ICA Home Inspection: Comprehensive Final Exam Prep
100-Question Master Bank (2025/2026 Edition)
Domain 1: Structural Systems
1. What is the minimum required distance between the bottom of a wood girder and the
ground in a crawlspace?
A) 18 inches
B) 12 inches
C) 6 inches
D) 24 inches Elaboration: While floor joists require 18 inches of clearance, the main
support beams (girders) only require 12 inches per IRC R317.1 to protect against
moisture-driven rot.
2. A foundation crack that is wider at the bottom than the top usually indicates:
A) Thermal expansion.
B) Heaving in the center of the foundation wall.
C) Dropping at the corner of the structure.
D) Minor shrinkage. Elaboration: When the center of a wall is pushed upward
(heaving), the crack opens at the bottom as the wall pivots over the high point.
3. When inspecting a masonry chimney, what is the minimum required clearance to
combustible framing?
A) 1 inch
B) 2 inches
C) 6 inches
D) 0 inches (direct contact is allowed) Elaboration: Fire safety codes require a 2-inch air
gap between masonry chimneys and wood framing to prevent heat transfer and
potential combustion.
4. A "cripple wall" is found:
A) In the attic.
B) Between the top of the foundation and the first-floor joists.
C) Above a window opening.
, D) In a load-bearing partition. Elaboration: These short stud walls are common in
crawlspaces and must be braced properly to prevent racking during seismic activity.
5. In a floor system, "bridging" is used to:
A) Support the weight of the walls.
B) Distribute loads across multiple joists and prevent them from twisting.
C) Connect the sill plate to the foundation.
D) Provide a path for electrical wires. Elaboration: Bridging (cross-bracing) ensures the
joists work together as a system, reducing floor "bounce."
Domain 2: Roofing
6. A "Drip Edge" should be installed:
A) Under the felt at the rake and over the felt at the eave.
B) Over the felt at the rake and under the felt at the eave.
C) Always under the felt.
D) Always over the felt. Elaboration: This specific layering ensures that water running
off the roof or wind-driven rain at the gable ends cannot reach the wood decking.
7. Which roofing material has the longest typical life expectancy?
A) Asphalt 3-tab shingles.
B) Wood Shakes.
C) Slate.
D) EPDM. Elaboration: Natural slate can last 75 to 100+ years, far exceeding the 20-30
year lifespan of most petroleum-based materials.
8. A "Valley" on a roof is formed where:
A) The roof meets a wall.
B) Two downward-sloping roof planes meet.
C) The roof reaches its highest point.
D) The shingles overlap the gutter. Elaboration: Valleys are high-volume water
channels and require specialized flashing (open or closed) to remain waterproof.
9. A plumbing vent pipe should extend at least ________ inches above the roofline.
A) 2 inches
, B) 6 inches
C) 12 inches
D) 24 inches Elaboration: This height prevents snow from blocking the vent, which
could cause sewer gases to back up into the home.
10. What is a "Fascia" board?
A) The underside of the roof overhang.
B) The horizontal board at the end of the rafters where gutters are attached.
C) The trim around a window.
D) The structural member supporting the ridge. Elaboration: Fascia serves as the finish
for the eave and a mounting point for the drainage system.
Domain 3: Electrical Systems
11. Which of the following is an "Unacceptable" location for an electrical service panel?
A) In a garage.
B) In a clothes closet or bathroom.
C) In a finished basement.
D) Near the kitchen entrance. Elaboration: NEC prohibits panels in closets (due to
flammable materials) and bathrooms (due to moisture and shock hazards).
12. A "Sub-panel" requires the neutral and ground wires to be:
A) Bonded together.
B) Isolated (Separated).
C) Connected to the same bus bar.
D) Only ground wires are required. Elaboration: Neutrals and grounds must only be
bonded at the main service disconnect to prevent parallel paths for return current.
13. What is the standard amperage for a dryer circuit?
A) 15 amps
B) 20 amps
C) 30 amps
D) 50 amps Elaboration: Dryers require a dedicated 240V, 30-amp circuit, typically
using 10-gauge wire.
