Page 1 of 36
SOUTH CAROLINA RESIDENTIAL HOME INSPECTOR
EXAM | FREQUENTLY TESTED QUESTIONS WITH
CORRECT ANSWERS | BRAND NEW!
1. What should you do if you see knob and tube wiring in an
attic?
A. Ignore it
B. Recommend modern outlets
C. Recommend evaluation by a licensed electrician
D. Replace breakers
Knob and tube wiring is outdated and often unsafe by
modern standards.
2. What does a “Zinsco” or “Federal Pacific Electric” panel
typically indicate to an inspector?
A. Aluminum wiring
B. A recalled or potentially hazardous panel
C. Outdated breakers
D. Dual neutral bars
These brands are known for breaker failure and potential fire
risk.
3. The term “spalling” on brickwork refers to:
A. Flaking or breaking of brick surfaces
B. Mortar shrinkage
C. Sagging lintels
,Page 2 of 36
D. Fungal growth
Spalling results from moisture penetration and freeze-thaw
cycles.
4. What is the maximum spacing between balusters on a
deck railing?
A. 6 inches
B. 4 inches
C. 5 inches
D. 3 inches
A 4-inch sphere should not be able to pass through
balusters, for child safety.
5. Which of the following indicates a potential active roof
leak?
A. White ceiling
B. Water stains with dark rings
C. Flat attic insulation
D. Thermal bridging
Dark rings typically indicate ongoing or recurrent leaks.
6. What is the minimum clearance between siding and
finished grade?
A. 2 inches
B. 6 inches
C. 8 inches
D. 12 inches
Siding should be at least 6 inches above grade to prevent
moisture wicking and decay.
7. Which material is best suited for use in supply piping?
A. Cast iron
B. PEX
C. Galvanized steel
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D. ABS
PEX is durable, flexible, and widely accepted for water supply.
8. A heating system's AFUE rating measures:
A. Noise output
B. Fuel efficiency
C. Air volume
D. Air temperature
AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency.
9. Why is double-keyed deadbolt not recommended for
residential egress?
A. They are illegal
B. They may prevent quick escape in emergencies
C. They are hard to install
D. They cost more
Needing a key to exit can be a safety hazard during a fire or
emergency.
10. What does a condensate line do in an HVAC system?
A. Removes moisture from the air handler
B. Delivers coolant
C. Provides gas supply
D. Regulates air pressure
It drains water collected from the cooling process to
prevent overflow.
11. What is the primary function of a weep hole in brick
veneer?
A. Anchor the bricks
B. Allow water to escape from the wall cavity
C. Strengthen mortar joints
D. Provide ventilation
, Page 4 of 36
Weep holes allow moisture to drain from behind the
veneer, preventing rot.
12. What is a common safety hazard with older fuse panels?
A. Too many outlets
B. Oversized fuses causing overheating
C. GFCI absence
D. Metal covers
Oversized fuses can allow conductors to overheat, posing a
fire risk.
13. Which of the following is considered a major
defect during inspection?
A. Loose door handle
B. Active plumbing leak under sink
C. Dirty air filter
D. Missing window screen
Leaks can cause water damage and mold, making them a
significant issue.
14. The standard slope for a plumbing drain is:
A. 1 inch per foot
B. 1/4 inch per foot
C. 1/8 inch per foot
D. 1/2 inch per foot
1/4 inch per foot is sufficient for flow without causing solids to
settle.
15. Why should dryer vents not terminate in attics?
A. Too short
B. Lint buildup and moisture can cause mold and fire hazards
C. More efficient
D. Provides insulation
Heat and moisture from the dryer can create dangerous
SOUTH CAROLINA RESIDENTIAL HOME INSPECTOR
EXAM | FREQUENTLY TESTED QUESTIONS WITH
CORRECT ANSWERS | BRAND NEW!
1. What should you do if you see knob and tube wiring in an
attic?
A. Ignore it
B. Recommend modern outlets
C. Recommend evaluation by a licensed electrician
D. Replace breakers
Knob and tube wiring is outdated and often unsafe by
modern standards.
2. What does a “Zinsco” or “Federal Pacific Electric” panel
typically indicate to an inspector?
A. Aluminum wiring
B. A recalled or potentially hazardous panel
C. Outdated breakers
D. Dual neutral bars
These brands are known for breaker failure and potential fire
risk.
3. The term “spalling” on brickwork refers to:
A. Flaking or breaking of brick surfaces
B. Mortar shrinkage
C. Sagging lintels
,Page 2 of 36
D. Fungal growth
Spalling results from moisture penetration and freeze-thaw
cycles.
4. What is the maximum spacing between balusters on a
deck railing?
A. 6 inches
B. 4 inches
C. 5 inches
D. 3 inches
A 4-inch sphere should not be able to pass through
balusters, for child safety.
5. Which of the following indicates a potential active roof
leak?
A. White ceiling
B. Water stains with dark rings
C. Flat attic insulation
D. Thermal bridging
Dark rings typically indicate ongoing or recurrent leaks.
6. What is the minimum clearance between siding and
finished grade?
A. 2 inches
B. 6 inches
C. 8 inches
D. 12 inches
Siding should be at least 6 inches above grade to prevent
moisture wicking and decay.
7. Which material is best suited for use in supply piping?
A. Cast iron
B. PEX
C. Galvanized steel
,Page 3 of 36
D. ABS
PEX is durable, flexible, and widely accepted for water supply.
8. A heating system's AFUE rating measures:
A. Noise output
B. Fuel efficiency
C. Air volume
D. Air temperature
AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency.
9. Why is double-keyed deadbolt not recommended for
residential egress?
A. They are illegal
B. They may prevent quick escape in emergencies
C. They are hard to install
D. They cost more
Needing a key to exit can be a safety hazard during a fire or
emergency.
10. What does a condensate line do in an HVAC system?
A. Removes moisture from the air handler
B. Delivers coolant
C. Provides gas supply
D. Regulates air pressure
It drains water collected from the cooling process to
prevent overflow.
11. What is the primary function of a weep hole in brick
veneer?
A. Anchor the bricks
B. Allow water to escape from the wall cavity
C. Strengthen mortar joints
D. Provide ventilation
, Page 4 of 36
Weep holes allow moisture to drain from behind the
veneer, preventing rot.
12. What is a common safety hazard with older fuse panels?
A. Too many outlets
B. Oversized fuses causing overheating
C. GFCI absence
D. Metal covers
Oversized fuses can allow conductors to overheat, posing a
fire risk.
13. Which of the following is considered a major
defect during inspection?
A. Loose door handle
B. Active plumbing leak under sink
C. Dirty air filter
D. Missing window screen
Leaks can cause water damage and mold, making them a
significant issue.
14. The standard slope for a plumbing drain is:
A. 1 inch per foot
B. 1/4 inch per foot
C. 1/8 inch per foot
D. 1/2 inch per foot
1/4 inch per foot is sufficient for flow without causing solids to
settle.
15. Why should dryer vents not terminate in attics?
A. Too short
B. Lint buildup and moisture can cause mold and fire hazards
C. More efficient
D. Provides insulation
Heat and moisture from the dryer can create dangerous
