Connecticut Home Inspector Intern Practice
Exam Practice Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
Practice Question Bank & Answer Rationale
THIS PACK CONTAINS
149 exam-style multiple-choice questions. Each question includes the correct answer and a complete
rationale for focused revision.
COVERAGE
This examination assesses competency in residential home inspection principles, including structural
systems, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, exteriors, interiors, insulation/ventilation, and
Connecticut-specific licensing regulations. It emphasizes practical application, defect recognition, and
adherence to ASHI and Connecticut Home Inspection Licensing Board standards.
STUDY GUIDE
Recommended duration: 2 hours. Passing target: 80% (40/50 correct).
HIGHP - Page 1 of 53
,1. During an inspection of a 1920s colonial, you observe a vertical crack in the concrete
foundation wall that is wider at the top than at the bottom and has horizontal
displacement. Which of the following is the most likely cause?
[ ] A. Normal concrete shrinkage
[ ] B. Frost heave beneath the footing
[ ] C. Lateral soil pressure or hydrostatic pressure
[ ] D. Settlement of the footing due to soil consolidation
CORRECT: C. Lateral soil pressure or hydrostatic pressure
A crack wider at the top with horizontal displacement indicates lateral force pushing the wall inward,
commonly from soil or hydrostatic pressure. Shrinkage cracks are typically uniform and vertical, frost heave
causes lifting, and footing settlement often produces diagonal or stair-step cracks. Lateral pressure is a
structural concern requiring further evaluation.
2. In Connecticut, a home inspector is required to provide a written report to the client
within how many days after the inspection, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing?
[ ] A. 2 business days
[ ] B. 5 business days
[ ] C. 10 calendar days
[ ] D. 24 hours
CORRECT: B. 5 business days
Connecticut regulations (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 20-491) require the inspection report to be delivered within 5
business days unless a different period is agreed upon in writing. This ensures timely disclosure while
allowing for report preparation. Other options do not reflect the statutory requirement.
3. While inspecting an electrical panel, you notice a white conductor connected to a circuit
breaker and the panel enclosure has a bonding jumper from the neutral bar to the panel
can. Which of the following is the most accurate observation?
[ ] A. The white conductor should be re-identified as an ungrounded conductor with tape or marker.
[ ] B. The bonding jumper is correct because it provides a ground fault path.
[ ] C. The white conductor is acceptable if it is part of a 240-volt circuit.
[ ] D. The bonding jumper should be removed because it creates a parallel neutral path.
CORRECT: A. The white conductor should be re-identified as an ungrounded conductor with tape or
marker.
When a white conductor is used as an ungrounded (hot) conductor, it must be re-identified with tape or
marker at all terminations. The bonding jumper from neutral to panel can is only permitted at the service
equipment, not in subpanels, to prevent parallel neutral paths. Options B, C, and D misstate code
requirements.
HIGHP - Page 2 of 53
,4. A gas-fired forced-air furnace has a cracked heat exchanger. Which of the following is
the most significant safety hazard associated with this condition?
[ ] A. Reduced heating efficiency
[ ] B. Carbon monoxide leakage into the supply air
[ ] C. Excessive condensation in the flue
[ ] D. Premature blower motor failure
CORRECT: B. Carbon monoxide leakage into the supply air
A cracked heat exchanger can allow carbon monoxide to mix with supply air and be distributed throughout
the home, posing a serious health risk. While efficiency may drop, the primary hazard is CO poisoning.
Condensation and blower issues are secondary concerns.
5. During a roof inspection, you observe that the asphalt shingles are curling and losing
granules, and the roof has a single layer of 15-year shingles installed over 1x6 skip
sheathing. Which of the following is the most appropriate recommendation?
[ ] A. Apply a new layer of shingles over the existing ones to save cost.
[ ] B. Remove the existing shingles and install a solid deck before re-roofing.
[ ] C. Repair the curled shingles and apply a reflective coating.
[ ] D. Replace only the damaged shingles and monitor annually.
CORRECT: B. Remove the existing shingles and install a solid deck before re-roofing.
Skip sheathing (spaced boards) does not provide a solid nailing surface for new shingles and may not meet
current code. The best practice is to remove existing shingles, install solid decking, and then apply new
roofing. Overlaying shingles on skip sheathing is not recommended.
6. A home inspector observes a horizontal crack in a brick veneer wall that follows the
mortar joints and extends across several courses. The crack is wider at the top and
narrows downward. Which of the following is the most likely cause?
