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VIRGINIA HIC FINAL EXAM 2026 | 150 QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS & RATIONALES, ALREADY GRADED A+, GUARANTEED
PASS
1. When constructing a residential staircase in Virginia, the building code sets
limits on the maximum rise of stair risers to ensure safety and uniformity. If a
contractor builds risers that are too high, it could cause tripping hazards and
inspection failure. What is the maximum allowable riser height under the
International Residential Code (IRC)?
A) 6 ½ inches
B) 7 ¾ inches
C) 8 ¼ inches
D) 9 inches
Answer: B – 7 ¾ inches
Rationale: The IRC allows a maximum riser height of 7 ¾ inches. Exceeding this
makes the stairs unsafe and noncompliant with code.
2. When fastening joist hangers for a deck or flooring system, the choice of nails is
critical for structural safety. Using the wrong type of nails can result in hanger
failure and eventual collapse. Which type of nail must be used with joist hangers to
comply with building standards?
A) Common nails
B) Box nails
C) Short, thick, galvanized joist hanger nails
D) Roofing nails
Answer: C – Short, thick, galvanized joist hanger nails
Rationale: Joist hangers require nails specifically designed for shear strength.
Common or roofing nails may pull out under load, making them unsafe.
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3. Before beginning excavation on a residential property in Virginia, contractors
must take precautions to avoid damaging underground utility lines. Striking a gas
or electrical line can cause major hazards, injuries, and legal liability. Which
service must be contacted to identify and mark underground utilities?
A) OSHA
B) Virginia 811 (Miss Utility)
C) State licensing board
D) Local building inspector
Answer: B – Virginia 811 (Miss Utility)
Rationale: Virginia law requires calling 811 before excavation so underground
utilities can be marked and damage prevented.
4. Roof slope affects the ability of roofing materials to shed water properly.
Asphalt shingles require a minimum slope; otherwise, water can pool and leak into
the structure. What is the minimum slope allowed for asphalt shingles in residential
construction?
A) 2:12
B) 3:12
C) 4:12
D) 5:12
Answer: A – 2:12
Rationale: Asphalt shingles may be used on slopes as low as 2:12, but special
underlayment is required to ensure water protection.
5. Rebar is commonly used to reinforce concrete in footings, foundations, and
slabs. The size designation of rebar corresponds to its diameter, which determines
its strength capacity. What is the diameter of a #5 rebar?
A) ½ inch
B) ⅝ inch
C) ¾ inch
D) ⅞ inch
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Answer: B – ⅝ inch
Rationale: A #5 rebar is ⅝ inch in diameter. Knowing rebar sizes is essential for
meeting engineering and code requirements.
6. Guardrails are required in residential construction to protect occupants from falls
on raised surfaces such as decks, balconies, and stair landings. If a contractor
installs guardrails too low, they may fail inspection and pose a safety hazard. What
is the minimum required height for guardrails above the walking surface?
A) 30 inches
B) 34 inches
C) 36 inches
D) 42 inches
Answer: C – 36 inches
Rationale: Guardrails must be at least 36 inches high to prevent accidental falls.
This is a key safety standard in residential codes.
7. In Virginia, home improvement projects involving contracts over a certain value
must be formalized. Relying on a verbal agreement exposes both contractor and
client to disputes and potential legal issues. Which type of document is required to
clearly define the project scope, price, and terms?
A) Work order
B) Building permit
C) Written contract
D) Verbal agreement
Answer: C – Written contract
Rationale: Virginia law requires a written contract for home improvement projects
to protect both parties and ensure compliance with licensing rules.
8. Not all walls in a residential building carry structural loads. Identifying the
difference is important when planning renovations, because removing the wrong
wall can cause collapse. Which of the following is NOT typically considered a
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load-bearing component?
A) Beam
B) Girder
C) Partition wall
D) Joist
Answer: C – Partition wall
Rationale: Partition walls are non-structural and exist only to divide space. Load-
bearing elements like beams, girders, and joists support structural loads.
9. Electrical wiring must follow color conventions to ensure safety and avoid
confusion during installation or repairs. Ground wires, in particular, provide a
critical safety path to prevent electric shock. What is the standard color for a
ground wire in residential wiring?
A) Black
B) White
C) Green or bare copper
D) Red
Answer: C – Green or bare copper
Rationale: Ground wires are always either green or bare copper, while black and
red are hot conductors and white is neutral.
10. Roof flashing is installed in vulnerable areas where the roof intersects with
walls, chimneys, or other structures. Without flashing, water can seep into joints
and cause structural damage over time. What is the main purpose of flashing?
A) Strengthen rafters
B) Prevent water intrusion at joints
C) Support shingles
D) Increase insulation value
Answer: B – Prevent water intrusion at joints
Rationale: Flashing directs water away from seams, valleys, and penetrations,
preventing leaks and extending roof life.
