BC Owner Builder Exam Questions and
Answers | Get it 100% Correct!!
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
1|Page
©PROFFKERRYMARTIN 2025/2026. YEAR PUBLISHED 2025.
,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
2|Page
©PROFFKERRYMARTIN 2025/2026. YEAR PUBLISHED 2025.
, 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
3|Page
©PROFFKERRYMARTIN 2025/2026. YEAR PUBLISHED 2025.
Answers | Get it 100% Correct!!
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
1|Page
©PROFFKERRYMARTIN 2025/2026. YEAR PUBLISHED 2025.
,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
2|Page
©PROFFKERRYMARTIN 2025/2026. YEAR PUBLISHED 2025.
, 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
3|Page
©PROFFKERRYMARTIN 2025/2026. YEAR PUBLISHED 2025.
