NEW YORK HOME INSPECTOR
LICENSE EXAMINATION PRACTICE
EXAM Comprehensive State Licensing
Review 2026 Edition | Verified Questions
with Detailed Rationales
Core Domains Covered:
Domain I: Structural Systems (15 questions)
• Foundations, basements, and crawlspaces
• Floor, wall, and roof framing
• Structural defects and settlement issues
• Concrete and masonry construction
Domain II: Exterior & Interior Components (15 questions)
• Roof systems and coverings
• Siding, trim, and exterior finishes
• Windows and doors
• Interior walls, ceilings, and floors
Domain III: Plumbing Systems (12 questions)
• Water supply and distribution
• Drain, waste, and vent (DWV) systems
• Plumbing fixtures and appliances
• Cross-connections and backflow prevention
Domain IV: Electrical Systems (12 questions)
• Service entrance and panels
, • Wiring methods and materials
• Outlets, switches, and fixtures
• GFCI and AFCI requirements
Domain V: Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) (12 questions)
• Furnaces and boilers
• Distribution systems
• Cooling systems and heat pumps
• Ventilation and combustion air
Domain VI: Insulation & Ventilation (8 questions)
• Attic insulation and ventilation
• Crawlspace ventilation and moisture control
• Thermal barriers and vapor retarders
Domain VII: Fire Safety & Other Systems (8 questions)
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Fireplaces and chimneys
• Security and safety devices
Domain VIII: Professional Standards & Ethics (8 questions)
• NY State licensing requirements and regulations
• Standards of practice and code of ethics
• Report writing and communication
• Legal issues and liability
Domain IX: General Building Codes & Safety (5 questions)
• Building code requirements
• Accessibility and egress
• Safety hazards and defects
,Domain I: Structural Systems
1. What is the minimum headroom required for a stairway under most
building codes?
Answer: C. 6 feet 8 inches (80 inches)
Rationale: Headroom of at least 6 feet 8 inches is typically required under
the International Residential Code (IRC) to ensure safe and comfortable use
of stairs. This measurement is taken vertically from the stair tread nosing to
the ceiling above.
A. 6'2"
B. 6'6"
C. 6'8"
D. 7'0"
2. What is the maximum riser height allowed for residential stairs under the
IRC?
Answer: B. 7 3/4 inches
Rationale: The International Residential Code (IRC), adopted by New
York, allows a maximum riser height of 7 3/4 inches. The minimum tread
depth is 10 inches. Variations can create tripping hazards.
A. 6 inches
B. 7 3/4 inches
C. 8 1/2 inches
D. 9 inches
3. What is the minimum slope for proper drainage away from a foundation?
Answer: B. 1/4 inch per foot
Rationale: A slope of 1/4 inch per foot (or 2% grade) for a minimum of 10
feet helps ensure water drains away from the foundation to prevent water
intrusion, basement flooding, and foundation damage.
, A. 1/8 inch per foot
B. 1/4 inch per foot
C. 1/2 inch per foot
D. 1 inch per foot
4. Which of the following is a common foundation defect to report?
Answer: C. Vertical or horizontal cracks in the foundation wall
Rationale: Cracks in foundation walls can indicate structural movement,
settlement, or hydrostatic pressure. Horizontal cracks are particularly
concerning as they may indicate significant lateral pressure and potential wall
failure.
A. Minor surface discoloration
B. Efflorescence on the surface
C. Vertical or horizontal cracks in the foundation wall
D. A small amount of water in the sump pump
5. What type of foundation is most commonly used in New York for
residential construction?
Answer: B. Poured concrete
Rationale: Poured concrete foundations are the most common in New
York residential construction. They provide good structural integrity and are
typically more watertight than block foundations if properly constructed.
