NEW YORK HOME INSPECTOR LICENSE
EXAMINATION PRACTICE EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2025 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. What is the minimum headroom required for a stairway according to
most codes?
A. 6'2"
B. 6'6"
C. 6'8"
D. 7'0"
Headroom of at least 6 feet 8 inches is typically required to ensure
safe and comfortable use of the stairs.
2. What is the maximum riser height allowed for residential stairs?
A. 6 inches
B. 7 3/4 inches
C. 8 1/2 inches
D. 9 inches
The International Residential Code (IRC), adopted by New York,
allows a maximum riser height of 7 3/4 inches.
,3. A GFCI is required in which of the following locations?
A. Living room
B. Hallway
C. Bathroom
D. Bedroom
Bathrooms require GFCI protection due to the proximity to water
sources.
4. What is the minimum slope for proper drainage away from a home's
foundation?
A. 1/8 inch per foot
B. 1/4 inch per foot
C. 1/2 inch per foot
D. 1 inch per foot
A slope of 1/4 inch per foot helps ensure water drains away from the
foundation to prevent water intrusion.
5. Which of the following is a defect in a masonry chimney?
A. Metal flue
B. Concrete crown
C. Missing chimney cap
D. Brick veneer
A missing chimney cap can allow water and animals to enter, causing
damage and safety hazards.
6. What is the primary purpose of a pressure relief valve on a water
heater?
A. Control temperature
B. Prevent explosion
C. Reduce noise
D. Filter sediment
, The TPR valve releases water if pressure or temperature exceeds safe
levels to prevent explosion.
7. What is an example of a cross-connection in plumbing?
A. Garden hose in a bucket
B. Sink drain with a P-trap
C. Dishwasher air gap
D. Vent stack
A garden hose submerged in water can allow contaminated water to
siphon back into the potable water supply.
8. What is the main concern with double-tapping a circuit breaker?
A. Breaker trips too easily
B. Loose connections
C. Reduced voltage
D. Increased resistance
Most breakers are not designed for two wires, and double-tapping
can cause loose connections and arcing.
9. Which type of roof covering has the shortest lifespan?
A. Clay tile
B. Metal
C. Asphalt shingles
D. Slate
Asphalt shingles typically have a lifespan of 15–30 years, which is
shorter than tile, slate, or metal.
10. What should a home inspector do if they see knob-and-tube
wiring?
A. Remove it
B. Report it
C. Repair it
D. Ignore it
EXAMINATION PRACTICE EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2025 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. What is the minimum headroom required for a stairway according to
most codes?
A. 6'2"
B. 6'6"
C. 6'8"
D. 7'0"
Headroom of at least 6 feet 8 inches is typically required to ensure
safe and comfortable use of the stairs.
2. What is the maximum riser height allowed for residential stairs?
A. 6 inches
B. 7 3/4 inches
C. 8 1/2 inches
D. 9 inches
The International Residential Code (IRC), adopted by New York,
allows a maximum riser height of 7 3/4 inches.
,3. A GFCI is required in which of the following locations?
A. Living room
B. Hallway
C. Bathroom
D. Bedroom
Bathrooms require GFCI protection due to the proximity to water
sources.
4. What is the minimum slope for proper drainage away from a home's
foundation?
A. 1/8 inch per foot
B. 1/4 inch per foot
C. 1/2 inch per foot
D. 1 inch per foot
A slope of 1/4 inch per foot helps ensure water drains away from the
foundation to prevent water intrusion.
5. Which of the following is a defect in a masonry chimney?
A. Metal flue
B. Concrete crown
C. Missing chimney cap
D. Brick veneer
A missing chimney cap can allow water and animals to enter, causing
damage and safety hazards.
6. What is the primary purpose of a pressure relief valve on a water
heater?
A. Control temperature
B. Prevent explosion
C. Reduce noise
D. Filter sediment
, The TPR valve releases water if pressure or temperature exceeds safe
levels to prevent explosion.
7. What is an example of a cross-connection in plumbing?
A. Garden hose in a bucket
B. Sink drain with a P-trap
C. Dishwasher air gap
D. Vent stack
A garden hose submerged in water can allow contaminated water to
siphon back into the potable water supply.
8. What is the main concern with double-tapping a circuit breaker?
A. Breaker trips too easily
B. Loose connections
C. Reduced voltage
D. Increased resistance
Most breakers are not designed for two wires, and double-tapping
can cause loose connections and arcing.
9. Which type of roof covering has the shortest lifespan?
A. Clay tile
B. Metal
C. Asphalt shingles
D. Slate
Asphalt shingles typically have a lifespan of 15–30 years, which is
shorter than tile, slate, or metal.
10. What should a home inspector do if they see knob-and-tube
wiring?
A. Remove it
B. Report it
C. Repair it
D. Ignore it
