Professional Home Inspector Exam
NHIE / TREC Questions and Answers |
Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct &
Verified
Why is it important to inspect the foundation of a home?
✔✔Because foundation problems can lead to structural damage and costly repairs.
Which system should be inspected for water leaks and damage?
✔✔The plumbing system, including pipes, fixtures, and water heaters.
Why is checking the roof essential during an inspection?
✔✔To identify damage, leaks, or potential failures that could compromise the home.
Which feature is critical to inspect for electrical safety?
✔✔The main electrical panel, breakers, wiring, and outlets.
Why should windows and doors be inspected?
✔✔To ensure they operate correctly, seal properly, and provide safety.
What is the importance of inspecting the HVAC system?
✔✔To verify proper operation, efficiency, and safety of heating, ventilation, and cooling.
1
,Which area is most important to check for signs of water intrusion?
✔✔Basements, crawl spaces, and around windows and doors.
Why is inspecting exterior siding important?
✔✔To identify rot, water damage, or pest infestation risks.
What is the purpose of a chimney inspection?
✔✔To ensure structural integrity, proper venting, and the absence of blockages or fire hazards.
Why is it necessary to inspect attics?
✔✔To check insulation, ventilation, structural issues, and signs of moisture or pests.
What should be checked in a garage during an inspection?
✔✔Doors, openers, structural integrity, and fire safety measures.
Why is inspecting decks and porches important?
✔✔To ensure structural soundness and safety for use.
Which aspect of flooring is most commonly inspected?
✔✔Signs of damage, uneven surfaces, water intrusion, and safety hazards.
Why is inspecting bathrooms critical in a home inspection?
2
,✔✔To identify leaks, water damage, proper ventilation, and functional fixtures.
Which component of a home is inspected for pest damage?
✔✔Wooden structures, basements, attics, and exterior areas for termites or rodents.
Why should smoke and carbon monoxide detectors be checked?
✔✔To ensure proper operation and compliance with safety standards.
What is the purpose of inspecting the water heater?
✔✔To verify proper installation, operation, and safety features like pressure relief valves.
Why should stairs and handrails be inspected?
✔✔To ensure safety, stability, and code compliance.
Which part of the home is most important for checking drainage issues?
✔✔The grading around the foundation and downspouts.
Why is inspecting appliances part of a home inspection?
✔✔To verify functionality, safety, and condition of built-in appliances.
Which system is critical to inspect for fire safety?
✔✔Electrical system, including wiring, outlets, and panel components.
3
, Why is inspecting insulation important?
✔✔To assess energy efficiency, moisture control, and potential health concerns.
Which type of structural damage should be prioritized during inspection?
✔✔Cracks in foundations, beams, or load-bearing walls.
Why should exterior walkways and driveways be inspected?
✔✔To identify trip hazards, cracks, and drainage issues.
Which plumbing feature is checked for proper water pressure?
✔✔Fixtures, valves, and supply lines.
Why is it important to inspect sump pumps?
✔✔To ensure proper operation and prevent basement flooding.
Which inspection step ensures compliance with local building codes?
✔✔Review of structural, electrical, plumbing, and safety systems against code standards.
Why should the inspector check for mold and mildew?
✔✔To identify water intrusion problems and potential health hazards.
4
NHIE / TREC Questions and Answers |
Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct &
Verified
Why is it important to inspect the foundation of a home?
✔✔Because foundation problems can lead to structural damage and costly repairs.
Which system should be inspected for water leaks and damage?
✔✔The plumbing system, including pipes, fixtures, and water heaters.
Why is checking the roof essential during an inspection?
✔✔To identify damage, leaks, or potential failures that could compromise the home.
Which feature is critical to inspect for electrical safety?
✔✔The main electrical panel, breakers, wiring, and outlets.
Why should windows and doors be inspected?
✔✔To ensure they operate correctly, seal properly, and provide safety.
What is the importance of inspecting the HVAC system?
✔✔To verify proper operation, efficiency, and safety of heating, ventilation, and cooling.
1
,Which area is most important to check for signs of water intrusion?
✔✔Basements, crawl spaces, and around windows and doors.
Why is inspecting exterior siding important?
✔✔To identify rot, water damage, or pest infestation risks.
What is the purpose of a chimney inspection?
✔✔To ensure structural integrity, proper venting, and the absence of blockages or fire hazards.
Why is it necessary to inspect attics?
✔✔To check insulation, ventilation, structural issues, and signs of moisture or pests.
What should be checked in a garage during an inspection?
✔✔Doors, openers, structural integrity, and fire safety measures.
Why is inspecting decks and porches important?
✔✔To ensure structural soundness and safety for use.
Which aspect of flooring is most commonly inspected?
✔✔Signs of damage, uneven surfaces, water intrusion, and safety hazards.
Why is inspecting bathrooms critical in a home inspection?
2
,✔✔To identify leaks, water damage, proper ventilation, and functional fixtures.
Which component of a home is inspected for pest damage?
✔✔Wooden structures, basements, attics, and exterior areas for termites or rodents.
Why should smoke and carbon monoxide detectors be checked?
✔✔To ensure proper operation and compliance with safety standards.
What is the purpose of inspecting the water heater?
✔✔To verify proper installation, operation, and safety features like pressure relief valves.
Why should stairs and handrails be inspected?
✔✔To ensure safety, stability, and code compliance.
Which part of the home is most important for checking drainage issues?
✔✔The grading around the foundation and downspouts.
Why is inspecting appliances part of a home inspection?
✔✔To verify functionality, safety, and condition of built-in appliances.
Which system is critical to inspect for fire safety?
✔✔Electrical system, including wiring, outlets, and panel components.
3
, Why is inspecting insulation important?
✔✔To assess energy efficiency, moisture control, and potential health concerns.
Which type of structural damage should be prioritized during inspection?
✔✔Cracks in foundations, beams, or load-bearing walls.
Why should exterior walkways and driveways be inspected?
✔✔To identify trip hazards, cracks, and drainage issues.
Which plumbing feature is checked for proper water pressure?
✔✔Fixtures, valves, and supply lines.
Why is it important to inspect sump pumps?
✔✔To ensure proper operation and prevent basement flooding.
Which inspection step ensures compliance with local building codes?
✔✔Review of structural, electrical, plumbing, and safety systems against code standards.
Why should the inspector check for mold and mildew?
✔✔To identify water intrusion problems and potential health hazards.
4
