Virginia Residential Building Contractor
Exam – Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the maximum rise allowed for a residential stair riser in
Virginia?
A. 7 ¼ inches
B. 8 ¼ inches
C. 8 ½ inches
D. 7 ¾ inches
The IRC adopted by Virginia allows a maximum riser height of 8 ¼
inches for residential stairs.
2. What is the minimum tread depth required for residential stairs?
A. 9 inches
B. 10 inches
C. 9 inches measured horizontally
D. 8 inches
Virginia code requires at least a 9-inch tread depth.
3. The minimum ceiling height for habitable rooms in a residential
home is:
A. 6' 4"
B. 7' 0"
, C. 7' 6"
D. 8' 0"
Habitable rooms must have at least 7-foot ceiling height.
4. What is the minimum footing width for a one-story light-frame
residential structure on typical soil?
A. 12 inches
B. 16 inches
C. 20 inches
D. 24 inches
Typical code tables show 16-inch minimum footing width.
5. What is the minimum slope for proper drainage away from
foundation walls?
A. 1%
B. 5%
C. 10%
D. 3%
The IRC requires a 5% slope (6 inches in the first 10 feet).
6. Which permit is generally required before beginning residential
construction in Virginia?
A. Utility permit
B. Soil certificate
C. Building permit
D. Concrete permit
A building permit is required before most residential construction
begins.
7. How often must a Class A, B, or C contractor license be renewed in
Virginia?
, A. Every year
B. Every two years
C. Every three years
D. Every five years
Virginia DPOR licenses must be renewed every two years.
8. Pressure-treated wood must be used when wood framing is within
how many inches of exposed ground?
A. 6 inches
B. 8 inches
C. 10 inches
D. 12 inches
Wood within 8 inches of grade must be treated.
9. What is the minimum thickness for a concrete slab on grade in
residential construction?
A. 2 inches
B. 3 inches
C. 3 ½ inches
D. 4 ½ inches
The IRC mandates a minimum 3½-inch slab thickness.
10. Guardrails are required for open-sided walking surfaces
higher than:
A. 24 inches
B. 36 inches
C. 18 inches
D. 30 inches
Guards are required at 30 inches above grade or floor.
Exam – Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the maximum rise allowed for a residential stair riser in
Virginia?
A. 7 ¼ inches
B. 8 ¼ inches
C. 8 ½ inches
D. 7 ¾ inches
The IRC adopted by Virginia allows a maximum riser height of 8 ¼
inches for residential stairs.
2. What is the minimum tread depth required for residential stairs?
A. 9 inches
B. 10 inches
C. 9 inches measured horizontally
D. 8 inches
Virginia code requires at least a 9-inch tread depth.
3. The minimum ceiling height for habitable rooms in a residential
home is:
A. 6' 4"
B. 7' 0"
, C. 7' 6"
D. 8' 0"
Habitable rooms must have at least 7-foot ceiling height.
4. What is the minimum footing width for a one-story light-frame
residential structure on typical soil?
A. 12 inches
B. 16 inches
C. 20 inches
D. 24 inches
Typical code tables show 16-inch minimum footing width.
5. What is the minimum slope for proper drainage away from
foundation walls?
A. 1%
B. 5%
C. 10%
D. 3%
The IRC requires a 5% slope (6 inches in the first 10 feet).
6. Which permit is generally required before beginning residential
construction in Virginia?
A. Utility permit
B. Soil certificate
C. Building permit
D. Concrete permit
A building permit is required before most residential construction
begins.
7. How often must a Class A, B, or C contractor license be renewed in
Virginia?
, A. Every year
B. Every two years
C. Every three years
D. Every five years
Virginia DPOR licenses must be renewed every two years.
8. Pressure-treated wood must be used when wood framing is within
how many inches of exposed ground?
A. 6 inches
B. 8 inches
C. 10 inches
D. 12 inches
Wood within 8 inches of grade must be treated.
9. What is the minimum thickness for a concrete slab on grade in
residential construction?
A. 2 inches
B. 3 inches
C. 3 ½ inches
D. 4 ½ inches
The IRC mandates a minimum 3½-inch slab thickness.
10. Guardrails are required for open-sided walking surfaces
higher than:
A. 24 inches
B. 36 inches
C. 18 inches
D. 30 inches
Guards are required at 30 inches above grade or floor.
