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MARYLAND HOME INSPECTOR LICENSE EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2025
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C) Crawl space foundation D) Pier and beam Answer: B) Basement foundation Rationale: In Maryland, homes typically have basement foundations due to climate and soil conditions.
11.Which type of insulation is most commonly found in older Maryland homes? A) Spray foam B) Fiberglass batt C) Cellulose D) Rigid foam Answer: B) Fiberglass batt Rationale: Fiberglass batt insulation has been widely used in older homes. 12.What is the primary purpose of a sump pump? A) To filter water B) To remove groundwater from a basement C) To pump sewage D) To circulate hot water Answer: B) To remove groundwater from a basement Rationale: Sump pumps remove excess water to prevent basement flooding. 13.Which of the following is NOT a visible defect in a home inspection? A) Rotting wood B) Structural cracks C) Asbestos in floor tiles D) Loose handrail Answer: C) Asbestos in floor tiles Rationale: Asbestos presence cannot be determined by visible inspection alone and requires testing.
A) Walk on the roof surface B) Use binoculars from the ground C) Inspect from a ladder and roof edge D) Use drone only Answer: C) Inspect from a ladder and roof edge Rationale: Inspecting from a ladder and roof edge balances safety and thoroughness. 18.What should be the operation of a functional furnace blower fan? A) Always running B) Runs only when heating is on C) Runs only when cooling is on D) Runs intermittently regardless of system mode Answer: B) Runs only when heating is on Rationale: The blower runs to distribute heat when the furnace is active. 19.What is the function of the vapor barrier in a crawl space? A) Prevent air infiltration B) Stop moisture from soil entering crawl space C) Insulate floor joists D) Support foundation walls Answer: B) Stop moisture from soil entering crawl space Rationale: Vapor barriers reduce moisture migration from soil into crawl spaces. 20.What is the maximum allowable gap for electrical wiring entering a panel?
A) 1/8 inch B) 1/4 inch C) 1/2 inch D) No gap allowed Answer: B) 1/4 inch Rationale: A small gap is allowed but must be sealed or protected to prevent entry of debris or pests. 21.Which type of window is easiest to clean from inside the house? A) Single-hung B) Double-hung C) Casement D) Slider Answer: C) Casement Rationale: Casement windows open fully outward, allowing easy cleaning of both sides. 22.What does AFCI stand for? A) Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter B) Automatic Fuse Control Interface C) Alternate Fault Circuit Indicator D) Arc Flow Control Installer Answer: A) Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter Rationale: AFCIs detect arc faults and help prevent electrical fires. 23.What is the primary cause of mold growth in homes?
A) 3 inches B) 6 inches C) 12 inches D) 24 inches Answer: B) 6 inches Rationale: Adequate clearance allows for maintenance and prevents fire hazards. 27.How often should a home inspector test GFCI outlets? A) Once a year B) During every inspection C) Only if tripped D) Not required Answer: B) During every inspection Rationale: Testing GFCIs ensures they function properly for safety during each inspection. 28.Which of the following plumbing materials is not allowed in new Maryland construction? A) PEX B) Copper C) Galvanized steel D) PVC Answer: C) Galvanized steel Rationale: Galvanized steel is prone to corrosion and is being phased out.
29.What is the typical water pressure range for residential homes? A) 10-30 psi B) 30-50 psi C) 40-80 psi D) 80-120 psi Answer: C) 40-80 psi Rationale: Normal household water pressure ranges between 40 and 80 psi. 30.What is a common sign of termite damage? A) Powdery wood dust B) Small holes in drywall C) Swollen floor joists D) Rust on metal Answer: A) Powdery wood dust Rationale: Termites leave behind frass, a powdery dust from wood damage. 31.What is the minimum R-value recommended for attic insulation in Maryland? A) R- 19 B) R- 30 C) R- 38 D) R- 49 Answer: C) R- 38 Rationale: Maryland generally recommends R-38 insulation for attics for energy efficiency.
Answer: D) All of the above Rationale: Gas appliances can use any of these venting systems depending on design. 35.What is the maximum length for a dryer exhaust duct? A) 10 feet B) 15 feet C) 25 feet D) 35 feet Answer: C) 25 feet Rationale: The maximum length of a dryer duct is 25 feet, adjusted for bends. 36.Which of these is a safety concern in electrical systems? A) Proper grounding B) Aluminum wiring without proper connectors C) GFCI outlets in bathrooms D) Circuit breakers in good condition Answer: B) Aluminum wiring without proper connectors Rationale: Aluminum wiring can cause fire hazards if not installed or connected properly. 37.Which material is commonly used for sewer lateral lines? A) Cast iron B) PVC C) Copper D) Galvanized steel
Answer: B) PVC Rationale: PVC is common for modern sewer laterals due to durability and cost. 38.What is the minimum distance from a well to a septic system? A) 10 feet B) 25 feet C) 50 feet D) 100 feet Answer: D) 100 feet Rationale: Local codes generally require at least 100 feet separation for health safety. 39.Which of the following can cause backflow in a plumbing system? A) High water pressure B) Cross connection C) Low water pressure D) Broken pipe Answer: B) Cross connection Rationale: Cross connections can cause contaminated water to flow back into potable water supply. 40.What is the standard minimum width for a residential driveway? A) 8 feet B) 10 feet C) 12 feet D) 14 feet
Answer: B) 8 feet Rationale: Typically, deck joists are supported every 8 feet or less to prevent sagging. 44.Which of the following is a sign of electrical overload? A) Warm outlets or switches B) Flickering lights only C) GFCI trips occasionally D) Properly functioning breaker Answer: A) Warm outlets or switches Rationale: Warm or hot outlets indicate possible overload or loose wiring. 45.What is the primary cause of ice dams on roofs? A) Poor attic insulation and ventilation B) Excessive rainfall C) Broken gutters D) Flat roof design Answer: A) Poor attic insulation and ventilation Rationale: Heat escaping into the attic melts snow which refreezes at roof edges causing ice dams. 46.Which of the following is NOT part of the building envelope? A) Roof B) Foundation walls C) HVAC system D) Exterior walls
Answer: C) HVAC system Rationale: The building envelope includes roof, walls, foundation but not mechanical systems. 47.How often should smoke detectors be tested? A) Monthly B) Every 6 months C) Annually D) Every 5 years Answer: A) Monthly Rationale: Smoke detectors should be tested monthly for proper function. 48.What is the typical function of a backwater valve in a sewer line? A) Prevent sewage backup into a home B) Regulate water pressure C) Filter debris D) Control flow rate Answer: A) Prevent sewage backup into a home Rationale: Backwater valves stop reverse flow of sewage to prevent flooding. 49.What is a key sign of electrical arcing? A) Smell of burning plastic B) Loud buzzing sound C) Flickering lights D) All of the above