ICA Home Inspection Final Test 2026 | Questions &
Answers | Latest Update | Exam Prep
1. If a home inspector identifies an old refrigerant type in a home's HVAC
system, what should be their recommended course of action?
Suggest using the old refrigerant until it runs out.
Ignore it as it is not a major issue.
Advise the homeowner to consider upgrading to a more
environmentally friendly refrigerant.
Recommend keeping the system as is for cost reasons.
2. If an inspector finds that the EMT system in a home is not properly bonded to
the ground, what potential issue could arise?
Increased risk of electrical shock
Enhanced signal transmission
Improved energy efficiency
Lower installation costs
3. What is the required depth of the hearth extension for a fireplace opening of
less than 6 square feet?
16 inches
24 inches
12 inches
20 inches
4. How do Standards of Practice benefit clients during a home inspection?
, They specify the exact price clients should pay for inspections.
They guarantee that all homes will pass inspection without issues.
They provide clients with clear expectations regarding the
inspection process and the inspector's responsibilities.
They outline the legal rights of the inspector during the inspection.
5. During a home inspection, you find a dry stain on the wall of a basement.
What should your next step be?
Ignore the stain as it is dry.
Recommend immediate repairs without further inspection.
Investigate the history of water issues in the basement to confirm if
the source of moisture has been resolved.
Assume the stain is from a recent leak.
6. Any type of wall heater should be:
a minimum of 36 inches away from the edge of a door
at least 24 inches above the floor
no more than 24 inches above the floor
a minimum of 12 inches away from the edge of a door and never
behind it
7. What could be the reason for a soft or spongy floor around a toilet area?
There is a blocked floor drain
There may be wood rot under the toilet
Soundproofing has been added to the floor
The toilet needs to be re-caulked
,8. If a wall stain is dry:
it's not actively leaking today
the cause of the stain has been corrected
it was probably dried by the owner before the inspection
it may have been painted over to hide it
9. If a home inspector finds flammable materials stored near a garage furnace
during an inspection, what action should they recommend?
Install a fire alarm in the garage.
Increase ventilation around the furnace.
Remove the flammable materials from the vicinity of the furnace.
Replace the furnace with a newer model.
10. Why is it important for home inspectors to maintain contact with past clients
through mailings?
Maintaining contact helps to build relationships and encourages
referrals.
Past clients do not need to be contacted after the inspection.
Mailings are used to advertise new services only.
It is required by law for all home inspectors.
11. A gas-fired, forced-air furnace in a garage
· should not have a standing pilot
· should not have any gas piping in the garage
· should be protected from impact damage by vehicles
, · should be located well away from the vehicle door to avoid pilot
flame blowout by wind
· does not require a chimney since it can vent straight into the garage
12. If a home inspector finds that a deck ledger board is not secured with lag
bolts, what potential issue should they report?
Inadequate electrical wiring
Risk of deck failure
Improper insulation
Faulty plumbing
13. Describe how the EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule impacts the
responsibilities of home inspectors.
It allows inspectors to ignore safety regulations.
It mandates inspectors to provide warranties for repairs.
It focuses solely on structural integrity without considering hazardous
materials.
It requires inspectors to assess lead-based paint hazards during
inspections.
14. A single wall vent connector must have?
6" clearance from combustibles, three screws at each joint, ¼"/ft.
grade, min 28 GSG
1" clearance from combustibles, two screws at each joint, ½"/ft. grade,
min 24 GSG
6" clearance from combustibles, three screws at each joint, ¼"/ft.
grade, min 26 GSG
Answers | Latest Update | Exam Prep
1. If a home inspector identifies an old refrigerant type in a home's HVAC
system, what should be their recommended course of action?
Suggest using the old refrigerant until it runs out.
Ignore it as it is not a major issue.
Advise the homeowner to consider upgrading to a more
environmentally friendly refrigerant.
Recommend keeping the system as is for cost reasons.
2. If an inspector finds that the EMT system in a home is not properly bonded to
the ground, what potential issue could arise?
Increased risk of electrical shock
Enhanced signal transmission
Improved energy efficiency
Lower installation costs
3. What is the required depth of the hearth extension for a fireplace opening of
less than 6 square feet?
16 inches
24 inches
12 inches
20 inches
4. How do Standards of Practice benefit clients during a home inspection?
, They specify the exact price clients should pay for inspections.
They guarantee that all homes will pass inspection without issues.
They provide clients with clear expectations regarding the
inspection process and the inspector's responsibilities.
They outline the legal rights of the inspector during the inspection.
5. During a home inspection, you find a dry stain on the wall of a basement.
What should your next step be?
Ignore the stain as it is dry.
Recommend immediate repairs without further inspection.
Investigate the history of water issues in the basement to confirm if
the source of moisture has been resolved.
Assume the stain is from a recent leak.
6. Any type of wall heater should be:
a minimum of 36 inches away from the edge of a door
at least 24 inches above the floor
no more than 24 inches above the floor
a minimum of 12 inches away from the edge of a door and never
behind it
7. What could be the reason for a soft or spongy floor around a toilet area?
There is a blocked floor drain
There may be wood rot under the toilet
Soundproofing has been added to the floor
The toilet needs to be re-caulked
,8. If a wall stain is dry:
it's not actively leaking today
the cause of the stain has been corrected
it was probably dried by the owner before the inspection
it may have been painted over to hide it
9. If a home inspector finds flammable materials stored near a garage furnace
during an inspection, what action should they recommend?
Install a fire alarm in the garage.
Increase ventilation around the furnace.
Remove the flammable materials from the vicinity of the furnace.
Replace the furnace with a newer model.
10. Why is it important for home inspectors to maintain contact with past clients
through mailings?
Maintaining contact helps to build relationships and encourages
referrals.
Past clients do not need to be contacted after the inspection.
Mailings are used to advertise new services only.
It is required by law for all home inspectors.
11. A gas-fired, forced-air furnace in a garage
· should not have a standing pilot
· should not have any gas piping in the garage
· should be protected from impact damage by vehicles
, · should be located well away from the vehicle door to avoid pilot
flame blowout by wind
· does not require a chimney since it can vent straight into the garage
12. If a home inspector finds that a deck ledger board is not secured with lag
bolts, what potential issue should they report?
Inadequate electrical wiring
Risk of deck failure
Improper insulation
Faulty plumbing
13. Describe how the EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule impacts the
responsibilities of home inspectors.
It allows inspectors to ignore safety regulations.
It mandates inspectors to provide warranties for repairs.
It focuses solely on structural integrity without considering hazardous
materials.
It requires inspectors to assess lead-based paint hazards during
inspections.
14. A single wall vent connector must have?
6" clearance from combustibles, three screws at each joint, ¼"/ft.
grade, min 28 GSG
1" clearance from combustibles, two screws at each joint, ½"/ft. grade,
min 24 GSG
6" clearance from combustibles, three screws at each joint, ¼"/ft.
grade, min 26 GSG
