BC Owner Builder Exam Questions & Verified
Answers
What kind of insulation should be installed under slab? - ✔✔XPS
What kind of insulation has the least moisture permeability? - ✔✔XPS
When framing a header of a staircase where does the framer get the nailing pattern? -
✔✔Use the BC code section 9 nailing pattern
What document must the owner submit to WorkSafe BC prior to starting construction? -
✔✔Notice of project
What is the nailing/screw pattern for backer board? - ✔✔Manufacturer approved pattern
When installing a bi-fold door the door bings at the side jamb on the top. What can be done to
fix this? - ✔✔Adjust the top pivot point
What should be done when joist and beams have contact with bare concrete walls? - ✔✔Use
pressure treated wood and leave 12mm air space
What is the minimum depth for a beam support? - ✔✔Not less than 89mm
When is a footing required? - ✔✔Under walls, pilasters, columns, piers, fireplaces and
chimneys that bear on soil or rock
When is a footing inspection conducted? - ✔✔When the forms and steel reinforcing are
complete, but prior to placing any concrete
,What is the moisture permeability of 6mm poly? - ✔✔0.03 US perm or 1.7 ng
When can WorkSafe BC come to your construction site? - ✔✔Anytime
What is the maximum moisture percentage you can have in framing lumber? - ✔✔19%
What is your liability for you subcontractor on your site? - ✔✔You must abide by the
Workers Compensation Act and obtain a clearance letter from each contractor to ensure they
are in good standing with WorkSafe BC
Where is diverting flashing used? - ✔✔At the end of an intersection between a roof and a
wall to direct water away from the vertical wall
What is the best way to build a water tight wall? - ✔✔With the use of a rain screen
When can you sell an owner built home? - ✔✔After the first year of occupancy, or with
special permission from the HPO
Can you transfer your owner built home to a family member in the first year? - ✔✔No
If you are building a room 12' by 9' and you draw a diagonal line between 2 corners how long
would the line be? - ✔✔15'
How far above the chimney can the flue liner protrude? - ✔✔A minimum of 50mm
What is the correct chimney clearance? - ✔✔2' above the highest point within 10'
, What are the ventilation fan requirements? - ✔✔One exhaust fan in every kitchen and every
bathroom and an additional principle ventilation exhaust fan for the whole dwelling
What is the appropriate location for a water heater? - ✔✔A water heater should be located
close to the greatest area of hot water usage and should not be placed where water lines could
freeze
What is the regulation for insulation between the main home and garage? - ✔✔The house
must have insulation and vapour barrier as though the garage were exterior space. Air barrier
and insulation is required for any wall or ceiling that is between the garage and living space.
When should you call for electrical inspections? - ✔✔Before wiring is concealed or
connected to a supply.
What must you do if you fail and electrical inspection? - ✔✔Fix the problem and call for re-
inspection.
When do you need a chimney saddle? - ✔✔When the upper side width of the chimney is
750mm or more.
What must you do before starting to build? - ✔✔Notify WorkSafe BC at least 24 hours in
advance
How high must a ladder protrude above a 4' trench? - ✔✔3'
Why keep a worksite free of debris? - ✔✔To protect inspectors and provide a safe and
efficient work space
What shows hidden objects in blueprints? - ✔✔Dashed lines
Answers
What kind of insulation should be installed under slab? - ✔✔XPS
What kind of insulation has the least moisture permeability? - ✔✔XPS
When framing a header of a staircase where does the framer get the nailing pattern? -
✔✔Use the BC code section 9 nailing pattern
What document must the owner submit to WorkSafe BC prior to starting construction? -
✔✔Notice of project
What is the nailing/screw pattern for backer board? - ✔✔Manufacturer approved pattern
When installing a bi-fold door the door bings at the side jamb on the top. What can be done to
fix this? - ✔✔Adjust the top pivot point
What should be done when joist and beams have contact with bare concrete walls? - ✔✔Use
pressure treated wood and leave 12mm air space
What is the minimum depth for a beam support? - ✔✔Not less than 89mm
When is a footing required? - ✔✔Under walls, pilasters, columns, piers, fireplaces and
chimneys that bear on soil or rock
When is a footing inspection conducted? - ✔✔When the forms and steel reinforcing are
complete, but prior to placing any concrete
,What is the moisture permeability of 6mm poly? - ✔✔0.03 US perm or 1.7 ng
When can WorkSafe BC come to your construction site? - ✔✔Anytime
What is the maximum moisture percentage you can have in framing lumber? - ✔✔19%
What is your liability for you subcontractor on your site? - ✔✔You must abide by the
Workers Compensation Act and obtain a clearance letter from each contractor to ensure they
are in good standing with WorkSafe BC
Where is diverting flashing used? - ✔✔At the end of an intersection between a roof and a
wall to direct water away from the vertical wall
What is the best way to build a water tight wall? - ✔✔With the use of a rain screen
When can you sell an owner built home? - ✔✔After the first year of occupancy, or with
special permission from the HPO
Can you transfer your owner built home to a family member in the first year? - ✔✔No
If you are building a room 12' by 9' and you draw a diagonal line between 2 corners how long
would the line be? - ✔✔15'
How far above the chimney can the flue liner protrude? - ✔✔A minimum of 50mm
What is the correct chimney clearance? - ✔✔2' above the highest point within 10'
, What are the ventilation fan requirements? - ✔✔One exhaust fan in every kitchen and every
bathroom and an additional principle ventilation exhaust fan for the whole dwelling
What is the appropriate location for a water heater? - ✔✔A water heater should be located
close to the greatest area of hot water usage and should not be placed where water lines could
freeze
What is the regulation for insulation between the main home and garage? - ✔✔The house
must have insulation and vapour barrier as though the garage were exterior space. Air barrier
and insulation is required for any wall or ceiling that is between the garage and living space.
When should you call for electrical inspections? - ✔✔Before wiring is concealed or
connected to a supply.
What must you do if you fail and electrical inspection? - ✔✔Fix the problem and call for re-
inspection.
When do you need a chimney saddle? - ✔✔When the upper side width of the chimney is
750mm or more.
What must you do before starting to build? - ✔✔Notify WorkSafe BC at least 24 hours in
advance
How high must a ladder protrude above a 4' trench? - ✔✔3'
Why keep a worksite free of debris? - ✔✔To protect inspectors and provide a safe and
efficient work space
What shows hidden objects in blueprints? - ✔✔Dashed lines
