BC OWNER BUILDER AUTHORIZATION EXAM | QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS | VERIFIED ANSWERS (100% CORRECT) | LATEST
EXAM UPDATE
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 design principle of rain water deflection?
a. Design and construction that prevents water from ever entering
b. Building design that allows all assemblies to air dry
c. Construction that uses water-proof materials
d. When water enters, proper design will allow it to drain away
Design and construction that prevents water from ever entering
What lighting safety certifications are required in Canada?
CSA safety certification
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 (12.1 feet)
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?
1" (25mm)
What do End Dams do?
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?
You can build
- a single detached home under a single title
- a single dwelling attached to a pre-existing building older than 10 years
-or a single dwelling attached to a new non-residential building.
Who issues permits for a gas fireplace?
Technical Safe BC
,Can an owner builder take out their own electrical permit?
Yes, up to 200A
What is the best way to apply asphalt waterproofing on a foundation?
Spray-on or roll on dry foundation with 2" (50mm) 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 (39.4") either side or 4.5m (177")
above a gas meter.
At what height do you need to install a handrail or have fall protection?
10ft (3m) above grade with fall protection, 4ft (1.2m) if no fall protection
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 the correct elevation and fill the extra depth with
concrete.
How high does a construction fence around a site need to be?
6ft (1.8m)
When installing flashing for a roof valley how much do the asphalt shingles
need to overlap?
6" (152mm)
What would cause a blister on a flat roof?
Moisture trapped under roof
Water is backing up in a skylight, what do you do to fix it?
Clear drainage
What needs to be done first when starting to install asphalt shingles on a
roof?
Install eave protection
What kind of fastener can you use in a wood that has been treated with
chromated copper arsenate?
Lumber manufacturer approved fastener
When should there be insulation under a basement slab?
When there is in floor heating or above the frost line.
How deep should the control joint be in a concrete slab?
1/4 of the slab
What kind of insulation should be installed under slab?
XPS (extruded polystyrene) or EPS (expanded polystyrene)
What kind of insulation has the least moisture permeability?
XPS extruded poly styrene
,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 for projects over $100,000?
Notice of project
What is the nailing/screw pattern for backer board?
Manufacturer approved pattern
When installing a bi-fold door the door binds at the side jamb on the top
(i.e. does not move smoothly). 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 (0.5") air space.
What is the minimum depth for a beam support (beam pocket in
foundation wall)?
Not less than 89mm (3")
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 pouring
any concrete
What is the moisture permeability of 6mil poly?
0.06 US perm (1.7 SI 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?
Work Safe BC Insurance Premiums
(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 (2")
What is the correct chimney clearance?
2' (0.6m) above the highest point within 10' (3m)
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 be insulated and have a vapour barrier as if the garage
were exterior space. An air barrier and insulation are required for any wall
or ceiling separating the garage from 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 (29.5") 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 and above the top
connecting point on a roof?
3' (~1m)
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
What square is best to use to transfer and 35 degree slope from plans to
work?
A sliding T-bevel
How much support is needed for floor joists into footing?
1.5" (38mm) minimum for floor joists.
3.5" (89mm) minimum for beams.
Why must concrete cure?
To reach peak strength
ANSWERS | VERIFIED ANSWERS (100% CORRECT) | LATEST
EXAM UPDATE
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 design principle of rain water deflection?
a. Design and construction that prevents water from ever entering
b. Building design that allows all assemblies to air dry
c. Construction that uses water-proof materials
d. When water enters, proper design will allow it to drain away
Design and construction that prevents water from ever entering
What lighting safety certifications are required in Canada?
CSA safety certification
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 (12.1 feet)
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?
1" (25mm)
What do End Dams do?
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?
You can build
- a single detached home under a single title
- a single dwelling attached to a pre-existing building older than 10 years
-or a single dwelling attached to a new non-residential building.
Who issues permits for a gas fireplace?
Technical Safe BC
,Can an owner builder take out their own electrical permit?
Yes, up to 200A
What is the best way to apply asphalt waterproofing on a foundation?
Spray-on or roll on dry foundation with 2" (50mm) 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 (39.4") either side or 4.5m (177")
above a gas meter.
At what height do you need to install a handrail or have fall protection?
10ft (3m) above grade with fall protection, 4ft (1.2m) if no fall protection
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 the correct elevation and fill the extra depth with
concrete.
How high does a construction fence around a site need to be?
6ft (1.8m)
When installing flashing for a roof valley how much do the asphalt shingles
need to overlap?
6" (152mm)
What would cause a blister on a flat roof?
Moisture trapped under roof
Water is backing up in a skylight, what do you do to fix it?
Clear drainage
What needs to be done first when starting to install asphalt shingles on a
roof?
Install eave protection
What kind of fastener can you use in a wood that has been treated with
chromated copper arsenate?
Lumber manufacturer approved fastener
When should there be insulation under a basement slab?
When there is in floor heating or above the frost line.
How deep should the control joint be in a concrete slab?
1/4 of the slab
What kind of insulation should be installed under slab?
XPS (extruded polystyrene) or EPS (expanded polystyrene)
What kind of insulation has the least moisture permeability?
XPS extruded poly styrene
,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 for projects over $100,000?
Notice of project
What is the nailing/screw pattern for backer board?
Manufacturer approved pattern
When installing a bi-fold door the door binds at the side jamb on the top
(i.e. does not move smoothly). 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 (0.5") air space.
What is the minimum depth for a beam support (beam pocket in
foundation wall)?
Not less than 89mm (3")
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 pouring
any concrete
What is the moisture permeability of 6mil poly?
0.06 US perm (1.7 SI 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?
Work Safe BC Insurance Premiums
(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 (2")
What is the correct chimney clearance?
2' (0.6m) above the highest point within 10' (3m)
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 be insulated and have a vapour barrier as if the garage
were exterior space. An air barrier and insulation are required for any wall
or ceiling separating the garage from 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 (29.5") 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 and above the top
connecting point on a roof?
3' (~1m)
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
What square is best to use to transfer and 35 degree slope from plans to
work?
A sliding T-bevel
How much support is needed for floor joists into footing?
1.5" (38mm) minimum for floor joists.
3.5" (89mm) minimum for beams.
Why must concrete cure?
To reach peak strength
