HOME INSPECTOR EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS (NHIE)
LATEST 2026 UPDATE FAST REVIWED FROM ACTUAL TEST
100 QUESTIONS AND 100% VERIFIED ANSWERS| A+ GRADE
Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. What is the primary purpose of a home inspection?
A. To appraise property value
B. To identify visible defects and safety issues
C. To guarantee future performance
D. To enforce building codes
B. To identify visible defects and safety issues
The inspector evaluates observable conditions, not future performance or compliance
enforcement.
2. Which roofing material typically has the longest lifespan?
A. Asphalt shingles
B. Wood shakes
C. Slate
D. Rolled roofing
C. Slate
Slate roofs can last over 75–100 years when properly maintained.
3. What is the main function of flashing on a roof?
A. Insulation
B. Structural support
C. Water diversion
D. Ventilation
C. Water diversion
Flashing prevents water intrusion at joints and penetrations.
4. A GFCI outlet is designed to protect against:
A. Overheating wires
B. Electrical surges
C. Ground faults
D. Short circuits
C. Ground faults
GFCIs trip when they detect imbalance in current flow.
5. What does a double-tapped breaker indicate?
A. Proper wiring
B. Two wires under one terminal
C. Overloaded circuit
D. Grounding issue
B. Two wires under one terminal
Most breakers are not rated for two conductors.
6. What is the typical slope for proper drainage away from a foundation?
A. 1 inch per 10 feet
B. 6 inches per 10 feet
C. 1 inch per foot
, D. Flat
B. 6 inches per 10 feet
This helps prevent water intrusion into the structure.
7. Which component is part of the structural framing system?
A. Drywall
B. Joists
C. Insulation
D. Siding
B. Joists
Joists support floors and ceilings structurally.
8. What is efflorescence?
A. Mold growth
B. Salt deposits on masonry
C. Wood rot
D. Paint peeling
B. Salt deposits on masonry
It indicates moisture movement through materials.
9. Which tool measures moisture in building materials?
A. Thermometer
B. Hygrometer
C. Moisture meter
D. Anemometer
C. Moisture meter
Used to detect hidden water issues.
10. What type of foundation crack is most concerning?
A. Hairline vertical
B. Diagonal wide crack
C. Surface crack
D. Shrinkage crack
B. Diagonal wide crack
This may indicate structural movement.
11. What is the function of a trap in plumbing?
A. Increase pressure
B. Prevent sewer gases
C. Filter debris
D. Speed drainage
B. Prevent sewer gases
Traps hold water to block gases.
12. Which pipe material is most prone to corrosion?
A. PVC
B. Copper
C. Galvanized steel
D. PEX
C. Galvanized steel
It corrodes internally over time.
, 13. What does HVAC stand for?
A. Heating, Ventilation, and Cooling
B. Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
C. Heat, Ventilation, and Airflow Control
D. Heat and Ventilation Control
B. Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
Standard term for climate control systems.
14. What is a common sign of termite damage?
A. Rust stains
B. Mud tubes
C. Paint bubbles
D. Water stains
B. Mud tubes
Termites build tubes for moisture and protection.
15. Which insulation has the highest R-value per inch?
A. Fiberglass
B. Cellulose
C. Spray foam
D. Mineral wool
C. Spray foam
Provides superior thermal resistance.
16. What is the purpose of a sump pump?
A. Heat water
B. Remove basement water
C. Increase pressure
D. Filter water
B. Remove basement water
Prevents flooding in low areas.
17. What is backflow?
A. Water heating
B. Reverse water flow
C. Pressure increase
D. Pipe leakage
B. Reverse water flow
Can contaminate potable water.
18. What is the typical voltage for residential outlets?
A. 60V
B. 120V
C. 240V
D. 480V
B. 120V
Standard household outlets use 120 volts.
