New York Home Inspector License Exam – 200
ACTUAL Questions with Answers & Rationales
(2026 Edition) PDF
1. Which of the following is the primary purpose of a home inspection?
A) Determine market value of the property
B) Identify visible material defects in the property
C) Estimate renovation costs
D) Inspect neighborhood amenities
Answer: B
Rationale: A home inspection is intended to identify visible material defects, not
to determine market value or renovation costs.
2. What is the standard height for residential guardrails according to most
building codes?
A) 30 inches
B) 36 inches
C) 42 inches
D) 48 inches
Answer: C
Rationale: Residential guardrails are typically required to be at least 42 inches
high to prevent falls.
3. When inspecting a roof, what is the inspector primarily looking for?
A) Age of the roof
B) Evidence of leaks, missing shingles, or damage
C) Manufacturer of shingles
D) Energy efficiency rating
,Answer: B
Rationale: Roof inspections focus on observable defects that may affect
performance or safety.
4. Which of the following is considered a major structural component of a
home?
A) Cabinetry
B) Foundation walls
C) Light fixtures
D) Window blinds
Answer: B
Rationale: Structural components include foundation, framing, and load-
bearing elements, which are critical to safety.
5. What type of insulation is commonly found in older homes (pre-1970s)
that may pose a health risk?
A) Fiberglass
B) Spray foam
C) Asbestos
D) Cellulose
Answer: C
Rationale: Asbestos was widely used in older homes and can cause
respiratory issues if disturbed.
6. What tool is typically used to test electrical outlets for proper
grounding?
A) Multimeter
B) Infrared thermometer
,C) Moisture meter
D) Carbon monoxide detector
Answer: A
Rationale: A multimeter or receptacle tester can detect grounding issues and
voltage levels.
7. Which of the following plumbing materials is no longer recommended
for water supply lines due to health concerns?
A) PEX
B) Copper
C) Lead
D) PVC
Answer: C
Rationale: Lead piping poses serious health risks and is prohibited in modern
construction.
8. When inspecting a chimney, an inspector notices soot buildup and
cracks. This could indicate:
A) Proper function
B) Potential fire hazard or structural damage
C) Normal aging
D) Energy efficiency issues
Answer: B
Rationale: Soot and cracks may indicate blockages, improper venting, or
structural compromise.
9. GFCI outlets are required in which locations?
A) Bedrooms and living rooms
, B) Bathrooms, kitchens, and exterior outlets
C) Basements only
D) Garages only
Answer: B
Rationale: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters protect against electrical shock in
areas near water sources.
10. Which of the following best describes a “deficiency” in a home
inspection report?
A) Any observed issue that may require repair or replacement
B) Cosmetic imperfections only
C) Estimated market value reduction
D) Owner’s personal preference
Answer: A
Rationale: Deficiencies are functional or safety issues observed during
inspection.
11. What is the recommended minimum slope for a residential lot to
ensure proper drainage away from the foundation?
A) 1/4 inch per foot
B) 1/2 inch per foot
C) 1 inch per foot
D) 2 inches per foot
Answer: A
Rationale: A slope of 1/4 inch per foot is generally adequate to prevent water
accumulation near foundations.
ACTUAL Questions with Answers & Rationales
(2026 Edition) PDF
1. Which of the following is the primary purpose of a home inspection?
A) Determine market value of the property
B) Identify visible material defects in the property
C) Estimate renovation costs
D) Inspect neighborhood amenities
Answer: B
Rationale: A home inspection is intended to identify visible material defects, not
to determine market value or renovation costs.
2. What is the standard height for residential guardrails according to most
building codes?
A) 30 inches
B) 36 inches
C) 42 inches
D) 48 inches
Answer: C
Rationale: Residential guardrails are typically required to be at least 42 inches
high to prevent falls.
3. When inspecting a roof, what is the inspector primarily looking for?
A) Age of the roof
B) Evidence of leaks, missing shingles, or damage
C) Manufacturer of shingles
D) Energy efficiency rating
,Answer: B
Rationale: Roof inspections focus on observable defects that may affect
performance or safety.
4. Which of the following is considered a major structural component of a
home?
A) Cabinetry
B) Foundation walls
C) Light fixtures
D) Window blinds
Answer: B
Rationale: Structural components include foundation, framing, and load-
bearing elements, which are critical to safety.
5. What type of insulation is commonly found in older homes (pre-1970s)
that may pose a health risk?
A) Fiberglass
B) Spray foam
C) Asbestos
D) Cellulose
Answer: C
Rationale: Asbestos was widely used in older homes and can cause
respiratory issues if disturbed.
6. What tool is typically used to test electrical outlets for proper
grounding?
A) Multimeter
B) Infrared thermometer
,C) Moisture meter
D) Carbon monoxide detector
Answer: A
Rationale: A multimeter or receptacle tester can detect grounding issues and
voltage levels.
7. Which of the following plumbing materials is no longer recommended
for water supply lines due to health concerns?
A) PEX
B) Copper
C) Lead
D) PVC
Answer: C
Rationale: Lead piping poses serious health risks and is prohibited in modern
construction.
8. When inspecting a chimney, an inspector notices soot buildup and
cracks. This could indicate:
A) Proper function
B) Potential fire hazard or structural damage
C) Normal aging
D) Energy efficiency issues
Answer: B
Rationale: Soot and cracks may indicate blockages, improper venting, or
structural compromise.
9. GFCI outlets are required in which locations?
A) Bedrooms and living rooms
, B) Bathrooms, kitchens, and exterior outlets
C) Basements only
D) Garages only
Answer: B
Rationale: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters protect against electrical shock in
areas near water sources.
10. Which of the following best describes a “deficiency” in a home
inspection report?
A) Any observed issue that may require repair or replacement
B) Cosmetic imperfections only
C) Estimated market value reduction
D) Owner’s personal preference
Answer: A
Rationale: Deficiencies are functional or safety issues observed during
inspection.
11. What is the recommended minimum slope for a residential lot to
ensure proper drainage away from the foundation?
A) 1/4 inch per foot
B) 1/2 inch per foot
C) 1 inch per foot
D) 2 inches per foot
Answer: A
Rationale: A slope of 1/4 inch per foot is generally adequate to prevent water
accumulation near foundations.
