NEW HAMPSHIRE HOME INSPECTOR
LICENSE PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2025
1. What is the maximum allowable spacing between balusters on a residential
deck railing according to standard building safety codes?
A. 6 inches
B. 5 inches
C. 4 inches
D. 3 inches
Rationale: Baluster spacing must not exceed 4 inches to prevent small
children from slipping through.
2. Which of the following roofing materials typically has the longest lifespan?
A. Asphalt shingles
B. Wood shake
C. Rolled roofing
D. Slate
, Rationale: Slate roofs can last over 100 years, much longer than asphalt
or wood.
3. A home inspector must disclose which of the following to the client?
A. The inspector's opinion on remodeling
B. Any material defects found during inspection
C. The home's market value
D. Their personal experience buying homes
Rationale: Inspectors are required to report material defects that could
affect the property’s value or safety.
4. What is the main purpose of a GFCI outlet?
A. To reduce high energy bills
B. To protect people from electric shock
C. To prevent fires from lightning
D. To regulate voltage fluctuations
Rationale: GFCIs shut off power quickly to prevent electric shock,
especially in wet areas.
5. What is the recommended slope for proper grading away from a house
foundation?
A. 1/2 inch per foot for 10 feet
B. 6 inches over the first 10 feet
C. Level ground for 5 feet
D. 3 inches over 15 feet
Rationale: A minimum of 6 inches of slope over 10 feet ensures proper
drainage away from the foundation.
, 6. Which type of pipe is most commonly used for modern residential water
supply lines?
A. Galvanized steel
B. Copper
C. PEX
D. Cast iron
Rationale: PEX is flexible, easy to install, and now widely used in
residential plumbing.
7. A double-tapped breaker is a concern because:
A. It indicates outdated wiring
B. It increases energy usage
C. It can cause overheating or arcing
D. It allows overcurrent protection
Rationale: Double-tapping can result in poor connections and
overheating, leading to fire hazards.
8. Which of the following systems is typically not included in a standard home
inspection?
A. Septic system evaluation
B. HVAC
C. Roofing
D. Plumbing
Rationale: Septic inspections require specialized evaluation and are often
excluded from standard inspections.
LICENSE PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2025
1. What is the maximum allowable spacing between balusters on a residential
deck railing according to standard building safety codes?
A. 6 inches
B. 5 inches
C. 4 inches
D. 3 inches
Rationale: Baluster spacing must not exceed 4 inches to prevent small
children from slipping through.
2. Which of the following roofing materials typically has the longest lifespan?
A. Asphalt shingles
B. Wood shake
C. Rolled roofing
D. Slate
, Rationale: Slate roofs can last over 100 years, much longer than asphalt
or wood.
3. A home inspector must disclose which of the following to the client?
A. The inspector's opinion on remodeling
B. Any material defects found during inspection
C. The home's market value
D. Their personal experience buying homes
Rationale: Inspectors are required to report material defects that could
affect the property’s value or safety.
4. What is the main purpose of a GFCI outlet?
A. To reduce high energy bills
B. To protect people from electric shock
C. To prevent fires from lightning
D. To regulate voltage fluctuations
Rationale: GFCIs shut off power quickly to prevent electric shock,
especially in wet areas.
5. What is the recommended slope for proper grading away from a house
foundation?
A. 1/2 inch per foot for 10 feet
B. 6 inches over the first 10 feet
C. Level ground for 5 feet
D. 3 inches over 15 feet
Rationale: A minimum of 6 inches of slope over 10 feet ensures proper
drainage away from the foundation.
, 6. Which type of pipe is most commonly used for modern residential water
supply lines?
A. Galvanized steel
B. Copper
C. PEX
D. Cast iron
Rationale: PEX is flexible, easy to install, and now widely used in
residential plumbing.
7. A double-tapped breaker is a concern because:
A. It indicates outdated wiring
B. It increases energy usage
C. It can cause overheating or arcing
D. It allows overcurrent protection
Rationale: Double-tapping can result in poor connections and
overheating, leading to fire hazards.
8. Which of the following systems is typically not included in a standard home
inspection?
A. Septic system evaluation
B. HVAC
C. Roofing
D. Plumbing
Rationale: Septic inspections require specialized evaluation and are often
excluded from standard inspections.
