Page | 1
BC Owner Builder Exam Questions
with Detailed Verified Answers
Question:Order of inspections
Ans: 1: forms, basement and crawlspace
2: Plumbing, dampproofing, foundation drainage , sanitary sewer, storm
sewer, sump, water service
3: plumbing, electrical, mechanical, gas
4: framing inspection
5: insulation and vapour barrier
6: rainscreen/exterior finishs, drywall
7: building envelop inspection
8: final inspection
Question: Which is not an acceptable method for determining the correct
grading for a trench?
Ans: An experienced excavator says it's ok
Question: At what depth is shoring required?
, Page | 2
Ans: 1.2m/4ft
Question: Which best describes the principle of rain waterterm-0 deflection?
Ans: Design and construction that prevents water from ever entering
Question: What lighting safety certifications are required in Canada?
Ans: CSA safety certification
Question: What grit of sandpaper would get the smoothest result?
Ans: Higher grit with get a smoother finish
Question: What is the maximum rise in a flight of stairs?
Ans: The vertical height of any flight of stairs should not exceed 3.7m
Question: What is the minimum distance that a ladder must extend above a
parapet wall or landing?
Ans: 3ft
Question: What heights are end dams to be on windows and door flashings?
Ans: 25mm/1 inch
Question: End dam use
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Ans: Stop water from coming in
Question: When should you call for inspectors to make them efficient as
possible?
Ans: Group inspectors together when possible and call when work is complete
Question: When is an HRV required?
Ans: Almost always
Question: What can you build under the owner-builder HPO process?
Ans: Single detached home under a single title. Single dwelling attached to
pre-existing building older than 10 years. Single dwelling attached to a new
non-residential building.
Question: Who issues permits for a gas fireplace?
Ans: Safety Authority (call Technical Safe BC)
Question: Can an owner builder take out their own electrical permit?
Ans: Yes, up to 200A
Question: What is the best way to apply asphalt waterproofing on a
foundation?
, Page | 4
Ans: Spray-on or roll on dry foundation with 2in. below grade
Question: When is the appropriate time to backfill a foundation?
Ans: After damp-proofing
Question: What do you need to do when applying a peel and stick waterproof
membrane foundation?
Ans: Use an approved primer before installing
Question: What are gas meter installation requirements?
Ans: The distance from the gas vent to the roof must be greater than the
overhang of the roof, nothing can be with in 1m either side or 4.5m above a
gas meter
Question: When do you need to install a handrail or have fall protection?
Ans: 10ft, 4ft if no fall protection
Question: How high does a construction fence around a site need to be?
Ans: 6ft
Question: When installing the footer, it was dug down 2in. deeper than what
the elevation should be. What needs to happen?
BC Owner Builder Exam Questions
with Detailed Verified Answers
Question:Order of inspections
Ans: 1: forms, basement and crawlspace
2: Plumbing, dampproofing, foundation drainage , sanitary sewer, storm
sewer, sump, water service
3: plumbing, electrical, mechanical, gas
4: framing inspection
5: insulation and vapour barrier
6: rainscreen/exterior finishs, drywall
7: building envelop inspection
8: final inspection
Question: Which is not an acceptable method for determining the correct
grading for a trench?
Ans: An experienced excavator says it's ok
Question: At what depth is shoring required?
, Page | 2
Ans: 1.2m/4ft
Question: Which best describes the principle of rain waterterm-0 deflection?
Ans: Design and construction that prevents water from ever entering
Question: What lighting safety certifications are required in Canada?
Ans: CSA safety certification
Question: What grit of sandpaper would get the smoothest result?
Ans: Higher grit with get a smoother finish
Question: What is the maximum rise in a flight of stairs?
Ans: The vertical height of any flight of stairs should not exceed 3.7m
Question: What is the minimum distance that a ladder must extend above a
parapet wall or landing?
Ans: 3ft
Question: What heights are end dams to be on windows and door flashings?
Ans: 25mm/1 inch
Question: End dam use
, Page | 3
Ans: Stop water from coming in
Question: When should you call for inspectors to make them efficient as
possible?
Ans: Group inspectors together when possible and call when work is complete
Question: When is an HRV required?
Ans: Almost always
Question: What can you build under the owner-builder HPO process?
Ans: Single detached home under a single title. Single dwelling attached to
pre-existing building older than 10 years. Single dwelling attached to a new
non-residential building.
Question: Who issues permits for a gas fireplace?
Ans: Safety Authority (call Technical Safe BC)
Question: Can an owner builder take out their own electrical permit?
Ans: Yes, up to 200A
Question: What is the best way to apply asphalt waterproofing on a
foundation?
, Page | 4
Ans: Spray-on or roll on dry foundation with 2in. below grade
Question: When is the appropriate time to backfill a foundation?
Ans: After damp-proofing
Question: What do you need to do when applying a peel and stick waterproof
membrane foundation?
Ans: Use an approved primer before installing
Question: What are gas meter installation requirements?
Ans: The distance from the gas vent to the roof must be greater than the
overhang of the roof, nothing can be with in 1m either side or 4.5m above a
gas meter
Question: When do you need to install a handrail or have fall protection?
Ans: 10ft, 4ft if no fall protection
Question: How high does a construction fence around a site need to be?
Ans: 6ft
Question: When installing the footer, it was dug down 2in. deeper than what
the elevation should be. What needs to happen?
