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ILLINOIS HOME INSPECTOR LICENSE
EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2025
- What is the primary purpose of a home inspection? To provide a visual evaluation of the property's condition A home inspection identifies visible defects and safety issues; it is not an appraisal or a code compliance inspection.
- Which of the following is a common sign of roof leakage? Stains or discoloration on the ceiling Water stains on ceilings often indicate roof leaks or plumbing issues above the ceiling.
- What is the minimum height requirement for residential guardrails in Illinois? 36 inches Residential guardrails must be at least 36 inches high to prevent falls.
- What type of foundation is typically made from poured concrete? Basement foundation Basements often use poured concrete walls, providing structural support below grade.
- When inspecting electrical panels, what should the home inspector check for? Proper labeling of circuits and absence of double-tapped breakers Proper labeling helps future servicing, and double-tapped breakers can cause overheating and failure.
- Which material is commonly used for water supply pipes in modern homes? PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) PEX is flexible, resistant to corrosion, and easy to install, increasingly common in plumbing.
- What is the maximum allowable spacing for residential floor joists? 16 inches on center Typical floor joists are spaced 16 inches apart to support floor loads adequately.
- What type of heating system uses air ducts to distribute warm air? Forced-air heating system Forced-air systems heat air in a furnace and distribute it through ductwork.
Aluminum wiring can oxidize and expand, causing loose connections and overheating. 15.When inspecting a chimney, what is the inspector looking for? Cracks, loose bricks, and proper clearance from combustibles Damaged chimneys can pose fire hazards and structural concerns. 16.What is the purpose of flashing on a roof? To prevent water infiltration at joints and roof penetrations Flashing directs water away from vulnerable areas to prevent leaks. 17.What is the standard voltage for most residential electrical circuits? 120 volts Standard household outlets provide 120 volts for appliances and lighting. 18.Which of these is a common sign of moisture intrusion in a basement? Efflorescence on walls White powdery deposits indicate moisture passing through masonry. 19.What is the primary material used in most modern residential water heaters? Steel with a glass-lined tank Glass lining protects steel tanks from corrosion, extending water heater life. 20.Which component regulates temperature in a forced-air heating system? Thermostat The thermostat controls the heating cycles by signaling the furnace to turn on/off.
21.What does an R-value measure? Thermal resistance of insulation Higher R-values indicate better insulating effectiveness. 22.What is a common issue with older galvanized steel water pipes? Corrosion and reduced water flow Galvanized pipes corrode internally, causing leaks and blockages. 23.What is the minimum clearance required between a gas water heater and combustible materials? 6 inches Maintaining clearance prevents fire hazards around gas appliances. 24.What does a home inspector use to check for moisture in wood? Moisture meter A moisture meter helps detect water content that can lead to rot or mold. 25.Which of these is a typical defect in sliding windows? Damaged or missing weather stripping Weather stripping prevents air and water infiltration around window sashes. 26.What does GFCI stand for? Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter It protects people from electric shocks by interrupting faulty circuits. 27.When inspecting HVAC ducts, what is a sign of concern? Disconnected or poorly sealed duct joints Leaks reduce system efficiency and indoor air quality.
35.Which is a typical sign of inadequate drainage around a home? Pooling water near the foundation Standing water increases risk of foundation damage and moisture intrusion. 36.What is the purpose of a vapor barrier in a crawl space? To prevent moisture from the soil entering the home Vapor barriers reduce humidity and mold growth in crawl spaces. 37.Which type of smoke detector is recommended for faster response to flaming fires? Ionization smoke detector Ionization detectors respond quickly to fast-flaming fires. 38.What is a common defect in older asphalt shingle roofs? Curling or missing shingles Damaged shingles compromise waterproofing and roof integrity. 39.What tool is used to test the operation of a GFCI outlet? GFCI tester GFCI testers simulate a ground fault to verify outlet functionality. 40.What is a typical indicator of termite damage? Hollow-sounding wood and mud tubes Termites create tunnels and consume wood, causing structural damage. 41.Which system component controls water flow to individual fixtures? Shut-off valves Shut-off valves allow isolation of fixtures for repair or replacement.
