PROFESSIONAL HOME INSPECTOR EXAM
NHIE TREC 2026 COMPLETE PRACTICE
QUESTIONS CORRECT ANSWERS AND
DETAILED EXPLANATIONS
When new insulation is placed directly over old in the attic, what
is the correct way to place / handle Kraft paper on new insulation?
- CORRECT ANSWERS -Score or remove the vapor paper
What two structural components would be tied together with
hurricane ties? - CORRECT ANSWERS -Truss/rafter to the
top of walls
What type of piping is used for a pool circulation system? -
CORRECT ANSWERS -Schedule 40 PVC
Does the main water supply shutoff have to be above grade, below
grade, or accessible? - CORRECT ANSWERS -Accessible ?
,Distance between interior electrical receptacles? - CORRECT
ANSWERS -12'
A wood burning furnace should be how far away from
combustibles - CORRECT ANSWERS -18"
Dishwasher drain line is installed where in reference to the trap? -
CORRECT ANSWERS -Above
stairs, staircase tread depth - CORRECT ANSWERS -Tread
depth should be a minimum of 10 inches. 11 inches if there is no
nosing.
The difference between any two riser heights, treads or nosing in a
flight of stairs should be no more than 3/8ths of an inch
Staircase Nosing projection - CORRECT ANSWERS -
Nosing should project between 3/4th inch and 1 1/4th inch
The difference between any two riser heights, treads or nosing in a
flight of stairs should be no more than 3/8ths of an inch
,Staircase Riser height - CORRECT ANSWERS -Riser height
should be 7 3/4th inches maximum
The difference between any two riser heights, treads or nosing in a
flight of stairs should be no more than 3/8ths of an inch
Stair stringers and width - CORRECT ANSWERS -Stairs
wider than 36 inches should have at least three stringers
Spiral staircase - CORRECT ANSWERS -Tread depth
should be a minimum of 7 1/2 inches, measured 12 inches from
the narrow side.
Riser height should be 9 1/2 inches maximum.
Minimum width is 26 inches at / below the handrail
Hearth size requirements for greater than and smaller than 6
square feet - CORRECT ANSWERS -6' opening - 16" in
front and 8" sides
Over 6' - 20" and 12"
, What is a cricket or saddle? - CORRECT ANSWERS -A
ridge structure designed to divert water on a roof around the high
side of a chimney or the transition from one roof area to another
Deadman - CORRECT ANSWERS -any type of anchor
embedded in the supported soil and tied to the retaining wall
Egress window - CORRECT ANSWERS -A window large
enough, as defined by local building codes, for exit or entry in case
of an emergency. Typically required in bedrooms.
Size:
Height above floor:
Which roof covering would be best for a slope of 2 inches per foot?
- CORRECT ANSWERS -2:12 is minimum for asphalt.
Recommend metal roof.
Foundation anchor bolts shall be at least ___ inch in diameter
and shall extend a minimum of ___ inches into the concrete or
grouted cells of concrete masonry units. - CORRECT
ANSWERS -1/2 and 7 inches
NHIE TREC 2026 COMPLETE PRACTICE
QUESTIONS CORRECT ANSWERS AND
DETAILED EXPLANATIONS
When new insulation is placed directly over old in the attic, what
is the correct way to place / handle Kraft paper on new insulation?
- CORRECT ANSWERS -Score or remove the vapor paper
What two structural components would be tied together with
hurricane ties? - CORRECT ANSWERS -Truss/rafter to the
top of walls
What type of piping is used for a pool circulation system? -
CORRECT ANSWERS -Schedule 40 PVC
Does the main water supply shutoff have to be above grade, below
grade, or accessible? - CORRECT ANSWERS -Accessible ?
,Distance between interior electrical receptacles? - CORRECT
ANSWERS -12'
A wood burning furnace should be how far away from
combustibles - CORRECT ANSWERS -18"
Dishwasher drain line is installed where in reference to the trap? -
CORRECT ANSWERS -Above
stairs, staircase tread depth - CORRECT ANSWERS -Tread
depth should be a minimum of 10 inches. 11 inches if there is no
nosing.
The difference between any two riser heights, treads or nosing in a
flight of stairs should be no more than 3/8ths of an inch
Staircase Nosing projection - CORRECT ANSWERS -
Nosing should project between 3/4th inch and 1 1/4th inch
The difference between any two riser heights, treads or nosing in a
flight of stairs should be no more than 3/8ths of an inch
,Staircase Riser height - CORRECT ANSWERS -Riser height
should be 7 3/4th inches maximum
The difference between any two riser heights, treads or nosing in a
flight of stairs should be no more than 3/8ths of an inch
Stair stringers and width - CORRECT ANSWERS -Stairs
wider than 36 inches should have at least three stringers
Spiral staircase - CORRECT ANSWERS -Tread depth
should be a minimum of 7 1/2 inches, measured 12 inches from
the narrow side.
Riser height should be 9 1/2 inches maximum.
Minimum width is 26 inches at / below the handrail
Hearth size requirements for greater than and smaller than 6
square feet - CORRECT ANSWERS -6' opening - 16" in
front and 8" sides
Over 6' - 20" and 12"
, What is a cricket or saddle? - CORRECT ANSWERS -A
ridge structure designed to divert water on a roof around the high
side of a chimney or the transition from one roof area to another
Deadman - CORRECT ANSWERS -any type of anchor
embedded in the supported soil and tied to the retaining wall
Egress window - CORRECT ANSWERS -A window large
enough, as defined by local building codes, for exit or entry in case
of an emergency. Typically required in bedrooms.
Size:
Height above floor:
Which roof covering would be best for a slope of 2 inches per foot?
- CORRECT ANSWERS -2:12 is minimum for asphalt.
Recommend metal roof.
Foundation anchor bolts shall be at least ___ inch in diameter
and shall extend a minimum of ___ inches into the concrete or
grouted cells of concrete masonry units. - CORRECT
ANSWERS -1/2 and 7 inches