100-Question Master Bank (2025/2026 Edition)
Domain 1: Structural Systems
1. What is the minimum required distance between the bottom of a wood girder and the
ground in a crawlspace?
A) 18 inches
B) 12 inches
C) 6 inches
D) 24 inches Elaboration: While floor joists require 18 inches of clearance, the main
support beams (girders) only require 12 inches per IRC R317.1 to protect against
moisture-driven rot.
2. A foundation crack that is wider at the bottom than the top usually indicates:
A) Thermal expansion.
B) Heaving in the center of the foundation wall.
C) Dropping at the corner of the structure.
D) Minor shrinkage. Elaboration: When the center of a wall is pushed upward
(heaving), the crack opens at the bottom as the wall pivots over the high point.
3. When inspecting a masonry chimney, what is the minimum required clearance to
combustible framing?
A) 1 inch
B) 2 inches
C) 6 inches
D) 0 inches (direct contact is allowed) Elaboration: Fire safety codes require a 2-inch air
gap between masonry chimneys and wood framing to prevent heat transfer and
potential combustion.
4. A "cripple wall" is found:
A) In the attic.
B) Between the top of the foundation and the first-floor joists.
C) Above a window opening.
, D) In a load-bearing partition. Elaboration: These short stud walls are common in
crawlspaces and must be braced properly to prevent racking during seismic activity.
5. In a floor system, "bridging" is used to:
A) Support the weight of the walls.
B) Distribute loads across multiple joists and prevent them from twisting.
C) Connect the sill plate to the foundation.
D) Provide a path for electrical wires. Elaboration: Bridging (cross-bracing) ensures the
joists work together as a system, reducing floor "bounce."
Domain 2: Roofing
6. A "Drip Edge" should be installed:
A) Under the felt at the rake and over the felt at the eave.
B) Over the felt at the rake and under the felt at the eave.
C) Always under the felt.
D) Always over the felt. Elaboration: This specific layering ensures that water running
off the roof or wind-driven rain at the gable ends cannot reach the wood decking.
7. Which roofing material has the longest typical life expectancy?
A) Asphalt 3-tab shingles.
B) Wood Shakes.
C) Slate.
D) EPDM. Elaboration: Natural slate can last 75 to 100+ years, far exceeding the 20-30
year lifespan of most petroleum-based materials.
8. A "Valley" on a roof is formed where:
A) The roof meets a wall.
B) Two downward-sloping roof planes meet.
C) The roof reaches its highest point.
D) The shingles overlap the gutter. Elaboration: Valleys are high-volume water
channels and require specialized flashing (open or closed) to remain waterproof.
9. A plumbing vent pipe should extend at least ________ inches above the roofline.
A) 2 inches
, B) 6 inches
C) 12 inches
D) 24 inches Elaboration: This height prevents snow from blocking the vent, which
could cause sewer gases to back up into the home.
10. What is a "Fascia" board?
A) The underside of the roof overhang.
B) The horizontal board at the end of the rafters where gutters are attached.
C) The trim around a window.
D) The structural member supporting the ridge. Elaboration: Fascia serves as the finish
for the eave and a mounting point for the drainage system.
Domain 3: Electrical Systems
11. Which of the following is an "Unacceptable" location for an electrical service panel?
A) In a garage.
B) In a clothes closet or bathroom.
C) In a finished basement.
D) Near the kitchen entrance. Elaboration: NEC prohibits panels in closets (due to
flammable materials) and bathrooms (due to moisture and shock hazards).
12. A "Sub-panel" requires the neutral and ground wires to be:
A) Bonded together.
B) Isolated (Separated).
C) Connected to the same bus bar.
D) Only ground wires are required. Elaboration: Neutrals and grounds must only be
bonded at the main service disconnect to prevent parallel paths for return current.
13. What is the standard amperage for a dryer circuit?
A) 15 amps
B) 20 amps
C) 30 amps
D) 50 amps Elaboration: Dryers require a dedicated 240V, 30-amp circuit, typically
using 10-gauge wire.
