DELAWARE HOME INSPECTOR
LICENSE EXAM QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2025
1. What is the primary purpose of a home inspection?
To evaluate the condition of the property
A home inspection aims to identify the physical condition of the
home to inform buyers or sellers before a transaction.
2. When inspecting a roof, what should a home inspector look
for?
Signs of damage such as missing shingles or leaks
Damaged or missing shingles can lead to leaks and structural
damage, so identifying them is critical.
3. What is the minimum slope for a properly installed roof
drainage system?
1/4 inch per foot
, This slope ensures water drains properly off the roof, preventing
pooling and damage.
4. What does GFCI stand for?
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
GFCIs protect against electrical shock by breaking the circuit
when there is a difference in current.
5. During an inspection, the inspector finds a cracked foundation
wall. What is the inspector's responsibility?
Report the defect and recommend further evaluation by a
structural engineer
Home inspectors identify defects but should not diagnose
structural problems beyond their scope.
6. What type of insulation is most commonly found in attics?
Fiberglass batts or blown-in cellulose
These types are effective for thermal insulation in attic spaces.
7. What is the normal operating temperature range for a water
heater?
120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit
This range prevents scalding and reduces energy consumption.
8. When inspecting HVAC systems, what component indicates
the system’s efficiency?
The SEER rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio)
SEER measures cooling efficiency; higher values indicate better
efficiency.
, 9. What is the purpose of weep holes in brick veneer walls?
To allow moisture to escape from behind the brick
Weep holes prevent moisture buildup that can damage the
structure.
10. How far should a water heater be from combustible
materials?
At least 6 inches
This clearance helps prevent fire hazards.
11. What is the maximum allowable height for guardrails on
residential decks?
36 inches
This height helps prevent falls while complying with residential
building codes.
12. When inspecting electrical panels, what is considered a
safety violation?
Double-tapped breakers without a listed tandem breaker
Double-tapping can cause overheating and is generally unsafe
unless breakers are designed for it.
13. What does AFCI stand for?
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter
AFCIs protect circuits from electrical arcs that can cause fires.
14. What is the recommended minimum clearance around
an electrical panel?
30 inches wide and 36 inches deep
LICENSE EXAM QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2025
1. What is the primary purpose of a home inspection?
To evaluate the condition of the property
A home inspection aims to identify the physical condition of the
home to inform buyers or sellers before a transaction.
2. When inspecting a roof, what should a home inspector look
for?
Signs of damage such as missing shingles or leaks
Damaged or missing shingles can lead to leaks and structural
damage, so identifying them is critical.
3. What is the minimum slope for a properly installed roof
drainage system?
1/4 inch per foot
, This slope ensures water drains properly off the roof, preventing
pooling and damage.
4. What does GFCI stand for?
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
GFCIs protect against electrical shock by breaking the circuit
when there is a difference in current.
5. During an inspection, the inspector finds a cracked foundation
wall. What is the inspector's responsibility?
Report the defect and recommend further evaluation by a
structural engineer
Home inspectors identify defects but should not diagnose
structural problems beyond their scope.
6. What type of insulation is most commonly found in attics?
Fiberglass batts or blown-in cellulose
These types are effective for thermal insulation in attic spaces.
7. What is the normal operating temperature range for a water
heater?
120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit
This range prevents scalding and reduces energy consumption.
8. When inspecting HVAC systems, what component indicates
the system’s efficiency?
The SEER rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio)
SEER measures cooling efficiency; higher values indicate better
efficiency.
, 9. What is the purpose of weep holes in brick veneer walls?
To allow moisture to escape from behind the brick
Weep holes prevent moisture buildup that can damage the
structure.
10. How far should a water heater be from combustible
materials?
At least 6 inches
This clearance helps prevent fire hazards.
11. What is the maximum allowable height for guardrails on
residential decks?
36 inches
This height helps prevent falls while complying with residential
building codes.
12. When inspecting electrical panels, what is considered a
safety violation?
Double-tapped breakers without a listed tandem breaker
Double-tapping can cause overheating and is generally unsafe
unless breakers are designed for it.
13. What does AFCI stand for?
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter
AFCIs protect circuits from electrical arcs that can cause fires.
14. What is the recommended minimum clearance around
an electrical panel?
30 inches wide and 36 inches deep
