NHIE / TREC Professional Home Inspector
Exam Prep – Practice Questions & Study Guide
| Latest Update 2026 | Graded A+
The home inspector's job does not include: - correct answerproviding an opinion on
value
A typical home inspection: - correct answertakes two to three hours
A home inspection usually includes: - correct answerelectrical, plumbing and insulation
Which of these is not a real inspection association? - correct answerProfessional
Association of Degreed Home Inspectors
Which statement is false? - correct answerhome inspectors are building code inspectors
Which of these is included in a typical home inspection? - correct answercarport
The home inspector's job is finished: - correct answerafter the report is delivered
Most inspectors provide a report: - correct answerwithin 24 to 48 hours
Inspection reports do not usually include: - correct answera plat of survey
Standards of Practice - correct answerallow the client to know what to expect
The inspector is not required to determine ____ ___ of any system or component. -
correct answer-Years of age
-Life expectancy
-Make model
Horizontal waste pipe should slope ____ inch per foot - correct answer1/4" per foot if <
3 inch pipe.
1/8" per foot if > or = to 3 inch pipe
Drip screed - correct answerAlso called weep screed.
Used at the base/bottom of stucco walls to release moisture.
Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) - correct answerUsed for Backflow Prevention.
Lawn Irrigation systems: installed vertically 6 to 12 inches above highest outlet/emitter
and before the irrigation system valves.
,Lintel - correct answerL shaped steel installed to support brick veneer above openings
such as windows and doors.
Should bear on 6 inches or greater of the supporting veneer.
Rusted lintels may expand and cause cracks around openings.
Guardrail for decks and patios - correct answerA deck 30" above grade requires a
guardrail.
Required if deck is > or = to 30 inches above grade.
Balusters and openings should not exceed 4 inches in diameter.
Rail height must be > or = to 36 inches from deck.
Minimum overlap on vertically installed fiber cement siding - correct answer1 1/4 inches
overlap, and blind nailing recommended
Distance required between wall cladding and roof covering materials? - correct
answer1" to 2" (1 inch minimum, some local code is 2")
What is the concern with a Double sided key lock deadbolt - correct answerAll means of
egress (escape), must be operable from the inside without special knowledge or tools. A
keyed lock is a danger.
Fiberglass shingle roof that is 5 years old is losing granular and cupping. Attic insulation
and venting is adequate. What is the most reasonable explanation? - correct
answerImproper installation. Sealing strip or nailing was not done properly.
What is the last part to fail in a slate roof system? - correct answerThe slate itself.
Flashings eventually wear out, but long before the slate.
Metal roof has minor rust in spots. What is the corrective action? - correct
answerRemoving the rust, priming and painting.
What type of flashing is found on a gable edge? - correct answerRake edge or edge
flashing. A gable Edge is called a rake.
Which construction framing provides fire blocking? - correct answera platform-framed
structure
The Bottom chords of trusses were cut to fit other construction. What is the
recommendation? - correct answerRecommend a structural engineer .
What purpose does a barometric damper serve? - correct answerTo control the draft
Water is dripping from discharge piping coming from a hydronic heating system. What is
most likely the cause? - correct answerA leak
,Masonry Chimney is required to be _____ inches from wood framing in the attic? -
correct answer2"
When new insulation is placed directly over old in the attic, what is the correct way to
place / handle Kraft paper on new insulation? - correct answerScore or remove the
vapor paper
What two structural components would be tied together with hurricane ties? - correct
answerTruss/rafter to the top of walls
What type of piping is used for a pool circulation system? - correct answerSchedule 40
PVC
Does the main water supply shutoff have to be above grade, below grade, or
accessible? - correct answerAccessible ?
Distance between interior electrical receptacles? - correct answer12'
A wood burning furnace should be how far away from combustibles - correct answer18"
Dishwasher drain line is installed where in reference to the trap? - correct answerAbove
stairs, staircase tread depth - correct answerTread depth should be a minimum of 10
inches. 11 inches if there is no nosing.
