highly susceptible to edge swell and
delamination when subjected to repeated or sustained wetting,
particularly at the bottom edges where capillary action draws moisture
from the soil or splashback from rain. Inadequate nailing affects shear
capacity, not delamination. Adhesive-fastener reactions are rare, and UV
degradation affects the surface, not the lower edges near grade.
3. A roof covering composed of interlocking concrete tiles is being inspected.
The inspector notices that several tiles are broken and that the underlying
felt underlayment is exposed. The building is located in a high-wind zone.
Which of the following is the most significant immediate concern for the
inspector to report?
A. The need for a complete tear-off and replacement of the entire roof
B. The potential for water intrusion through the broken tiles and
compromised underlayment
C. The increased weight load on the roof structure from the broken tiles
D. The loss of fire resistance rating due to the missing tiles
Answer: B
Rationale: The primary concern with broken tiles is the immediate
pathway for water intrusion, which can lead to rot, mold, and structural
decay. The underlayment is not designed for long-term exposure and will
quickly degrade, compounding the problem. While replacement is a long-
term solution, the report must highlight the acute risk of water damage.
Weight and fire rating are secondary concerns compared to active
moisture entry.
4. An inspector examines an electrical service panel and finds a three-wire,
120/240-volt single-phase residential service. The grounded neutral
, conductor is connected to the metal panel enclosure, and a separate
grounding electrode conductor is bonded to the same point. The inspector
also notes a subpanel located in the detached garage. What is the most
critical bonding requirement that must be verified at the garage subpanel?
A. The neutral bus must be bonded to the subpanel enclosure
B. The neutral and grounding conductors must be isolated from each other
C. The subpanel must have its own driven ground rod with a #4 copper wire
D. The feeder must be protected by a 100-amp overcurrent device
Answer: B
Rationale: In a detached garage subpanel, the neutral and ground must be
isolated (separate bars) because the neutral is a current-carrying
conductor, and bonding it at the subpanel creates a parallel path for
neutral current on the grounding conductors. The main bonding is done
only at the service equipment. Isolating prevents objectionable current on
the equipment grounding system and maintains proper ground-fault
clearing paths.
5. A forced-air HVAC system is operating in cooling mode. The inspector
measures the temperature of the return air at the filter grille at 75°F and
the supply air at the closest register at 58°F. The outdoor ambient
temperature is 92°F. Which of the following conclusions is most appropriate
regarding this system?
A. The system has a refrigerant overcharge because the temperature drop is
excessive
B. The system is performing within the normal expected range for cooling
C. The evaporator coil is likely frozen due to the low supply air temperature
D. The system is undercharged because the return-supply split is too high
Answer: B
Rationale: A temperature drop (delta T) of 17°F (75-58) across the
evaporator coil is within the standard acceptable range of 14-22°F for a
normally operating air conditioning system under typical conditions. An
overcharge would reduce the delta T, not increase it. A frozen coil would
, cause reduced airflow and a lower, not higher, delta T, and undercharging
typically produces a lower temperature split.
6. During a plumbing inspection, the inspector runs water in a second-floor
bathtub and then observes the first-floor ceiling below. No active dripping is
seen, but a moisture meter indicates elevated readings in a 2-foot square
area directly under the tub. The water supply pipes are accessible in the
crawlspace and show no signs of leakage. What is the most likely source of
the moisture?
A. A pinhole leak in the hot water supply line within the wall cavity
B. A deteriorated or improperly sealed tub drain or overflow gasket
C. Condensation forming on the cold water supply pipe in the ceiling
D. Capillary wicking of groundwater up the foundation wall into the floor
system
Answer: B
Rationale: The pattern of moisture localized directly beneath the tub,
combined with no visible supply line leaks, strongly points to a leak in the
tub's drain assembly or overflow connection. These gaskets are common
failure points. Condensation would be more widespread and not localized,
and a pinhole in a supply line would likely produce active dripping or
staining, not just elevated meter readings. Groundwater wicking would
affect the foundation, not the ceiling under a second-floor tub.
7. A home inspector is evaluating a fireplace with a factory-built metal
chimney. The manufacturer's label is illegible. The inspector observes that
the chimney passes through the attic space and has a 1-inch clearance to
wood framing members. According to standard safety guidelines for this
type of system, what is the inspector's primary responsibility?
A. To determine the manufacturer and require replacement if unknown
B. To report the clearance as a potential fire hazard and recommend
evaluation
C. To measure the flue temperature to ensure it is within limits
D. To recommend the installation of a metal shield to reduce the clearance
requirement
Examination Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. A home inspector observes a concrete slab-on-grade foundation with a
series of mapped cracks that are uniform in width, approximately 1/8 inch,
and extend diagonally from the corners of interior wall openings toward the
exterior grade beam. Which of the following is the most likely primary cause
of this cracking pattern?
A. Plastic shrinkage during the curing process
B. Differential settlement of the supporting soils
C. Restrained thermal contraction of the concrete
D. Corrosion of the embedded reinforcing steel
Answer: B
Rationale: Diagonal cracking radiating from re-entrant corners, such as
wall openings, toward the slab edge is a classic indicator of differential
settlement, where one portion of the foundation moves downward
relative to another. Plastic shrinkage cracks are typically random, shallow,
and non-directional. Thermal contraction cracks are more often straight
and through the full depth, while reinforcing steel corrosion leads to
spalling and longitudinal cracking along the bar paths, not diagonal
corner-to-edge patterns.