42.When inspecting the electrical system, what does a double-tapped breaker mean? Two wires connected to a single circuit breaker terminal This can cause overheating and is usually a code violation unless the breaker is designed for it. 43.What does an expansion tank do in a hot water heating system? Absorbs excess pressure caused by water expansion during heating It prevents pressure build-up that can damage the system. 44.What is the minimum depth for footings in Illinois to avoid frost damage? 42 inches Footings must be below the frost line to prevent heaving. 45.Which of the following is NOT part of a typical septic system? Municipal sewer line Septic systems are independent from municipal sewer systems. 46.What is the main purpose of weep holes in brick veneer walls? To allow water to escape from behind the brick Weep holes prevent moisture accumulation and damage within walls. 47.Which heating fuel is most commonly used in Illinois homes? Natural gas Natural gas is widely used due to availability and efficiency. 48.What is the typical spacing of wall studs in residential construction? 16 inches on center Standard framing uses 16-inch spacing for strength and to support drywall.
House wraps prevent water intrusion but permit drying to reduce mold risk. 56.When inspecting a deck, what is a critical safety concern? Proper attachment to the house and condition of ledger boards A poorly attached deck ledger is a common cause of deck collapses. 57.What type of insulation is commonly found in homes built before 1980? Fiberglass batt insulation Fiberglass batts were widely used for thermal insulation before spray foams became popular. 58.Which of the following is NOT a typical sign of mold in a home? Yellow stains on walls Mold usually appears as black, green, or white fuzzy spots, not yellow stains. 59.What is the minimum clearance for a gas appliance vent from combustible materials? At least 6 inches Clearance prevents heat transfer that could ignite nearby combustibles. 60.Which material is commonly used for chimney liners? Clay tiles Clay tiles protect chimney walls from heat and corrosion. 61.What type of foundation wall is made of concrete blocks? Crawl space foundation Concrete block walls are common in crawl space foundations.
62.What is the main risk of aluminum wiring in homes? Increased fire risk due to oxidation and poor connections Aluminum expands and oxidizes, which can loosen connections and cause fires. 63.How should a home inspector evaluate the operation of a garage door opener? By checking its auto-reverse safety feature The auto-reverse prevents injury by reversing the door if obstructed. 64.What is the purpose of a drip edge on a roof? To direct water away from fascia and protect the roof edge Drip edges prevent water damage to roof decking and fascia boards. 65.What is the recommended type of wood for sill plates in contact with concrete? Pressure-treated lumber Pressure-treated wood resists rot and insect damage from moisture exposure. 66.Which component prevents backflow in a plumbing system? Backflow preventer or check valve Backflow devices stop contaminated water from flowing back into clean water supply. 67.What is a common sign of electrical overload? Breaker frequently trips or flickering lights Overloads cause breakers to trip and can lead to overheating wiring.
75.What is the common defect found in older knob-and-tube wiring? Lack of grounding and brittle insulation Knob-and-tube wiring is outdated and can pose fire hazards. 76.What tool is used to test water pressure? Pressure gauge Pressure gauges attach to faucets or hose bibs to measure water pressure. 77.What type of roof framing typically uses rafters? Conventional stick framing Rafters are sloped framing members that support roof decking. 78.What should a home inspector do if mold is found during inspection? Recommend a qualified specialist for further evaluation Home inspectors are not mold remediation experts and should defer to specialists. 79.What is a common sign of pest infestation in attics? Droppings or gnaw marks These signs indicate the presence of rodents or insects. 80.What is the minimum size for residential electrical conductors feeding a 200 - amp panel? 3/0 AWG copper or 250 kcmil aluminum Proper conductor size is critical for safety and code compliance. 81.What is the purpose of a vapor retarder in walls? To slow moisture diffusion into wall cavities Vapor retarders help prevent condensation and mold growth.
