BC Owner Builder Question and Answer
[2026] | UPDATED ACTUAL Exam |
Exam Script Review
• Order of inspections -✓✓ 1: forms, basement and crawlspace
2: Plumbing, dampproofing, foundation drainage , sanitary sewer, storm sewer,
sump, water service
3: plumbing, electrical, mechanical, gas
4: framing inspection
5: insulation and vapour barrier
6: rainscreen/exterior finishs, drywall
7: building envelop inspection
8: final inspection
• Which is not an acceptable method for determining the correct grading for a
trench? -✓✓ An experienced excavator says it's ok
• At what depth is shoring required? -✓✓ 1.2m/4ft
• Which best describes the principle of rain waterterm-0 deflection? -✓✓ Design
and construction that prevents water from ever entering
• What lighting safety certifications are required in Canada? -✓✓ CSA safety
certification
• What grit of sandpaper would get the smoothest result? -✓✓ Higher grit with get
a smoother finish
,• What is the maximum rise in a flight of stairs? -✓✓ The vertical height of any
flight of stairs should not exceed 3.7m
• What is the minimum distance that a ladder must extend above a parapet wall or
landing? -✓✓ 3ft
• What heights are end dams to be on windows and door flashings? -✓✓ 25mm/1
inch
• End dam use -✓✓ Stop water from coming in
• When should you call for inspectors to make them efficient as possible? -✓✓
Group inspectors together when possible and call when work is complete
• When is an HRV required? -✓✓ Almost always
• What can you build under the owner-builder HPO process? -✓✓ Single detached
home under a single title. Single dwelling attached to pre-existing building older
than 10 years. Single dwelling attached to a new non-residential building.
• Who issues permits for a gas fireplace? -✓✓ Safety Authority (call Technical
Safe BC)
• Can an owner builder take out their own electrical permit? -✓✓ Yes, up to 200A
, • What is the best way to apply asphalt waterproofing on a foundation? -✓✓ Spray-
on or roll on dry foundation with 2in. below grade
• When is the appropriate time to backfill a foundation? -✓✓ After damp-proofing
• What do you need to do when applying a peel and stick waterproof membrane
foundation? -✓✓ Use an approved primer before installing
• What are gas meter installation requirements? -✓✓ The distance from the gas
vent to the roof must be greater than the overhang of the roof, nothing can be with
in 1m either side or 4.5m above a gas meter
• When do you need to install a handrail or have fall protection? -✓✓ 10ft, 4ft if no
fall protection
• How high does a construction fence around a site need to be? -✓✓ 6ft
• When installing the footer, it was dug down 2in. deeper than what the elevation
should be. What needs to happen? -✓✓ Install the footing form at proper elevation
and fill with extra concrete
• When installing flashing for a roof valley how much do the asphalt shingles need
to overlap? -✓✓ 6in.
• What would cause a blister on a flat roof? -✓✓ Moisture trapped under roof
• Water is backing up in a skylight, what do you do to fix it? -✓✓ Clear drainage
[2026] | UPDATED ACTUAL Exam |
Exam Script Review
• Order of inspections -✓✓ 1: forms, basement and crawlspace
2: Plumbing, dampproofing, foundation drainage , sanitary sewer, storm sewer,
sump, water service
3: plumbing, electrical, mechanical, gas
4: framing inspection
5: insulation and vapour barrier
6: rainscreen/exterior finishs, drywall
7: building envelop inspection
8: final inspection
• Which is not an acceptable method for determining the correct grading for a
trench? -✓✓ An experienced excavator says it's ok
• At what depth is shoring required? -✓✓ 1.2m/4ft
• Which best describes the principle of rain waterterm-0 deflection? -✓✓ Design
and construction that prevents water from ever entering
• What lighting safety certifications are required in Canada? -✓✓ CSA safety
certification
• What grit of sandpaper would get the smoothest result? -✓✓ Higher grit with get
a smoother finish
,• What is the maximum rise in a flight of stairs? -✓✓ The vertical height of any
flight of stairs should not exceed 3.7m
• What is the minimum distance that a ladder must extend above a parapet wall or
landing? -✓✓ 3ft
• What heights are end dams to be on windows and door flashings? -✓✓ 25mm/1
inch
• End dam use -✓✓ Stop water from coming in
• When should you call for inspectors to make them efficient as possible? -✓✓
Group inspectors together when possible and call when work is complete
• When is an HRV required? -✓✓ Almost always
• What can you build under the owner-builder HPO process? -✓✓ Single detached
home under a single title. Single dwelling attached to pre-existing building older
than 10 years. Single dwelling attached to a new non-residential building.
• Who issues permits for a gas fireplace? -✓✓ Safety Authority (call Technical
Safe BC)
• Can an owner builder take out their own electrical permit? -✓✓ Yes, up to 200A
, • What is the best way to apply asphalt waterproofing on a foundation? -✓✓ Spray-
on or roll on dry foundation with 2in. below grade
• When is the appropriate time to backfill a foundation? -✓✓ After damp-proofing
• What do you need to do when applying a peel and stick waterproof membrane
foundation? -✓✓ Use an approved primer before installing
• What are gas meter installation requirements? -✓✓ The distance from the gas
vent to the roof must be greater than the overhang of the roof, nothing can be with
in 1m either side or 4.5m above a gas meter
• When do you need to install a handrail or have fall protection? -✓✓ 10ft, 4ft if no
fall protection
• How high does a construction fence around a site need to be? -✓✓ 6ft
• When installing the footer, it was dug down 2in. deeper than what the elevation
should be. What needs to happen? -✓✓ Install the footing form at proper elevation
and fill with extra concrete
• When installing flashing for a roof valley how much do the asphalt shingles need
to overlap? -✓✓ 6in.
• What would cause a blister on a flat roof? -✓✓ Moisture trapped under roof
• Water is backing up in a skylight, what do you do to fix it? -✓✓ Clear drainage