2. During an exterior inspection of a two-story wood-framed home, the
inspector finds that the wall sheathing is composed of oriented strand
board (OSB) and notes several areas where the panels are beginning to
delaminate and swell at the lower edges near the grade. What is the most
, probable underlying condition causing this deterioration?
A. Inadequate nailing spacing of the sheathing panels
B. Prolonged exposure to liquid water and capillary action from the ground
C. Chemical reaction between the OSB adhesive and galvanized fasteners
D. Ultraviolet degradation of the surface resin binder
Answer: B
Rationale: Oriented strand board is highly susceptible to edge swell and
delamination when subjected to repeated or sustained wetting,
particularly at the bottom edges where capillary action draws moisture
from the soil or splashback from rain. Inadequate nailing affects shear
capacity, not delamination. Adhesive-fastener reactions are rare, and UV
degradation affects the surface, not the lower edges near grade.
3. A roof covering composed of interlocking concrete tiles is being inspected.
The inspector notices that several tiles are broken and that the underlying
felt underlayment is exposed. The building is located in a high-wind zone.
Which of the following is the most significant immediate concern for the
inspector to report?
A. The need for a complete tear-off and replacement of the entire roof
B. The potential for water intrusion through the broken tiles and
compromised underlayment
C. The increased weight load on the roof structure from the broken tiles
D. The loss of fire resistance rating due to the missing tiles
Answer: B
Rationale: The primary concern with broken tiles is the immediate
pathway for water intrusion, which can lead to rot, mold, and structural
decay. The underlayment is not designed for long-term exposure and will
quickly degrade, compounding the problem. While replacement is a long-
term solution, the report must highlight the acute risk of water damage.
Weight and fire rating are secondary concerns compared to active
moisture entry.
4. An inspector examines an electrical service panel and finds a three-wire,
120/240-volt single-phase residential service. The grounded neutral
, conductor is connected to the metal panel enclosure, and a separate
grounding electrode conductor is bonded to the same point. The inspector
also notes a subpanel located in the detached garage. What is the most
critical bonding requirement that must be verified at the garage subpanel?
A. The neutral bus must be bonded to the subpanel enclosure
B. The neutral and grounding conductors must be isolated from each other
C. The subpanel must have its own driven ground rod with a #4 copper wire
D. The feeder must be protected by a 100-amp overcurrent device
Answer: B
Rationale: In a detached garage subpanel, the neutral and ground must be
isolated (separate bars) because the neutral is a current-carrying
conductor, and bonding it at the subpanel creates a parallel path for
neutral current on the grounding conductors. The main bonding is done
only at the service equipment. Isolating prevents objectionable current on
the equipment grounding system and maintains proper ground-fault
clearing paths.
5. A forced-air HVAC system is operating in cooling mode. The inspector
measures the temperature of the return air at the filter grille at 75°F and
the supply air at the closest register at 58°F. The outdoor ambient
temperature is 92°F. Which of the following conclusions is most appropriate
regarding this system?
A. The system has a refrigerant overcharge because the temperature drop is
excessive
B. The system is performing within the normal expected range for cooling
C. The evaporator coil is likely frozen due to the low supply air temperature
D. The system is undercharged because the return-supply split is too high
Answer: B
Rationale: A temperature drop (delta T) of 17°F (75-58) across the
evaporator coil is within the standard acceptable range of 14-22°F for a
normally operating air conditioning system under typical conditions. An
overcharge would reduce the delta T, not increase it. A frozen coil would
, cause reduced airflow and a lower, not higher, delta T, and undercharging
typically produces a lower temperature split.
6. During a plumbing inspection, the inspector runs water in a second-floor
bathtub and then observes the first-floor ceiling below. No active dripping is
seen, but a moisture meter indicates elevated readings in a 2-foot square
area directly under the tub. The water supply pipes are accessible in the
crawlspace and show no signs of leakage. What is the most likely source of
the moisture?
A. A pinhole leak in the hot water supply line within the wall cavity
B. A deteriorated or improperly sealed tub drain or overflow gasket
C. Condensation forming on the cold water supply pipe in the ceiling
D. Capillary wicking of groundwater up the foundation wall into the floor
system
Answer: B
Rationale: The pattern of moisture localized directly beneath the tub,
combined with no visible supply line leaks, strongly points to a leak in the
tub's drain assembly or overflow connection. These gaskets are common
failure points. Condensation would be more widespread and not localized,
and a pinhole in a supply line would likely produce active dripping or
staining, not just elevated meter readings. Groundwater wicking would
affect the foundation, not the ceiling under a second-floor tub.
7. A home inspector is evaluating a fireplace with a factory-built metal
chimney. The manufacturer's label is illegible. The inspector observes that
the chimney passes through the attic space and has a 1-inch clearance to
wood framing members. According to standard safety guidelines for this
type of system, what is the inspector's primary responsibility?
A. To determine the manufacturer and require replacement if unknown
B. To report the clearance as a potential fire hazard and recommend
evaluation
C. To measure the flue temperature to ensure it is within limits
D. To recommend the installation of a metal shield to reduce the clearance
requirement
