MASSACHUSETTS HOME INSPECTOR
LICENSE PRACTICE 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 a property and identify major defects
A home inspection assesses the current condition of a property to inform
buyers or sellers about its structural and mechanical state.
2. When inspecting a roof, which material is most prone to cracking in cold
weather?
Asphalt shingles
Asphalt shingles can become brittle and crack in cold weather due to
temperature fluctuations.
3. What is the minimum clearance recommended between the soil and
wooden siding?
6 inches
, This clearance helps prevent moisture wicking into the wood and
potential wood rot.
4. What type of electrical wiring was commonly used before 1950 and is
considered unsafe?
Knob-and-tube wiring
Knob-and-tube wiring lacks grounding and insulation, increasing fire risks.
5. Which system is responsible for removing wastewater from a home?
The plumbing drainage system
The drainage system carries wastewater away from fixtures and out of
the home to the sewer or septic system.
6. How often should a chimney be inspected to ensure safety?
Annually
Chimneys should be inspected yearly to check for blockages, cracks, and
buildup that could cause fires or carbon monoxide hazards.
7. What is the typical lifespan of a modern asphalt roof?
20 to 30 years
Asphalt roofs generally last between 20 and 30 years, depending on
quality and maintenance.
8. What is the function of a GFCI outlet?
To prevent electrical shock by shutting off power when a ground fault is
detected
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters protect users from shocks in wet or damp
areas by cutting power quickly.
, 9. Which side of a window typically has the weatherstripping?
The operable sash side
Weatherstripping seals the moving parts of windows to prevent air and
water infiltration.
10.What is the recommended slope for a typical residential driveway to ensure
proper drainage?
2% slope away from the house
A 2% slope allows water to drain off safely and prevents pooling near the
foundation.
11.What is "settlement" in a home foundation?
The downward movement of the foundation over time
Settlement occurs as soil beneath the foundation compacts or shifts,
causing the structure to move downward.
12.Which insulation type is commonly found blown into attic spaces?
Fiberglass loose-fill insulation
Loose-fill fiberglass is easy to install in attics and provides good thermal
resistance.
13.What is the minimum height a guardrail must be on a deck over 30 inches
above grade?
36 inches
Guardrails are required to prevent falls and must be at least 36 inches
high per Massachusetts building codes.
14.Which household system uses a heat exchanger?
The heating system (furnace or boiler)
LICENSE PRACTICE 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 a property and identify major defects
A home inspection assesses the current condition of a property to inform
buyers or sellers about its structural and mechanical state.
2. When inspecting a roof, which material is most prone to cracking in cold
weather?
Asphalt shingles
Asphalt shingles can become brittle and crack in cold weather due to
temperature fluctuations.
3. What is the minimum clearance recommended between the soil and
wooden siding?
6 inches
, This clearance helps prevent moisture wicking into the wood and
potential wood rot.
4. What type of electrical wiring was commonly used before 1950 and is
considered unsafe?
Knob-and-tube wiring
Knob-and-tube wiring lacks grounding and insulation, increasing fire risks.
5. Which system is responsible for removing wastewater from a home?
The plumbing drainage system
The drainage system carries wastewater away from fixtures and out of
the home to the sewer or septic system.
6. How often should a chimney be inspected to ensure safety?
Annually
Chimneys should be inspected yearly to check for blockages, cracks, and
buildup that could cause fires or carbon monoxide hazards.
7. What is the typical lifespan of a modern asphalt roof?
20 to 30 years
Asphalt roofs generally last between 20 and 30 years, depending on
quality and maintenance.
8. What is the function of a GFCI outlet?
To prevent electrical shock by shutting off power when a ground fault is
detected
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters protect users from shocks in wet or damp
areas by cutting power quickly.
, 9. Which side of a window typically has the weatherstripping?
The operable sash side
Weatherstripping seals the moving parts of windows to prevent air and
water infiltration.
10.What is the recommended slope for a typical residential driveway to ensure
proper drainage?
2% slope away from the house
A 2% slope allows water to drain off safely and prevents pooling near the
foundation.
11.What is "settlement" in a home foundation?
The downward movement of the foundation over time
Settlement occurs as soil beneath the foundation compacts or shifts,
causing the structure to move downward.
12.Which insulation type is commonly found blown into attic spaces?
Fiberglass loose-fill insulation
Loose-fill fiberglass is easy to install in attics and provides good thermal
resistance.
13.What is the minimum height a guardrail must be on a deck over 30 inches
above grade?
36 inches
Guardrails are required to prevent falls and must be at least 36 inches
high per Massachusetts building codes.
14.Which household system uses a heat exchanger?
The heating system (furnace or boiler)
