Louisiana Residential Building Contractor
Exam Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which of the following is not typically considered part of “site
work” on a residential construction project?
A) Grading
B) Excavation
C) Drywall installation
D) Drainage
Answer: C
Drywall installation is part of interior finishing, not site work.
2. What is the primary purpose of footings in a foundation system?
A) To insulate the foundation walls
B) To provide a level surface for flooring
C) To spread loads from the structure into the soil
D) To provide a waterproof barrier
Answer: C
Footings distribute the weight of the building into the soil to prevent
settlement.
, 3. When placing concrete reinforcement (rebar), which factor is most
critical?
A) Color of the rebar
B) Spacing and cover
C) Manufacturer brand
D) Welding all joints
Answer: B
Proper spacing and concrete cover ensure reinforcement effectiveness
and protection from corrosion.
4. In masonry construction, the “bed joint” refers to:
A) The joint on the top of a block
B) The horizontal mortar layer between masonry units
C) A vertical mortar joint
D) A decorative groove
Answer: B
The bed joint is the horizontal mortar layer that holds masonry units
together.
5. Which type of carpentry is most associated with framing a typical
residential house?
A) Finish carpentry
B) Rough carpentry
C) Cabinet carpentry
D) Upholstery carpentry
Answer: B
Rough carpentry involves structural framing, like studs, joists, and
rafters.
, 6. Drywall installation in residential construction primarily uses
which of the following materials?
A) Metal studs
B) Gypsum board
C) Insulation batts
D) Brick
Answer: B
Gypsum board (drywall) is the standard material for interior wall
surfaces.
7. Which roofing material is most commonly used for residential
homes in Louisiana?
A) Slate
B) Wood shake
C) Asphalt shingles
D) Thatch
Answer: C
Asphalt shingles are widely used for residential roofing due to cost,
ease, and availability.
8. When reading construction plans, what does a “section view”
show?
A) The overall building elevation
B) A cut-through detail of a building component
C) Electrical wiring layout
D) Landscaping design
Answer: B
A section view is a cut-through that shows internal components (walls,
floors, roofs) in detail.
, 9. Which of the following is a general code requirement that a
residential contractor must be familiar with?
A) International Residential Code (IRC)
B) Food safety code
C) Maritime shipping code
D) Airline safety regulations
Answer: A
The IRC (or local variant) governs residential construction standards.
10. OSHA regulations on a residential construction site are
primarily concerned with:
A) Taxation
B) Worker safety
C) Zoning laws
D) Loan approvals
Answer: B
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) requirements
ensure jobsite safety.
11. What is the most likely cause of differential settlement in a
foundation?
A) Uniform soil compaction
B) Poor drainage leading to soil erosion
C) Using too much concrete admixture
D) Painting the foundation walls
Answer: B
Uneven moisture or poor drainage can cause soil movement and
differential settlement.
Exam Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which of the following is not typically considered part of “site
work” on a residential construction project?
A) Grading
B) Excavation
C) Drywall installation
D) Drainage
Answer: C
Drywall installation is part of interior finishing, not site work.
2. What is the primary purpose of footings in a foundation system?
A) To insulate the foundation walls
B) To provide a level surface for flooring
C) To spread loads from the structure into the soil
D) To provide a waterproof barrier
Answer: C
Footings distribute the weight of the building into the soil to prevent
settlement.
, 3. When placing concrete reinforcement (rebar), which factor is most
critical?
A) Color of the rebar
B) Spacing and cover
C) Manufacturer brand
D) Welding all joints
Answer: B
Proper spacing and concrete cover ensure reinforcement effectiveness
and protection from corrosion.
4. In masonry construction, the “bed joint” refers to:
A) The joint on the top of a block
B) The horizontal mortar layer between masonry units
C) A vertical mortar joint
D) A decorative groove
Answer: B
The bed joint is the horizontal mortar layer that holds masonry units
together.
5. Which type of carpentry is most associated with framing a typical
residential house?
A) Finish carpentry
B) Rough carpentry
C) Cabinet carpentry
D) Upholstery carpentry
Answer: B
Rough carpentry involves structural framing, like studs, joists, and
rafters.
, 6. Drywall installation in residential construction primarily uses
which of the following materials?
A) Metal studs
B) Gypsum board
C) Insulation batts
D) Brick
Answer: B
Gypsum board (drywall) is the standard material for interior wall
surfaces.
7. Which roofing material is most commonly used for residential
homes in Louisiana?
A) Slate
B) Wood shake
C) Asphalt shingles
D) Thatch
Answer: C
Asphalt shingles are widely used for residential roofing due to cost,
ease, and availability.
8. When reading construction plans, what does a “section view”
show?
A) The overall building elevation
B) A cut-through detail of a building component
C) Electrical wiring layout
D) Landscaping design
Answer: B
A section view is a cut-through that shows internal components (walls,
floors, roofs) in detail.
, 9. Which of the following is a general code requirement that a
residential contractor must be familiar with?
A) International Residential Code (IRC)
B) Food safety code
C) Maritime shipping code
D) Airline safety regulations
Answer: A
The IRC (or local variant) governs residential construction standards.
10. OSHA regulations on a residential construction site are
primarily concerned with:
A) Taxation
B) Worker safety
C) Zoning laws
D) Loan approvals
Answer: B
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) requirements
ensure jobsite safety.
11. What is the most likely cause of differential settlement in a
foundation?
A) Uniform soil compaction
B) Poor drainage leading to soil erosion
C) Using too much concrete admixture
D) Painting the foundation walls
Answer: B
Uneven moisture or poor drainage can cause soil movement and
differential settlement.