The difference between any two riser heights, treads or nosing in a flight of stairs should
be no more than 3/8ths of an inch
Staircase Nosing projection - correct answerNosing should project between 3/4th inch
and 1 1/4th inch
The difference between any two riser heights, treads or nosing in a flight of stairs should
be no more than 3/8ths of an inch
Staircase Riser height - correct answerRiser height should be 7 3/4th inches maximum
The difference between any two riser heights, treads or nosing in a flight of stairs should
be no more than 3/8ths of an inch
Stair stringers and width - correct answerStairs wider than 36 inches should have at
least three stringers
Spiral staircase - correct answerTread depth should be a minimum of 7 1/2 inches,
measured 12 inches from the narrow side.
Riser height should be 9 1/2 inches maximum.
Minimum width is 26 inches at / below the handrail
Hearth size requirements for greater than and smaller than 6 square feet - correct
answer6' opening - 16" in front and 8" sides
, Over 6' - 20" and 12"
What is a cricket or saddle? - correct answerA ridge structure designed to divert water
on a roof around the high side of a chimney or the transition from one roof area to
another
Deadman - correct answerany type of anchor embedded in the supported soil and tied
to the retaining wall
Egress window - correct answerA window large enough, as defined by local building
codes, for exit or entry in case of an emergency. Typically required in bedrooms.
Size:
Height above floor:
Which roof covering would be best for a slope of 2 inches per foot? - correct answer2:12
is minimum for asphalt. Recommend metal roof.
Foundation anchor bolts shall be at least ___ inch in diameter and shall extend a
minimum of ___ inches into the concrete or grouted cells of concrete masonry units. -
correct answer1/2 and 7 inches
Foundation anchors should be ___ from ends and ___ apart/between. - correct
answer4-12 inches and 6 feet
Floor joists are installed with the crown facing which direction? - correct answerUp
Grounding electrode should be a minimum of ___ feet below grade - correct answer8'
A window in a shower requires safety glazing if the bottom is ___ inches above the
shower pan. - correct answerLess than 60" in any bathing/swimming area
Safety glazing is required where - correct answerPanes larger than 9 square feet if all
the following are true:
Bottom less than 18" from floor
Top edge over 36" from floor
Walkway within 36" of glazing
The shower opening (or access and egress opening) should be at least _____ finish-
width and ___ inches unobstructed in front of the door. - correct answer22 inches wide
opening, and 24 horizontal inches in front of door
Also, the door should always open outward or OK if it opens both in and out.
Swale - correct answerA graded flow path used in open drainage systems.
Exam Prep – Practice Questions & Study Guide
| Latest Update 2026 | Graded A+
The home inspector's job does not include: - correct answerproviding an opinion on
value
A typical home inspection: - correct answertakes two to three hours
A home inspection usually includes: - correct answerelectrical, plumbing and insulation
Which of these is not a real inspection association? - correct answerProfessional
Association of Degreed Home Inspectors
Which statement is false? - correct answerhome inspectors are building code inspectors
Which of these is included in a typical home inspection? - correct answercarport
The home inspector's job is finished: - correct answerafter the report is delivered
Most inspectors provide a report: - correct answerwithin 24 to 48 hours
Inspection reports do not usually include: - correct answera plat of survey
Standards of Practice - correct answerallow the client to know what to expect
The inspector is not required to determine ____ ___ of any system or component. -
correct answer-Years of age
-Life expectancy
-Make model
Horizontal waste pipe should slope ____ inch per foot - correct answer1/4" per foot if <
3 inch pipe.
1/8" per foot if > or = to 3 inch pipe
Drip screed - correct answerAlso called weep screed.
Used at the base/bottom of stucco walls to release moisture.
Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) - correct answerUsed for Backflow Prevention.
Lawn Irrigation systems: installed vertically 6 to 12 inches above highest outlet/emitter
and before the irrigation system valves.
,Lintel - correct answerL shaped steel installed to support brick veneer above openings
such as windows and doors.
Should bear on 6 inches or greater of the supporting veneer.
Rusted lintels may expand and cause cracks around openings.
Guardrail for decks and patios - correct answerA deck 30" above grade requires a
guardrail.
Required if deck is > or = to 30 inches above grade.
Balusters and openings should not exceed 4 inches in diameter.
Rail height must be > or = to 36 inches from deck.
Minimum overlap on vertically installed fiber cement siding - correct answer1 1/4 inches
overlap, and blind nailing recommended
Distance required between wall cladding and roof covering materials? - correct
answer1" to 2" (1 inch minimum, some local code is 2")
What is the concern with a Double sided key lock deadbolt - correct answerAll means of
egress (escape), must be operable from the inside without special knowledge or tools. A
keyed lock is a danger.