A. Brick
B. Poured concrete
C. Stone
D. Wood
6. A home inspector observes a "step" crack in a masonry foundation wall.
This is most commonly caused by:
Answer: C. Differential settlement
Rationale: Step cracks that follow mortar joints in a stepped pattern are
LICENSE EXAMINATION PRACTICE
EXAM Comprehensive State Licensing
Review 2026 Edition | Verified Questions
with Detailed Rationales
Core Domains Covered:
Domain I: Structural Systems (15 questions)
• Foundations, basements, and crawlspaces
• Floor, wall, and roof framing
• Structural defects and settlement issues
• Concrete and masonry construction
Domain II: Exterior & Interior Components (15 questions)
• Roof systems and coverings
• Siding, trim, and exterior finishes
• Windows and doors
• Interior walls, ceilings, and floors
Domain III: Plumbing Systems (12 questions)
• Water supply and distribution
• Drain, waste, and vent (DWV) systems
• Plumbing fixtures and appliances
• Cross-connections and backflow prevention
Domain IV: Electrical Systems (12 questions)
• Service entrance and panels
, • Wiring methods and materials
• Outlets, switches, and fixtures
• GFCI and AFCI requirements
Domain V: Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) (12 questions)
• Furnaces and boilers
• Distribution systems
• Cooling systems and heat pumps
• Ventilation and combustion air
Domain VI: Insulation & Ventilation (8 questions)
• Attic insulation and ventilation
• Crawlspace ventilation and moisture control
• Thermal barriers and vapor retarders
Domain VII: Fire Safety & Other Systems (8 questions)
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Fireplaces and chimneys
• Security and safety devices
Domain VIII: Professional Standards & Ethics (8 questions)
• NY State licensing requirements and regulations
• Standards of practice and code of ethics
• Report writing and communication
• Legal issues and liability
Domain IX: General Building Codes & Safety (5 questions)
• Building code requirements
• Accessibility and egress
• Safety hazards and defects
,Domain I: Structural Systems
1. What is the minimum headroom required for a stairway under most
building codes?
Answer: C. 6 feet 8 inches (80 inches)
Rationale: Headroom of at least 6 feet 8 inches is typically required under
the International Residential Code (IRC) to ensure safe and comfortable use
of stairs. This measurement is taken vertically from the stair tread nosing to
the ceiling above.
A. 6'2"
B. 6'6"
C. 6'8"
D. 7'0"
2. What is the maximum riser height allowed for residential stairs under the
IRC?
Answer: B. 7 3/4 inches
Rationale: The International Residential Code (IRC), adopted by New
York, allows a maximum riser height of 7 3/4 inches. The minimum tread
depth is 10 inches. Variations can create tripping hazards.
A. 6 inches
B. 7 3/4 inches
C. 8 1/2 inches
D. 9 inches
3. What is the minimum slope for proper drainage away from a foundation?
Answer: B. 1/4 inch per foot
Rationale: A slope of 1/4 inch per foot (or 2% grade) for a minimum of 10
feet helps ensure water drains away from the foundation to prevent water
intrusion, basement flooding, and foundation damage.
, A. 1/8 inch per foot
B. 1/4 inch per foot
C. 1/2 inch per foot
D. 1 inch per foot
4. Which of the following is a common foundation defect to report?
Answer: C. Vertical or horizontal cracks in the foundation wall
Rationale: Cracks in foundation walls can indicate structural movement,
settlement, or hydrostatic pressure. Horizontal cracks are particularly
concerning as they may indicate significant lateral pressure and potential wall
failure.
A. Minor surface discoloration
B. Efflorescence on the surface
C. Vertical or horizontal cracks in the foundation wall
D. A small amount of water in the sump pump
5. What type of foundation is most commonly used in New York for
residential construction?
Answer: B. Poured concrete
Rationale: Poured concrete foundations are the most common in New
York residential construction. They provide good structural integrity and are
typically more watertight than block foundations if properly constructed.
A. Brick
B. Poured concrete
C. Stone
D. Wood
6. A home inspector observes a "step" crack in a masonry foundation wall.
This is most commonly caused by:
Answer: C. Differential settlement
Rationale: Step cracks that follow mortar joints in a stepped pattern are
