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VIRGINIA HOME INSPECTOR LICENSE EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PL, Exams of Real Estate Management

VIRGINIA HOME INSPECTOR LICENSE EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2025

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2024/2025

Available from 06/26/2025

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VIRGINIA HOME INSPECTOR LICENSE
EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2025
1. What is the primary purpose of a home inspection?
To provide a professional opinion on the condition of a home at the time
of inspection
• A home inspection is meant to inform the client about the current condition
of the property, not to guarantee future performance.
2. Which of the following is NOT typically part of a standard home inspection?
Evaluating the presence of mold or asbestos
• Mold and asbestos testing usually require specialized inspections beyond
the standard home inspection scope.
3. When inspecting a roof, what is the most common sign of damage?
Missing or damaged shingles
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VIRGINIA HOME INSPECTOR LICENSE

EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT

ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS

RATIONALES 2025

  1. What is the primary purpose of a home inspection? To provide a professional opinion on the condition of a home at the time of inspection
  • A home inspection is meant to inform the client about the current condition of the property, not to guarantee future performance.
  1. Which of the following is NOT typically part of a standard home inspection? Evaluating the presence of mold or asbestos
  • Mold and asbestos testing usually require specialized inspections beyond the standard home inspection scope.
  1. When inspecting a roof, what is the most common sign of damage? Missing or damaged shingles
  • Missing or damaged shingles indicate potential leaks or structural problems in the roofing system.
  1. What is the recommended minimum clearance between the bottom of wood siding and the ground? 6 inches
  • Maintaining a 6-inch clearance helps prevent moisture damage and wood rot.
  1. Which system is inspected to check for proper operation of the heating equipment? HVAC system
  • The HVAC system includes heating, ventilation, and air conditioning components.
  1. What should a home inspector use to test for proper GFCI outlet function? Test button on the outlet
  • The built-in test button simulates a ground fault and trips the outlet to verify it functions correctly.
  1. What type of foundation is most common in Virginia? Concrete slab or crawl space foundation
  • Virginia homes commonly have either slab or crawl space foundations due to soil and climate conditions.
  1. During inspection, what is a major concern if water is found in the crawl space? Potential for mold growth and structural damage

14.What is the minimum slope required for proper drainage away from a home's foundation? 6 inches drop within the first 10 feet

  • A proper slope prevents water accumulation near the foundation, which can cause damage. 15.Which of the following materials is commonly used for residential water supply piping? Copper
  • Copper is durable and commonly used in residential plumbing. 16.What is the function of a sump pump in a crawl space or basement? To remove accumulated water and prevent flooding
  • Sump pumps help manage groundwater and keep the basement dry. 17.What is the primary cause of foundation cracks in Virginia? Soil expansion and contraction due to moisture changes
  • Virginia's clay soils expand and contract with moisture, causing foundation movement. 18.What is the recommended temperature setting for a water heater? 120°F
  • Setting water heaters to 120°F reduces scalding risk and saves energy. 19.What type of insulation is commonly found in attics? Fiberglass batt or blown-in cellulose
  • Fiberglass batts and blown cellulose are typical attic insulation materials.

20.What should a home inspector do if they find knob-and-tube wiring? Note it as a safety concern and recommend further evaluation

  • Knob-and-tube wiring is outdated and may be unsafe, requiring specialized inspection. 21.What is the function of an expansion tank on a water heater? To absorb excess pressure from thermal expansion
  • Expansion tanks prevent excessive pressure build-up in closed water heating systems. 22.How often should chimney flues be inspected or cleaned? Annually
  • Annual inspection helps prevent chimney fires and ensures proper ventilation. 23.What is the maximum height for a handrail on stairs? 38 to 42 inches
  • Building codes specify this height range for safe stair handrails. 24.What type of ventilation is important for attics? Soffit and ridge vents
  • Proper attic ventilation prevents moisture buildup and prolongs roof life. 25.What is the primary concern with aluminum wiring in older homes? Higher risk of electrical fires due to poor connections
  • Aluminum wiring can oxidize and loosen, increasing fire risk.
  • Sewer odors come from plumbing traps, vents, or sewer line issues, not roofing. 33.What is the purpose of grounding in an electrical system? To provide a safe path for electrical faults
  • Grounding reduces shock hazards and protects equipment. 34.What is the proper way to test a GFCI outlet? Press the test button and verify that power is cut off
  • Testing the GFCI simulates a ground fault and ensures the outlet trips properly. 35.What is the most common cause of water stains on ceilings? Leaking roof or plumbing above
  • Water stains usually indicate leaks in roofing or plumbing systems. 36.What is the minimum required ceiling height for habitable rooms? 7 feet
  • Most building codes require at least 7 feet for safe and comfortable living spaces. 37.When inspecting a furnace, what should be checked? Proper ventilation and absence of carbon monoxide leaks
  • Furnaces must vent exhaust safely to prevent toxic gases inside the home. 38.What type of pipe is commonly used for sewer lines? PVC or cast iron
  • PVC is common today; cast iron was used in older homes.

