National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE)
Whole House Practice Questions and
Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 |
Correct & Verified
Which component of a roof system is primarily responsible for directing water away from the
roof deck?
A) Rafters
B) Shingles
C) Flashing
D) Ridge vent
✔✔C) Flashing
What is the main purpose of attic ventilation?
A) To increase heating efficiency
B) To prevent moisture buildup and reduce heat accumulation
C) To support roof structure
D) To provide insulation
✔✔B) To prevent moisture buildup and reduce heat accumulation
Which type of foundation is most common in areas with high water tables?
A) Slab-on-grade
B) Crawlspace
1
,C) Basement
D) Pier and beam
✔✔A) Slab-on-grade
What is the primary purpose of a GFCI outlet?
A) To increase amperage
B) To protect against electrical shock
C) To reduce energy consumption
D) To provide surge protection
✔✔B) To protect against electrical shock
Which window type is easiest to clean from the interior?
A) Casement
B) Double-hung
C) Awning
D) Sliding
✔✔B) Double-hung
What is a common sign of water intrusion in a basement?
A) Cracks in drywall
B) Efflorescence on masonry walls
C) Loose flooring
D) Rusted appliances
2
,✔✔B) Efflorescence on masonry walls
Which HVAC component is responsible for circulating air throughout a home?
A) Condenser
B) Blower fan
C) Evaporator coil
D) Thermostat
✔✔B) Blower fan
What is the main function of a vapor barrier in walls or floors?
A) To provide structural support
B) To prevent moisture migration
C) To insulate against heat
D) To reduce sound transmission
✔✔B) To prevent moisture migration
Which material is commonly used for underground drainage piping?
A) PVC
B) Copper
C) Galvanized steel
D) Aluminum
✔✔A) PVC
3
, What is the primary function of a chimney cap?
A) To improve aesthetic appearance
B) To prevent rain, debris, and animals from entering
C) To increase draft efficiency
D) To support the chimney structure
✔✔B) To prevent rain, debris, and animals from entering
Which type of siding material is most susceptible to moisture damage if not properly
maintained?
A) Vinyl
B) Brick
C) Wood
D) Fiber cement
✔✔C) Wood
What is a common indicator of foundation settlement?
A) Cracked roof shingles
B) Sticking doors or windows
C) Water heater leaks
D) Uneven carpet color
✔✔B) Sticking doors or windows
4
Whole House Practice Questions and
Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 |
Correct & Verified
Which component of a roof system is primarily responsible for directing water away from the
roof deck?
A) Rafters
B) Shingles
C) Flashing
D) Ridge vent
✔✔C) Flashing
What is the main purpose of attic ventilation?
A) To increase heating efficiency
B) To prevent moisture buildup and reduce heat accumulation
C) To support roof structure
D) To provide insulation
✔✔B) To prevent moisture buildup and reduce heat accumulation
Which type of foundation is most common in areas with high water tables?
A) Slab-on-grade
B) Crawlspace
1
,C) Basement
D) Pier and beam
✔✔A) Slab-on-grade
What is the primary purpose of a GFCI outlet?
A) To increase amperage
B) To protect against electrical shock
C) To reduce energy consumption
D) To provide surge protection
✔✔B) To protect against electrical shock
Which window type is easiest to clean from the interior?
A) Casement
B) Double-hung
C) Awning
D) Sliding
✔✔B) Double-hung
What is a common sign of water intrusion in a basement?
A) Cracks in drywall
B) Efflorescence on masonry walls
C) Loose flooring
D) Rusted appliances
2
,✔✔B) Efflorescence on masonry walls
Which HVAC component is responsible for circulating air throughout a home?
A) Condenser
B) Blower fan
C) Evaporator coil
D) Thermostat
✔✔B) Blower fan
What is the main function of a vapor barrier in walls or floors?
A) To provide structural support
B) To prevent moisture migration
C) To insulate against heat
D) To reduce sound transmission
✔✔B) To prevent moisture migration
Which material is commonly used for underground drainage piping?
A) PVC
B) Copper
C) Galvanized steel
D) Aluminum
✔✔A) PVC
3
, What is the primary function of a chimney cap?
A) To improve aesthetic appearance
B) To prevent rain, debris, and animals from entering
C) To increase draft efficiency
D) To support the chimney structure
✔✔B) To prevent rain, debris, and animals from entering
Which type of siding material is most susceptible to moisture damage if not properly
maintained?
A) Vinyl
B) Brick
C) Wood
D) Fiber cement
✔✔C) Wood
What is a common indicator of foundation settlement?
A) Cracked roof shingles
B) Sticking doors or windows
C) Water heater leaks
D) Uneven carpet color
✔✔B) Sticking doors or windows
4
