North Carolina Home Inspector Exam 2026 – 190 Practice Questions
with Answers & Detailed Rationales, Structural Systems, Roofing,
Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, Interiors, Exteriors, Safety & North
Carolina Inspection Standards
Practice Examination – 190 Questions
Question 1
A home inspector discovers a diagonal crack in a brick veneer wall that follows the mortar
joints in a stair-step pattern. The crack is widest at the top and narrows toward the bottom.
What is the MOST likely cause of this condition?
A. Normal curing shrinkage of the brick veneer
B. Differential settlement of the foundation
C. Thermal expansion of the brick veneer
D. Improper flashing installation at the roof line
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Stair-step cracking in brick veneer widest at the top typically indicates
differential foundation settlement, where one portion of the foundation settles more than
another, creating shear stress in the veneer.
Question 2
During an inspection, you observe a gas water heater installed in a garage. The ignition
source is located approximately 12 inches above the floor. Which statement is TRUE
regarding this installation?
,A. This is acceptable because the ignition source is elevated
B. This violates code because ignition sources must be at least 18 inches above the floor
C. This is acceptable if the garage is well ventilated
D. This violates code because water heaters are not permitted in garages
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Gas water heaters in garages must have ignition sources elevated at least 18
inches above the floor to prevent ignition of flammable vapors from gasoline or other
volatile liquids.
Question 3
An inspector notices that the electrical panel in a home has a double-tapped breaker. What
does this term mean?
A. Two wires connected to a single-pole breaker terminal
B. A breaker that has been tripped twice
C. Two breakers connected to a single wire
D. A breaker with both 120V and 240V capacity
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Double-tapping occurs when two conductors are terminated under a single
breaker terminal not rated for two conductors, which can cause loose connections,
overheating, and fire hazards.
Question 4
,A home inspector observes that the downspouts terminate directly at the foundation
without extensions. What is the MOST significant concern with this condition?
A. The gutters may overflow during heavy rain
B. Water may accumulate near the foundation causing soil erosion and basement moisture
C. The downspouts may freeze during winter
D. The siding may become discolored from splash-back
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Downspouts discharging at the foundation deposit large volumes of water
adjacent to the foundation, leading to hydrostatic pressure, basement leaks, foundation
movement, and soil erosion.
Question 5
When inspecting a residential roof, you observe that asphalt shingles are buckling and wavy.
Which of the following is the LEAST likely cause?
A. Improperly installed underlayment
B. Moisture trapped in the sheathing
C. Inadequate roof ventilation
D. Excessive attic insulation
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Excessive attic insulation does not cause shingle buckling. Buckling typically
results from moisture in the sheathing, inadequate ventilation, or improper installation of
roofing materials.
, Question 6
An inspector finds a crawlspace with a vapor barrier that covers approximately 70% of the
soil. What should the inspector report?
A. The vapor barrier is adequate for moisture control
B. The vapor barrier should cover 100% of the crawlspace floor
C. The vapor barrier is unnecessary in well-ventilated crawlspaces
D. The vapor barrier should only cover areas near the foundation
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Crawlspace vapor barriers should cover 100% of the soil surface, with overlaps
of at least 6 inches, to effectively control ground moisture and prevent wood decay and
mold growth.
Question 7
During an electrical inspection, you notice a GFCI receptacle in the bathroom that does not
trip when tested. What is the proper course of action?
A. Reset the breaker and retest
B. Note it as a defect requiring evaluation by a licensed electrician
C. Replace the receptacle yourself as a courtesy
D. Ignore it since GFCI protection is optional
Correct Answer: B
with Answers & Detailed Rationales, Structural Systems, Roofing,
Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, Interiors, Exteriors, Safety & North
Carolina Inspection Standards
Practice Examination – 190 Questions
Question 1
A home inspector discovers a diagonal crack in a brick veneer wall that follows the mortar
joints in a stair-step pattern. The crack is widest at the top and narrows toward the bottom.
What is the MOST likely cause of this condition?
A. Normal curing shrinkage of the brick veneer
B. Differential settlement of the foundation
C. Thermal expansion of the brick veneer
D. Improper flashing installation at the roof line
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Stair-step cracking in brick veneer widest at the top typically indicates
differential foundation settlement, where one portion of the foundation settles more than
another, creating shear stress in the veneer.
Question 2
During an inspection, you observe a gas water heater installed in a garage. The ignition
source is located approximately 12 inches above the floor. Which statement is TRUE
regarding this installation?
,A. This is acceptable because the ignition source is elevated
B. This violates code because ignition sources must be at least 18 inches above the floor
C. This is acceptable if the garage is well ventilated
D. This violates code because water heaters are not permitted in garages
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Gas water heaters in garages must have ignition sources elevated at least 18
inches above the floor to prevent ignition of flammable vapors from gasoline or other
volatile liquids.
Question 3
An inspector notices that the electrical panel in a home has a double-tapped breaker. What
does this term mean?
A. Two wires connected to a single-pole breaker terminal
B. A breaker that has been tripped twice
C. Two breakers connected to a single wire
D. A breaker with both 120V and 240V capacity
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Double-tapping occurs when two conductors are terminated under a single
breaker terminal not rated for two conductors, which can cause loose connections,
overheating, and fire hazards.
Question 4
,A home inspector observes that the downspouts terminate directly at the foundation
without extensions. What is the MOST significant concern with this condition?
A. The gutters may overflow during heavy rain
B. Water may accumulate near the foundation causing soil erosion and basement moisture
C. The downspouts may freeze during winter
D. The siding may become discolored from splash-back
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Downspouts discharging at the foundation deposit large volumes of water
adjacent to the foundation, leading to hydrostatic pressure, basement leaks, foundation
movement, and soil erosion.
Question 5
When inspecting a residential roof, you observe that asphalt shingles are buckling and wavy.
Which of the following is the LEAST likely cause?
A. Improperly installed underlayment
B. Moisture trapped in the sheathing
C. Inadequate roof ventilation
D. Excessive attic insulation
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Excessive attic insulation does not cause shingle buckling. Buckling typically
results from moisture in the sheathing, inadequate ventilation, or improper installation of
roofing materials.
, Question 6
An inspector finds a crawlspace with a vapor barrier that covers approximately 70% of the
soil. What should the inspector report?
A. The vapor barrier is adequate for moisture control
B. The vapor barrier should cover 100% of the crawlspace floor
C. The vapor barrier is unnecessary in well-ventilated crawlspaces
D. The vapor barrier should only cover areas near the foundation
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Crawlspace vapor barriers should cover 100% of the soil surface, with overlaps
of at least 6 inches, to effectively control ground moisture and prevent wood decay and
mold growth.
Question 7
During an electrical inspection, you notice a GFCI receptacle in the bathroom that does not
trip when tested. What is the proper course of action?
A. Reset the breaker and retest
B. Note it as a defect requiring evaluation by a licensed electrician
C. Replace the receptacle yourself as a courtesy
D. Ignore it since GFCI protection is optional
Correct Answer: B