[ ] A. Thermal expansion of the brick
[ ] B. Differential settlement of the foundation
[ ] C. Lack of wall ties
[ ] D. Moisture expansion of the brick
CORRECT: B. Differential settlement of the foundation
A horizontal crack that is wider at the top and narrows downward often indicates differential settlement,
where one part of the foundation settles more than another. Thermal expansion typically causes vertical or
stair-step cracks, and missing wall ties can cause bulging, not horizontal cracking. Moisture expansion is less
common and usually causes vertical cracking.
HIGHP - Page 3 of 53
, 7. In a residential plumbing system, which of the following conditions is most likely to
cause a foul odor in the home?
[ ] A. A clogged main drain line
[ ] B. A dry trap in a floor drain
[ ] C. A water heater set too high
[ ] D. A leaky faucet
CORRECT: B. A dry trap in a floor drain
A dry trap allows sewer gases to enter the home because the water seal has evaporated. Clogged drains
cause backups, not odors, and a leaky faucet or high water heater temperature do not directly cause sewer
gas odors. Regular priming of floor drains is recommended.
8. A home inspector notes that the attic insulation is compressed and has a visible dark
staining on the underside of the roof sheathing. What is the most likely explanation for
these observations?
[ ] A. Excessive insulation depth causing moisture buildup
[ ] B. Poor attic ventilation leading to condensation and mold growth
[ ] C. Roof leak causing water damage
[ ] D. Insulation installed upside down
CORRECT: B. Poor attic ventilation leading to condensation and mold growth
Dark staining on roof sheathing often indicates mold or moisture damage from poor ventilation, which traps
warm moist air in the attic. Compressed insulation reduces R-value but does not cause staining. A roof leak
would typically show water stains, not uniform dark staining. Insulation orientation does not cause staining.
9. When inspecting a deck, which of the following attachment methods is considered
acceptable for securing the ledger board to the house?
[ ] A. Nails driven at an angle through the ledger into the rim joist
[ ] B. Lag screws or through-bolts with washers, properly spaced
[ ] C. Construction adhesive alone
[ ] D. Wood screws into the siding
CORRECT: B. Lag screws or through-bolts with washers, properly spaced
Lag screws or through-bolts with washers are required to properly secure a ledger board to the house, as
they provide sufficient withdrawal resistance. Nails, adhesive alone, or screws into siding are inadequate and
can lead to deck collapse. Proper flashing is also essential.
10. A home inspector is examining a chimney and notes that it lacks a rain cap and the
crown is cracked. Which of the following is the most significant potential consequence?
[ ] A. Reduced draft efficiency
HIGHP - Page 4 of 53
Exam Practice Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
Practice Question Bank & Answer Rationale
THIS PACK CONTAINS
149 exam-style multiple-choice questions. Each question includes the correct answer and a complete
rationale for focused revision.
COVERAGE
This examination assesses competency in residential home inspection principles, including structural
systems, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, exteriors, interiors, insulation/ventilation, and
Connecticut-specific licensing regulations. It emphasizes practical application, defect recognition, and
adherence to ASHI and Connecticut Home Inspection Licensing Board standards.
STUDY GUIDE
Recommended duration: 2 hours. Passing target: 80% (40/50 correct).
HIGHP - Page 1 of 53
,1. During an inspection of a 1920s colonial, you observe a vertical crack in the concrete
foundation wall that is wider at the top than at the bottom and has horizontal
displacement. Which of the following is the most likely cause?
[ ] A. Normal concrete shrinkage
[ ] B. Frost heave beneath the footing
[ ] C. Lateral soil pressure or hydrostatic pressure
[ ] D. Settlement of the footing due to soil consolidation
CORRECT: C. Lateral soil pressure or hydrostatic pressure
A crack wider at the top with horizontal displacement indicates lateral force pushing the wall inward,
commonly from soil or hydrostatic pressure. Shrinkage cracks are typically uniform and vertical, frost heave
causes lifting, and footing settlement often produces diagonal or stair-step cracks. Lateral pressure is a
structural concern requiring further evaluation.
2. In Connecticut, a home inspector is required to provide a written report to the client
within how many days after the inspection, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing?
[ ] A. 2 business days
[ ] B. 5 business days
[ ] C. 10 calendar days
[ ] D. 24 hours
CORRECT: B. 5 business days
Connecticut regulations (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 20-491) require the inspection report to be delivered within 5
business days unless a different period is agreed upon in writing. This ensures timely disclosure while
allowing for report preparation. Other options do not reflect the statutory requirement.
3. While inspecting an electrical panel, you notice a white conductor connected to a circuit
breaker and the panel enclosure has a bonding jumper from the neutral bar to the panel
can. Which of the following is the most accurate observation?
[ ] A. The white conductor should be re-identified as an ungrounded conductor with tape or marker.
[ ] B. The bonding jumper is correct because it provides a ground fault path.
[ ] C. The white conductor is acceptable if it is part of a 240-volt circuit.