VIRGINIA HIC FINAL EXAM 2026 | 150 QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS & RATIONALES, ALREADY GRADED A+, GUARANTEED
PASS
1. When constructing a residential staircase in Virginia, the building code sets
limits on the maximum rise of stair risers to ensure safety and uniformity. If a
contractor builds risers that are too high, it could cause tripping hazards and
inspection failure. What is the maximum allowable riser height under the
International Residential Code (IRC)?
A) 6 ½ inches
B) 7 ¾ inches
C) 8 ¼ inches
D) 9 inches
Answer: B – 7 ¾ inches
Rationale: The IRC allows a maximum riser height of 7 ¾ inches. Exceeding this
makes the stairs unsafe and noncompliant with code.
2. When fastening joist hangers for a deck or flooring system, the choice of nails is
critical for structural safety. Using the wrong type of nails can result in hanger
failure and eventual collapse. Which type of nail must be used with joist hangers to
comply with building standards?
A) Common nails
B) Box nails
C) Short, thick, galvanized joist hanger nails
D) Roofing nails
Answer: C – Short, thick, galvanized joist hanger nails
Rationale: Joist hangers require nails specifically designed for shear strength.
Common or roofing nails may pull out under load, making them unsafe.
,2 | Page
3. Before beginning excavation on a residential property in Virginia, contractors
must take precautions to avoid damaging underground utility lines. Striking a gas
or electrical line can cause major hazards, injuries, and legal liability. Which
service must be contacted to identify and mark underground utilities?
A) OSHA
B) Virginia 811 (Miss Utility)
C) State licensing board
D) Local building inspector
Answer: B – Virginia 811 (Miss Utility)
Rationale: Virginia law requires calling 811 before excavation so underground
utilities can be marked and damage prevented.
4. Roof slope affects the ability of roofing materials to shed water properly.
Asphalt shingles require a minimum slope; otherwise, water can pool and leak into
the structure. What is the minimum slope allowed for asphalt shingles in residential
construction?
A) 2:12
B) 3:12
C) 4:12
D) 5:12
Answer: A – 2:12
Rationale: Asphalt shingles may be used on slopes as low as 2:12, but special
underlayment is required to ensure water protection.
5. Rebar is commonly used to reinforce concrete in footings, foundations, and
slabs. The size designation of rebar corresponds to its diameter, which determines
its strength capacity. What is the diameter of a #5 rebar?
A) ½ inch
B) ⅝ inch
C) ¾ inch
D) ⅞ inch
,3 | Page
Answer: B – ⅝ inch
Rationale: A #5 rebar is ⅝ inch in diameter. Knowing rebar sizes is essential for
meeting engineering and code requirements.
6. Guardrails are required in residential construction to protect occupants from falls
on raised surfaces such as decks, balconies, and stair landings. If a contractor
installs guardrails too low, they may fail inspection and pose a safety hazard. What
is the minimum required height for guardrails above the walking surface?
A) 30 inches
B) 34 inches
C) 36 inches
D) 42 inches
Answer: C – 36 inches
Rationale: Guardrails must be at least 36 inches high to prevent accidental falls.
This is a key safety standard in residential codes.
7. In Virginia, home improvement projects involving contracts over a certain value
must be formalized. Relying on a verbal agreement exposes both contractor and
client to disputes and potential legal issues. Which type of document is required to
clearly define the project scope, price, and terms?
A) Work order
B) Building permit
C) Written contract
D) Verbal agreement
Answer: C – Written contract
Rationale: Virginia law requires a written contract for home improvement projects
to protect both parties and ensure compliance with licensing rules.
8. Not all walls in a residential building carry structural loads. Identifying the
difference is important when planning renovations, because removing the wrong
wall can cause collapse. Which of the following is NOT typically considered a
, 4 | Page
load-bearing component?
A) Beam
B) Girder
C) Partition wall
D) Joist
Answer: C – Partition wall
Rationale: Partition walls are non-structural and exist only to divide space. Load-
bearing elements like beams, girders, and joists support structural loads.
9. Electrical wiring must follow color conventions to ensure safety and avoid
confusion during installation or repairs. Ground wires, in particular, provide a
critical safety path to prevent electric shock. What is the standard color for a
ground wire in residential wiring?
A) Black
B) White
C) Green or bare copper
D) Red
Answer: C – Green or bare copper
Rationale: Ground wires are always either green or bare copper, while black and
red are hot conductors and white is neutral.
10. Roof flashing is installed in vulnerable areas where the roof intersects with
walls, chimneys, or other structures. Without flashing, water can seep into joints
and cause structural damage over time. What is the main purpose of flashing?
A) Strengthen rafters
B) Prevent water intrusion at joints
C) Support shingles
D) Increase insulation value
Answer: B – Prevent water intrusion at joints
Rationale: Flashing directs water away from seams, valleys, and penetrations,
preventing leaks and extending roof life.
