Michigan Builders License Exam Study Guide Questions with Verified Answers 2025

Michigan Builders License



Michigan Builders License Exam Study
Guide Questions with Verified Answers 2025
Created to serve as a complete, comprehensive code regulating the construction of
single-family, two-family and buildings consisting of three or more townhouse units. -
Correct Ans-IRC (International Residential Code)

Administrative - Correct Ans-First 2 chapters of code book are

True - Correct Ans-Plans or supporting documents are almost always required by the
controlling authority prior to issuing a permit. T or F

Yes - Correct Ans-Does the building official have the authority to render interpretations
of the code?

8 foot fence. - Correct Ans-None of the following require a permit, EXCEPT:
sidewalks and driveways
tiling
an 8 foot fence
playground equipment

False - Correct Ans-Tables and illustrations are always supported by information found
in the written code and footnotes. T or F

Live load. - Correct Ans-The amount of evenly distributed weight imposed by
inhabitants, goods and removable objects on a floor or roof system is referred to as

True. - Correct Ans-If a code requirement is in the book, it is both acceptable and
enforceable by the code official. T or F

Figures. - Correct Ans-Illustrations are typically referred to as

Determine that buildings are built to the minimum enforceable standard. - Correct Ans-
Generally speaking, the building official's job is to

True. - Correct Ans-It is required that all manufacturer instructions be at the jobsite at
the time of inspection. T or F

Kitchen. - Correct Ans-All of the following are not considered habitable spaces
EXCEPT:
bathrooms
kitchens
storage spaces
closets

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3. - Correct Ans-Bathrooms must be provided with an aggregate glazing area no less
than _____ square feet, half of which must be openable.

44 inches. - Correct Ans-The maximum height of an egress window above the floor is

5.7 sq ft. - Correct Ans-A basement bedroom must have an egress window with a clear
opening of at least ______ square feet.

3. - Correct Ans-At least one side-hinged exit door must be in each dwelling unit, and
must be _____ feet wide.

30 inches. - Correct Ans-A porch more than _____ inches above grade must be
provided with 36" guards.

200. - Correct Ans-Wall and ceiling finishes shall have a flame-spread classification of
no more than ______ .

7 days. - Correct Ans-According to code, concrete must reach at least 70% of it's ability
within ____________days.

40%. - Correct Ans-A stud used for a non-bearing partitions may not be notched more
than ____% of the stud width.

Additions, alterations, renovation and repairs. - Correct Ans-The Michigan Uniform
Energy code applies to new buildings as well as

U-factor. - Correct Ans-___________ is a measure of how well the window or door
assembly conducts heat. The lower the number, the better insulation the assembly will
provide.

50%. - Correct Ans-Energy losses from recessed lighting fixtures can often reach ___%
of the total thermal loss of a ceiling.

R-3. - Correct Ans-Michigan requires a minimum thermal resistance of
____________for mechanical system piping.

True. - Correct Ans-Oversized HVAC equipment has a higher initial cost, a higher
operating cost, provides less comfort, and shorter life expectancy. T or F

Prescriptive Path. - Correct Ans-_______ is the compliance route that applies Table
402.1.1 to building envelope components, and is considered the most simple.

Area weighted averages. - Correct Ans-___________ can be used to satisfy U-factor
and SHGC requirements.



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IC (Insulation Contact) - Correct Ans-Recessed lights must be _____ rated.

True. - Correct Ans-Up to 15 square feet of glazing per dwelling unit is exempted from
U-value requirements. T or F

Registered design professional. - Correct Ans-The 2009 IECC requires a permanent
certificate posted on the electrical distribution panel. The certificate shall be completed
by the builder or

State energy code requirements. - Correct Ans-One hurdle contractors face when
bidding for an energy efficient project is choosing materials that fit the design, and also
meet

False. - Correct Ans-Historically significant buildings are not exempt from code
changes. T or F

R-value
Settled thickness
Manufacturer name - Correct Ans-Insulation products (blown and sprayed) must be
documented with:

March 2011. - Correct Ans-The new Michigan codes took effect in

10. - Correct Ans-Below grade walls are insulated from the top of the basement wall
down to _____ below grade, or the basement floor, whichever is less.

Area weighted average. - Correct Ans-The _______ is the combined Solar Heat Gain
Coefficient of all the glazed fenestration products in the building.

Thermal insulation R-values
Design criteria
Equipment systems - Correct Ans-Plans and specifications must be detailed in regards
to:

2009. - Correct Ans-In Michigan, the residential energy code is based on the _____
IECC, with certain amendments.

Air leakage. - Correct Ans-___________ is the rate of air infiltration in the presence of a
specific pressure differential.

Windows
Attic access hatches
Recessed lights - Correct Ans-Air leakage is the random movement of air into and out of
________ through cracks and holes.

Table 402.1.1

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2009 IECC - Correct Ans-R-values for insulation and fenestration requirements by
component can be found in

International Energy Conservation Code - Correct Ans-IECC

U-factor and UA alternatives. - Correct Ans-The _____________ compliance method
allows for more innovative construction techniques like SIPs or Advanced Framing.

500 sq feet - Correct Ans-R-30 is permitted in vaulted ceilings, but is limited to

True. - Correct Ans-Floor insulation must be installed to maintain permanent and
continuous contact with the underside of the subfloor decking. T or F

5, 6 and 7. - Correct Ans-Michigan falls into climate zones

False. - Correct Ans-It is permissible for supply ducts to be run through the framing
cavities of a residential building. T or F

IC rated (Insulation Contact) - Correct Ans-__________ means an electrical fixture has
been tested and listed as suitable for installation in a cavity where the fixture may come
in contact with insulation.

3%. - Correct Ans-According to the Dept. of Energy, improved energy codes could
reduce CO2 emissions by

300 sq ft. - Correct Ans-Attic insulation markers must be installed every _____ square
feet.

True. - Correct Ans-Buildings that are exempted from the new regulations are those with
very low energy use or ones that are neither heated or cooled. T or F

Yes. - Correct Ans-A contractor needs to remove a non-load bearing wall, does he need
to pull a permit?

No. - Correct Ans-A concrete contractor has been hired by an owner to install a
driveway and sidewalks. The lot is flat and the concrete is being place on undisturbed
earth with a prepared base. Does the contractor need to pull a permit?

Yes. - Correct Ans-A permit has been issued for a building project and there is a code
infraction in the building plans that has been overlooked by the building official. Can the
building official require a correction to a project that they previously overlooked?

Health department. - Correct Ans-Who issues a well and septic permit?

200 sq. feet.



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