39.What is the maximum allowable gap between stair balusters? 4 inches

  • Building codes limit gaps to prevent small children from slipping through. 40.Which of the following is a sign of poor drainage around a foundation? Pooling water near the foundation walls
  • Water accumulation near foundations can cause structural issues. 41.What is the purpose of flashing on a roof? To prevent water penetration at joints and roof penetrations
  • Flashing directs water away from vulnerable areas. 42.What is an indication of a malfunctioning HVAC system? Uneven heating or cooling in different rooms
  • Uneven temperatures can signal airflow or system problems. 43.What is the minimum clearance between a gas meter and ignition sources? 10 feet
  • Safety codes require this clearance to reduce fire risk. 44.What should a home inspector do if they find visible mold? Note the location and recommend a specialist for further testing
  • Mold requires specialized evaluation beyond a standard inspection. 45.What is the recommended spacing for wood floor joists? 16 inches on center
  • 16 - inch spacing is standard for residential wood framing.

52.When inspecting a septic system, what is an important component to check? Condition of the septic tank and drain field

  • Proper function of the septic tank and drain field is essential to prevent sewage backup. 53.Which of the following roof types is most likely to develop leaks? Flat roof
  • Flat roofs have less natural drainage, making them prone to water pooling and leaks. 54.What is the maximum distance allowed between a water heater and its temperature and pressure relief valve discharge pipe end? 6 inches above the floor or drain pan
  • The discharge pipe should terminate close to the floor to safely direct hot water or steam. 55.What should be the first step when inspecting a home’s electrical panel? Check for proper labeling of circuits
  • Correct labeling helps identify circuits and verify electrical safety. 56.What is a common cause of squeaking floors? Loose or dry subfloor or joist connections
  • Movement between structural members causes squeaks. 57.What is the minimum recommended thickness for a concrete slab foundation? 4 inches
  • A 4-inch slab is generally the minimum for residential floors to provide adequate strength. 58.Which type of insulation is considered most energy efficient? Spray foam insulation
  • Spray foam provides excellent air sealing and R-value. 59.What does an air admittance valve do in plumbing? Allows air into the drainage system to prevent traps from being siphoned dry
  • It vents plumbing without the need for a roof vent pipe. 60.What is a common sign of electrical overheating? Discolored or melted insulation around wiring
  • Overheating causes insulation to discolor or melt, indicating a hazard. 61.What is the typical lifespan of asphalt shingles? 20 to 30 years
  • Asphalt shingles generally last two to three decades depending on quality and climate. 62.What is the function of a weep hole in brick veneer walls? To allow moisture to escape from behind the brick
  • Weep holes prevent water buildup and damage behind brick siding. 63.When inspecting a crawl space, what should be noted as a safety concern? Presence of exposed wiring or standing water
  • Exposed wiring and water create electrical hazards and structural risks.

71.What is the recommended minimum R-value for attic insulation in Virginia? R- 38

  • Higher R-values improve energy efficiency in attics. 72.When inspecting windows, what is the significance of double glazing? Improves insulation and reduces heat loss
  • Double-pane windows provide better thermal performance. 73.What is the main purpose of a vapor barrier in walls? To prevent moisture from entering the wall cavity
  • Vapor barriers help control condensation and mold growth. 74.How can an inspector test a home’s heating system? By observing operation and checking thermostat response
  • Proper function is confirmed by testing controls and system output. 75.What is the proper slope for a sewer line? 1/4 inch per foot
  • This slope allows gravity flow without clogging. 76.Which building material is fire resistant? Concrete block
  • Concrete is non-combustible and resists fire spread. 77.What is the typical spacing for roof rafters? 16 or 24 inches on center
  • Spacing depends on roof design and load requirements.

78.When inspecting insulation, what is the significance of compressed insulation? It reduces the insulation’s effectiveness

  • Compressed insulation loses air pockets and insulation value. 79.What is the purpose of an electrical circuit breaker? To protect wiring by interrupting power during overloads
  • Breakers prevent overheating and fire hazards. 80.What is the minimum thickness for drywall on ceilings? 1/2 inch
  • Standard drywall thickness provides fire resistance and durability. 81.What should be inspected on a water heater’s vent pipe? Proper slope and secure connections
  • Vent pipes must slope upward and be tightly sealed to vent gases safely. 82.What is a common cause of basement moisture problems? Poor exterior drainage
  • Water accumulation outside the foundation often causes damp basements. 83.What is the maximum spacing for floor joists in a typical home? 16 inches on center
  • This spacing supports typical residential loads. 84.Which of the following is a sign of roof ventilation problems? Excessive attic heat and moisture buildup

91.When inspecting a sump pump, what should be tested? Pump operation and discharge line condition

  • The pump must activate and remove water effectively. 92.What is a common cause of cracks in drywall? Building settling and temperature changes
  • Normal movement causes hairline cracks over time. 93.What is the minimum recommended distance between a wood deck and the ground? 18 inches
  • This clearance prevents moisture damage to decking materials. 94.What is the function of a grounding electrode system? To safely dissipate electrical faults into the earth
  • Grounding electrodes prevent shock and fire hazards. 95.What is the proper way to inspect a chimney cap? Check for damage and proper installation
  • A chimney cap prevents water, animals, and debris from entering. 96.What is the purpose of attic insulation baffles? To maintain proper airflow from soffit vents
  • Baffles keep insulation away from vents, ensuring ventilation. 97.What is the minimum diameter for a residential sewer cleanout pipe? 4 inches
  • Cleanouts allow access for sewer line maintenance.

98.What should an inspector note when observing plumbing traps? Presence and condition to prevent sewer gas entry

  • Traps retain water to block sewer odors from entering the home. 99.Which material is not recommended for underground water piping? Galvanized steel
  • Galvanized steel corrodes quickly underground.
  1. What is the minimum headroom clearance required for stairs? 6 feet 8 inches
  • Adequate headroom prevents injury when using stairs.