19. What does a home inspector NOT do?
A. Identify defects
B. Provide repair estimates
C. Observe systems
LATEST 2026 UPDATE FAST REVIWED FROM ACTUAL TEST
100 QUESTIONS AND 100% VERIFIED ANSWERS| A+ GRADE
Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. What is the primary purpose of a home inspection?
A. To appraise property value
B. To identify visible defects and safety issues
C. To guarantee future performance
D. To enforce building codes
B. To identify visible defects and safety issues
The inspector evaluates observable conditions, not future performance or compliance
enforcement.
2. Which roofing material typically has the longest lifespan?
A. Asphalt shingles
B. Wood shakes
C. Slate
D. Rolled roofing
C. Slate
Slate roofs can last over 75–100 years when properly maintained.
3. What is the main function of flashing on a roof?
A. Insulation
B. Structural support
C. Water diversion
D. Ventilation
C. Water diversion
Flashing prevents water intrusion at joints and penetrations.
4. A GFCI outlet is designed to protect against:
A. Overheating wires
B. Electrical surges
C. Ground faults
D. Short circuits
C. Ground faults
GFCIs trip when they detect imbalance in current flow.
5. What does a double-tapped breaker indicate?
A. Proper wiring
B. Two wires under one terminal
C. Overloaded circuit
D. Grounding issue
B. Two wires under one terminal
Most breakers are not rated for two conductors.
6. What is the typical slope for proper drainage away from a foundation?
A. 1 inch per 10 feet
B. 6 inches per 10 feet
C. 1 inch per foot
, D. Flat
B. 6 inches per 10 feet
This helps prevent water intrusion into the structure.
7. Which component is part of the structural framing system?
A. Drywall
B. Joists
C. Insulation
D. Siding
B. Joists
Joists support floors and ceilings structurally.
8. What is efflorescence?
A. Mold growth
B. Salt deposits on masonry
C. Wood rot
D. Paint peeling
B. Salt deposits on masonry
It indicates moisture movement through materials.
9. Which tool measures moisture in building materials?
A. Thermometer
B. Hygrometer
C. Moisture meter
D. Anemometer
C. Moisture meter
Used to detect hidden water issues.
10. What type of foundation crack is most concerning?
A. Hairline vertical
B. Diagonal wide crack
C. Surface crack
D. Shrinkage crack
B. Diagonal wide crack
This may indicate structural movement.
11. What is the function of a trap in plumbing?
A. Increase pressure
B. Prevent sewer gases
C. Filter debris
D. Speed drainage
B. Prevent sewer gases
Traps hold water to block gases.
12. Which pipe material is most prone to corrosion?
A. PVC
B. Copper
C. Galvanized steel
D. PEX
C. Galvanized steel
It corrodes internally over time.
, 13. What does HVAC stand for?
A. Heating, Ventilation, and Cooling
B. Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
C. Heat, Ventilation, and Airflow Control
D. Heat and Ventilation Control
B. Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
Standard term for climate control systems.
14. What is a common sign of termite damage?
A. Rust stains
B. Mud tubes
C. Paint bubbles
D. Water stains
B. Mud tubes
Termites build tubes for moisture and protection.
15. Which insulation has the highest R-value per inch?
A. Fiberglass
B. Cellulose
C. Spray foam
D. Mineral wool
C. Spray foam
Provides superior thermal resistance.
16. What is the purpose of a sump pump?
A. Heat water
B. Remove basement water
C. Increase pressure
D. Filter water
B. Remove basement water
Prevents flooding in low areas.
17. What is backflow?
A. Water heating
B. Reverse water flow
C. Pressure increase
D. Pipe leakage
B. Reverse water flow
Can contaminate potable water.
18. What is the typical voltage for residential outlets?
A. 60V
B. 120V
C. 240V
D. 480V
B. 120V
Standard household outlets use 120 volts.
19. What does a home inspector NOT do?
A. Identify defects
B. Provide repair estimates
C. Observe systems
