OHIO 767 Home Improvement Contractor (ICC 767-
OH-GC) Exam Review Questions and Answers
Latest Version Top Rated A+
Question 1 (Framing - Wall Framing):
In wood-frame construction for a residential addition in Ohio, what is
the maximum spacing allowed for studs in load-bearing walls unless
otherwise engineered?
A) 12 inches on center
B) 16 inches on center
C) 24 inches on center
D) 36 inches on center
Correct Answer: B) 16 inches on center
Rationale: Per the Residential Code of Ohio (based on IRC Section
R602.3), standard stud spacing for load-bearing walls is 16 inches o.c.
for most common applications. Wider spacing may be allowed with
engineering or for non-bearing walls, but 16" is the default prescriptive
requirement. Always verify with local amendments and plans.
Question 2 (Footings and Foundations):
When pouring a new concrete footing for a home addition in Ohio,
what is the minimum depth below finished grade required to protect
against frost heave?
,A) 12 inches
B) 24 inches
C) 30 inches
D) 42 inches
Correct Answer: D) 42 inches
Rationale: Ohio requires footings to extend at least 42 inches below
finished grade for frost protection in most areas (IRC Table R403.1(1)
and Ohio amendments). This prevents frost heave in cold climates. Soil
conditions and local jurisdiction may require deeper.
Question 3 (Egress):
For a basement bedroom in a renovated Ohio home, what are the
minimum dimensions for an emergency egress window?
A) 5 square feet net clear opening
B) 5.7 square feet net clear opening, with minimum 24" height and 20"
width
C) 4 square feet net clear opening
D) No requirements if there is a door
Correct Answer: B) 5.7 square feet net clear opening, with minimum
24" height and 20" width
Rationale: IRC Section R310 (adopted in Ohio Residential Code) requires
emergency escape and rescue openings to meet these minimums for
,sleeping rooms in basements. The sill height, operation, and landing
requirements also apply for safety.
Question 4 (Framing - Floor Systems):
When sistering a floor joist in an existing Ohio home renovation, the
new sister joist must:
A) Be the same depth and at least 2/3 the length of the existing joist
B) Extend the full length and be securely fastened
C) Only need to cover the damaged section
D) Be approved by an engineer in all cases
Correct Answer: B) Extend the full length and be securely fastened
Rationale: Best practice and code (IRC R502) generally require sister
joists to run the full length for proper load transfer. Proper nailing or
bolting schedule is critical. Engineering may be needed for significant
structural repairs.
Question 5 (Roofing):
In Ohio, what is required for ice barrier protection on roofs in areas
prone to ice dams?
A) Underlayment extending 12 inches inside the exterior wall line
B) Underlayment extending to the ridge
C) No special requirements
D) Self-adhering membrane extending 24 inches inside the wall line
, Correct Answer: D) Self-adhering membrane extending 24 inches inside
the wall line (or per local requirements)
Rationale: IRC R905.1.2 (and Ohio) requires ice barriers in regions
where there is a history of ice damming. Typically a self-adhering
waterproof underlayment extending from the eave to at least 24"
inside the interior wall line.
Question 6 (Decks and Guards):
For a residential deck in Ohio with a walking surface 30 inches or more
above grade, what is the maximum allowable spacing between
balusters in the guard railing?
A) 6 inches
B) 4 inches
C) 8 inches
D) 10 inches
Correct Answer: B) 4 inches
Rationale: IRC Section R312 requires guards to prevent passage of a 4-
inch sphere to protect children. This applies to decks, porches, and
similar elevated surfaces in home improvements.
Question 7 (Administration/Permits):
OH-GC) Exam Review Questions and Answers
Latest Version Top Rated A+
Question 1 (Framing - Wall Framing):
In wood-frame construction for a residential addition in Ohio, what is
the maximum spacing allowed for studs in load-bearing walls unless
otherwise engineered?
A) 12 inches on center
B) 16 inches on center
C) 24 inches on center
D) 36 inches on center
Correct Answer: B) 16 inches on center
Rationale: Per the Residential Code of Ohio (based on IRC Section
R602.3), standard stud spacing for load-bearing walls is 16 inches o.c.
for most common applications. Wider spacing may be allowed with
engineering or for non-bearing walls, but 16" is the default prescriptive
requirement. Always verify with local amendments and plans.
Question 2 (Footings and Foundations):
When pouring a new concrete footing for a home addition in Ohio,
what is the minimum depth below finished grade required to protect
against frost heave?
,A) 12 inches
B) 24 inches
C) 30 inches
D) 42 inches
Correct Answer: D) 42 inches
Rationale: Ohio requires footings to extend at least 42 inches below
finished grade for frost protection in most areas (IRC Table R403.1(1)
and Ohio amendments). This prevents frost heave in cold climates. Soil
conditions and local jurisdiction may require deeper.
Question 3 (Egress):
For a basement bedroom in a renovated Ohio home, what are the
minimum dimensions for an emergency egress window?
A) 5 square feet net clear opening
B) 5.7 square feet net clear opening, with minimum 24" height and 20"
width
C) 4 square feet net clear opening
D) No requirements if there is a door
Correct Answer: B) 5.7 square feet net clear opening, with minimum
24" height and 20" width
Rationale: IRC Section R310 (adopted in Ohio Residential Code) requires
emergency escape and rescue openings to meet these minimums for
,sleeping rooms in basements. The sill height, operation, and landing
requirements also apply for safety.
Question 4 (Framing - Floor Systems):
When sistering a floor joist in an existing Ohio home renovation, the
new sister joist must:
A) Be the same depth and at least 2/3 the length of the existing joist
B) Extend the full length and be securely fastened
C) Only need to cover the damaged section
D) Be approved by an engineer in all cases
Correct Answer: B) Extend the full length and be securely fastened
Rationale: Best practice and code (IRC R502) generally require sister
joists to run the full length for proper load transfer. Proper nailing or
bolting schedule is critical. Engineering may be needed for significant
structural repairs.
Question 5 (Roofing):
In Ohio, what is required for ice barrier protection on roofs in areas
prone to ice dams?
A) Underlayment extending 12 inches inside the exterior wall line
B) Underlayment extending to the ridge
C) No special requirements
D) Self-adhering membrane extending 24 inches inside the wall line
, Correct Answer: D) Self-adhering membrane extending 24 inches inside
the wall line (or per local requirements)
Rationale: IRC R905.1.2 (and Ohio) requires ice barriers in regions
where there is a history of ice damming. Typically a self-adhering
waterproof underlayment extending from the eave to at least 24"
inside the interior wall line.
Question 6 (Decks and Guards):
For a residential deck in Ohio with a walking surface 30 inches or more
above grade, what is the maximum allowable spacing between
balusters in the guard railing?
A) 6 inches
B) 4 inches
C) 8 inches
D) 10 inches
Correct Answer: B) 4 inches
Rationale: IRC Section R312 requires guards to prevent passage of a 4-
inch sphere to protect children. This applies to decks, porches, and
similar elevated surfaces in home improvements.
Question 7 (Administration/Permits):