82.How often should chimneys be inspected? At least once a year Annual inspections ensure safety and prevent hazards like creosote buildup. 83.What is the primary risk associated with ungrounded electrical outlets? Increased risk of shock and electrical fires Grounding provides a safe path for stray currents. 84.What is the ideal slope for a gutter system? 1/4 inch per 10 feet Proper slope ensures water drains efficiently to downspouts. 85.Which window type typically has a crank handle? Casement window Casement windows open outward using a crank mechanism. 86.What does a continuous load-bearing wall support? Structural loads from floors and roof above Load-bearing walls transfer weight safely to the foundation. 87.What is a common sign of water heater failure? Rusty water and leaking around the tank Rust and leaks indicate corrosion and impending failure. 88.What should an inspector check in a septic system? Condition of the tank, drain field, and absence of backups Proper functioning prevents sewage problems and environmental contamination.
96.What is the minimum height for a chimney above the roof? 3 feet above the highest point within 10 feet This height ensures proper draft and prevents smoke re-entry. 97.Which of the following is NOT a function of a home ventilation system? Heating the air Ventilation systems exchange indoor air but do not typically heat it. 98.What is a common cause of electrical shocks in residential settings? Improper grounding or faulty wiring Grounding issues increase the risk of shock hazards. 99.Which plumbing fixture typically uses a P-trap? Sinks and tubs P-traps prevent sewer gases from entering living spaces.
- What is a potential hazard of asbestos-containing materials? Respiratory diseases if fibers become airborne and inhaled Asbestos is hazardous when disturbed and inhaled.
- What is a common sign of improper grading around a home? Water pooling near foundation walls Improper grading directs water toward the foundation, risking damage.
- What should an inspector check about the attic insulation? Type, thickness, and condition Adequate insulation improves energy efficiency and comfort.
- What is the function of a chimney cap? To prevent rain, animals, and debris from entering the chimney Chimney caps protect the flue and extend chimney life.
- What is the minimum recommended temperature setting for a water heater to prevent bacterial growth? 120°F (49°C) This temperature reduces risk of scalding while controlling bacteria.
- What type of exterior siding is made from compressed wood fibers and resin? Fiber cement siding Fiber cement siding is durable and resistant to insects and rot.
- What is a common cause of cracking in drywall? Structural movement or settling Movement causes stress leading to cracks in drywall joints.
- What is the purpose of a pressure relief valve on a water heater? To release excess pressure and prevent tank rupture It protects the water heater from dangerous over-pressurization.
- Which type of electrical wiring is considered safest for modern homes? Copper wiring with grounding conductors Copper has high conductivity and is durable, with grounding enhancing safety.
- What is the main purpose of a building's vapor barrier in a crawl space? Prevent moisture from rising into the building structure Vapor barriers reduce mold, rot, and structural damage.
- What type of plumbing trap is typically installed under sinks? P-trap P-traps create a water seal preventing sewer gases from entering living spaces.
- What is the usual size of standard residential electric meter sockets? 200 amps 200 - amp service is standard for modern homes to handle electrical load.
- What is the function of a door sweep? To seal the gap under a door to prevent drafts and pests Door sweeps improve energy efficiency and prevent entry of debris.
- What type of insulation is best for soundproofing walls? Mineral wool or fiberglass batt insulation These materials reduce sound transmission through walls.
- What is the purpose of a ground rod in electrical systems? To safely dissipate electrical surges into the earth Ground rods protect the home and occupants from electrical faults.
- What is the common cause of water stains on ceilings below bathrooms? Leaking plumbing fixtures or pipes Leaks in bathroom plumbing cause stains and potential mold growth.
- Which type of heating system circulates hot water through pipes? Hydronic heating system Hydronic systems use water or steam to heat spaces efficiently.
- What is the minimum clearance for an electrical panel from combustibles? 30 inches wide and 36 inches deep working space Adequate clearance allows safe access for maintenance and emergency shutoff.
- Which of the following is a non-load-bearing wall? Partition wall Partition walls divide spaces but do not carry structural loads.
- What is the maximum distance between supports for residential attic flooring? 24 inches on center Proper spacing supports loads safely and prevents sagging.
- What does a moisture intrusion inspection typically include? Checking for leaks, stains, and dampness in walls and floors Moisture intrusion can cause structural damage and health hazards.
- What is the minimum height for guardrails on balconies? 36 inches Guardrails protect against falls from elevated surfaces.
- What is the primary function of a crawl space vent? To provide air circulation and reduce moisture buildup Ventilation helps prevent mold and wood rot in crawl spaces.
