BC Owner Builder Authorization Practice Exam 2026 with
400 Recently tested Prep Questions and Correct Answers /
Owner Build Authorization Practice Exam 2026
Can an owner builder take out their own electrical permit?
Yes, up to 200A
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.
When can WorkSafe BC come to your construction site?
Anytime
What is your liability for your 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.)
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
pg. 1
,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
Who issues permits for a gas fireplace?
Technical Safe BC
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?
pg. 2
,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
pg. 3
, 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?
pg. 4
400 Recently tested Prep Questions and Correct Answers /
Owner Build Authorization Practice Exam 2026
Can an owner builder take out their own electrical permit?
Yes, up to 200A
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.
When can WorkSafe BC come to your construction site?
Anytime
What is your liability for your 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.)
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
pg. 1
,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
Who issues permits for a gas fireplace?
Technical Safe BC
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?
pg. 2
,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
pg. 3
, 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?
pg. 4