Fiberglass shingle roof that is 5 years old is losing granular and cupping. Attic insulation
and venting is adequate. What is the most reasonable explanation? - correct
answerImproper installation. Sealing strip or nailing was not done properly.
What is the last part to fail in a slate roof system? - correct answerThe slate itself.
Flashings eventually wear out, but long before the slate.
Metal roof has minor rust in spots. What is the corrective action? - correct
answerRemoving the rust, priming and painting.
What type of flashing is found on a gable edge? - correct answerRake edge or edge
flashing. A gable Edge is called a rake.
Which construction framing provides fire blocking? - correct answera platform-framed
structure
The Bottom chords of trusses were cut to fit other construction. What is the
recommendation? - correct answerRecommend a structural engineer .
What purpose does a barometric damper serve? - correct answerTo control the draft
Water is dripping from discharge piping coming from a hydronic heating system. What is
most likely the cause? - correct answerA leak
,Masonry Chimney is required to be _____ inches from wood framing in the attic? -
correct answer2"
When new insulation is placed directly over old in the attic, what is the correct way to
place / handle Kraft paper on new insulation? - correct answerScore or remove the
vapor paper
What two structural components would be tied together with hurricane ties? - correct
answerTruss/rafter to the top of walls
What type of piping is used for a pool circulation system? - correct answerSchedule 40
PVC
Does the main water supply shutoff have to be above grade, below grade, or
accessible? - correct answerAccessible ?
Distance between interior electrical receptacles? - correct answer12'
A wood burning furnace should be how far away from combustibles - correct answer18"
Dishwasher drain line is installed where in reference to the trap? - correct answerAbove
stairs, staircase tread depth - correct answerTread depth should be a minimum of 10
inches. 11 inches if there is no nosing.
The difference between any two riser heights, treads or nosing in a flight of stairs should
be no more than 3/8ths of an inch
Staircase Nosing projection - correct answerNosing should project between 3/4th inch
and 1 1/4th inch
The difference between any two riser heights, treads or nosing in a flight of stairs should
be no more than 3/8ths of an inch
Staircase Riser height - correct answerRiser height should be 7 3/4th inches maximum
The difference between any two riser heights, treads or nosing in a flight of stairs should
be no more than 3/8ths of an inch
Stair stringers and width - correct answerStairs wider than 36 inches should have at
least three stringers
Spiral staircase - correct answerTread depth should be a minimum of 7 1/2 inches,
measured 12 inches from the narrow side.
Riser height should be 9 1/2 inches maximum.
Minimum width is 26 inches at / below the handrail
Hearth size requirements for greater than and smaller than 6 square feet - correct
answer6' opening - 16" in front and 8" sides
, Over 6' - 20" and 12"
What is a cricket or saddle? - correct answerA ridge structure designed to divert water
on a roof around the high side of a chimney or the transition from one roof area to
another
Deadman - correct answerany type of anchor embedded in the supported soil and tied
to the retaining wall
Egress window - correct answerA window large enough, as defined by local building
codes, for exit or entry in case of an emergency. Typically required in bedrooms.
Size:
Height above floor:
Which roof covering would be best for a slope of 2 inches per foot? - correct answer2:12
is minimum for asphalt. Recommend metal roof.
Foundation anchor bolts shall be at least ___ inch in diameter and shall extend a
minimum of ___ inches into the concrete or grouted cells of concrete masonry units. -
correct answer1/2 and 7 inches
Foundation anchors should be ___ from ends and ___ apart/between. - correct
answer4-12 inches and 6 feet
Floor joists are installed with the crown facing which direction? - correct answerUp
Grounding electrode should be a minimum of ___ feet below grade - correct answer8'
A window in a shower requires safety glazing if the bottom is ___ inches above the
shower pan. - correct answerLess than 60" in any bathing/swimming area
Safety glazing is required where - correct answerPanes larger than 9 square feet if all
the following are true:
Bottom less than 18" from floor
Top edge over 36" from floor
Walkway within 36" of glazing
The shower opening (or access and egress opening) should be at least _____ finish-
width and ___ inches unobstructed in front of the door. - correct answer22 inches wide
opening, and 24 horizontal inches in front of door
Also, the door should always open outward or OK if it opens both in and out.
Swale - correct answerA graded flow path used in open drainage systems.