[ ] D. The bonding jumper should be removed because it creates a parallel neutral path.
CORRECT: A. The white conductor should be re-identified as an ungrounded conductor with tape or
marker.
When a white conductor is used as an ungrounded (hot) conductor, it must be re-identified with tape or
marker at all terminations. The bonding jumper from neutral to panel can is only permitted at the service
equipment, not in subpanels, to prevent parallel neutral paths. Options B, C, and D misstate code
requirements.
HIGHP - Page 2 of 53
,4. A gas-fired forced-air furnace has a cracked heat exchanger. Which of the following is
the most significant safety hazard associated with this condition?
[ ] A. Reduced heating efficiency
[ ] B. Carbon monoxide leakage into the supply air
[ ] C. Excessive condensation in the flue
[ ] D. Premature blower motor failure
CORRECT: B. Carbon monoxide leakage into the supply air
A cracked heat exchanger can allow carbon monoxide to mix with supply air and be distributed throughout
the home, posing a serious health risk. While efficiency may drop, the primary hazard is CO poisoning.
Condensation and blower issues are secondary concerns.
5. During a roof inspection, you observe that the asphalt shingles are curling and losing
granules, and the roof has a single layer of 15-year shingles installed over 1x6 skip
sheathing. Which of the following is the most appropriate recommendation?
[ ] A. Apply a new layer of shingles over the existing ones to save cost.
[ ] B. Remove the existing shingles and install a solid deck before re-roofing.
[ ] C. Repair the curled shingles and apply a reflective coating.
[ ] D. Replace only the damaged shingles and monitor annually.
CORRECT: B. Remove the existing shingles and install a solid deck before re-roofing.
Skip sheathing (spaced boards) does not provide a solid nailing surface for new shingles and may not meet
current code. The best practice is to remove existing shingles, install solid decking, and then apply new
roofing. Overlaying shingles on skip sheathing is not recommended.
6. A home inspector observes a horizontal crack in a brick veneer wall that follows the
mortar joints and extends across several courses. The crack is wider at the top and
narrows downward. Which of the following is the most likely cause?
[ ] A. Thermal expansion of the brick
[ ] B. Differential settlement of the foundation
[ ] C. Lack of wall ties
[ ] D. Moisture expansion of the brick
CORRECT: B. Differential settlement of the foundation
A horizontal crack that is wider at the top and narrows downward often indicates differential settlement,
where one part of the foundation settles more than another. Thermal expansion typically causes vertical or
stair-step cracks, and missing wall ties can cause bulging, not horizontal cracking. Moisture expansion is less
common and usually causes vertical cracking.
HIGHP - Page 3 of 53
, 7. In a residential plumbing system, which of the following conditions is most likely to
cause a foul odor in the home?
[ ] A. A clogged main drain line
[ ] B. A dry trap in a floor drain
[ ] C. A water heater set too high
[ ] D. A leaky faucet
CORRECT: B. A dry trap in a floor drain
A dry trap allows sewer gases to enter the home because the water seal has evaporated. Clogged drains
cause backups, not odors, and a leaky faucet or high water heater temperature do not directly cause sewer
gas odors. Regular priming of floor drains is recommended.
8. A home inspector notes that the attic insulation is compressed and has a visible dark
staining on the underside of the roof sheathing. What is the most likely explanation for
these observations?
[ ] A. Excessive insulation depth causing moisture buildup
[ ] B. Poor attic ventilation leading to condensation and mold growth
[ ] C. Roof leak causing water damage
[ ] D. Insulation installed upside down
CORRECT: B. Poor attic ventilation leading to condensation and mold growth
Dark staining on roof sheathing often indicates mold or moisture damage from poor ventilation, which traps
warm moist air in the attic. Compressed insulation reduces R-value but does not cause staining. A roof leak
would typically show water stains, not uniform dark staining. Insulation orientation does not cause staining.
9. When inspecting a deck, which of the following attachment methods is considered
acceptable for securing the ledger board to the house?
[ ] A. Nails driven at an angle through the ledger into the rim joist
[ ] B. Lag screws or through-bolts with washers, properly spaced
[ ] C. Construction adhesive alone
[ ] D. Wood screws into the siding
CORRECT: B. Lag screws or through-bolts with washers, properly spaced
Lag screws or through-bolts with washers are required to properly secure a ledger board to the house, as
they provide sufficient withdrawal resistance. Nails, adhesive alone, or screws into siding are inadequate and
can lead to deck collapse. Proper flashing is also essential.
10. A home inspector is examining a chimney and notes that it lacks a rain cap and the
crown is cracked. Which of the following is the most significant potential consequence?
[ ] A. Reduced draft efficiency
HIGHP - Page 4 of 53
