BC OWNER BUILDER UPDATED ACTUAL EXAM
PAPER 2026 QUESTIONS WITH SOLUTIONS
GRADED A+
◉ Which is not an acceptable method for determining the correct
grading for a trench. Answer: An experienced excavator says it's ok
◉ At what depth is shoring required. Answer: 1.2m/4ft
◉ Which best describes the principle of rain waterterm-0 deflection.
Answer: Design and construction that prevents water from ever entering
◉ What lighting safety certifications are required in Canada. Answer:
CSA safety certification
◉ What grit of sandpaper would get the smoothest result. Answer:
Higher grit with get a smoother finish
◉ What is the maximum rise in a flight of stairs. Answer: The vertical
height of any flight of stairs should not exceed 3.7m
◉ What is the minimum distance that a ladder must extend above a
parapet wall or landing. Answer: 3ft
,◉ What heights are end dams to be on windows and door flashings.
Answer: 25mm/1 inch
◉ End dam use. Answer: Stop water from coming in
◉ When should you call for inspectors to make them efficient as
possible. Answer: Group inspectors together when possible and call
when work is complete
◉ When is an HRV required. Answer: Almost always
◉ What can you build under the owner-builder HPO process. Answer:
Single detached home under a single title. Single dwelling attached to
pre-existing building older than 10 years. Single dwelling attached to a
new non-residential building.
◉ Who issues permits for a gas fireplace. Answer: Safety Authority (call
Technical Safe BC)
◉ Can an owner builder take out their own electrical permit. Answer:
Yes, up to 200A
, ◉ What is the best way to apply asphalt waterproofing on a foundation.
Answer: Spray-on or roll on dry foundation with 2in. below grade
◉ When is the appropriate time to backfill a foundation. Answer: After
damp-proofing
◉ What do you need to do when applying a peel and stick waterproof
membrane foundation. Answer: Use an approved primer before
installing
◉ What are gas meter installation requirements. Answer: The distance
from the gas vent to the roof must be greater than the overhang of the
roof, nothing can be with in 1m either side or 4.5m above a gas meter
◉ When do you need to install a handrail or have fall protection.
Answer: 10ft, 4ft if no fall protection
◉ How high does a construction fence around a site need to be. Answer:
6ft
◉ When installing the footer, it was dug down 2in. deeper than what the
elevation should be. What needs to happen. Answer: Install the footing
form at proper elevation and fill with extra concrete
PAPER 2026 QUESTIONS WITH SOLUTIONS
GRADED A+
◉ Which is not an acceptable method for determining the correct
grading for a trench. Answer: An experienced excavator says it's ok
◉ At what depth is shoring required. Answer: 1.2m/4ft
◉ Which best describes the principle of rain waterterm-0 deflection.
Answer: Design and construction that prevents water from ever entering
◉ What lighting safety certifications are required in Canada. Answer:
CSA safety certification
◉ What grit of sandpaper would get the smoothest result. Answer:
Higher grit with get a smoother finish
◉ What is the maximum rise in a flight of stairs. Answer: The vertical
height of any flight of stairs should not exceed 3.7m
◉ What is the minimum distance that a ladder must extend above a
parapet wall or landing. Answer: 3ft
,◉ What heights are end dams to be on windows and door flashings.
Answer: 25mm/1 inch
◉ End dam use. Answer: Stop water from coming in
◉ When should you call for inspectors to make them efficient as
possible. Answer: Group inspectors together when possible and call
when work is complete
◉ When is an HRV required. Answer: Almost always
◉ What can you build under the owner-builder HPO process. Answer:
Single detached home under a single title. Single dwelling attached to
pre-existing building older than 10 years. Single dwelling attached to a
new non-residential building.
◉ Who issues permits for a gas fireplace. Answer: Safety Authority (call
Technical Safe BC)
◉ Can an owner builder take out their own electrical permit. Answer:
Yes, up to 200A
, ◉ What is the best way to apply asphalt waterproofing on a foundation.
Answer: Spray-on or roll on dry foundation with 2in. below grade
◉ When is the appropriate time to backfill a foundation. Answer: After
damp-proofing
◉ What do you need to do when applying a peel and stick waterproof
membrane foundation. Answer: Use an approved primer before
installing
◉ What are gas meter installation requirements. Answer: The distance
from the gas vent to the roof must be greater than the overhang of the
roof, nothing can be with in 1m either side or 4.5m above a gas meter
◉ When do you need to install a handrail or have fall protection.
Answer: 10ft, 4ft if no fall protection
◉ How high does a construction fence around a site need to be. Answer:
6ft
◉ When installing the footer, it was dug down 2in. deeper than what the
elevation should be. What needs to happen. Answer: Install the footing
form at proper elevation and fill with extra concrete
