BC OWNER BUILDER EXAM
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED
CORRECT ANSWERS GRADED A+
LATEST UPDATE 2026
Order of inspections - answer-1: forms, basement and crawlspace
2: Plumbing, dampproofing, foundation drainage , sanitary sewer, storm sewer, sump,
water service
3: plumbing, electrical, mechanical, gas
4: framing inspection
5: insulation and vapour barrier
6: rainscreen/exterior finishs, drywall
7: building envelop inspection
8: final inspection
Which is not an acceptable method for determining the correct grading for a trench? -
answer-An experienced excavator says it's ok
At what depth is shoring required? - answer-1.2m/4ft
Which best describes the principle of rain waterterm-0 deflection? - answer-Design and
construction that prevents water from ever entering
What lighting safety certifications are required in Canada? - answer-CSA safety
certification
What grit of sandpaper would get the smoothest result? - answer-Higher grit with get a
smoother finish
,What is the maximum rise in a flight of stairs? - answer-The vertical height of any flight of
stairs should not exceed 3.7m
What is the minimum distance that a ladder must extend above a parapet wall or
landing? - answer-3ft
What heights are end dams to be on windows and door flashings? - answer-25mm/1
inch
End dam use - answer-Stop water from coming in
When should you call for inspectors to make them efficient as possible? - answer-
Group inspectors together when possible and call when work is complete
When is an HRV required? - answer-Almost always
What can you build under the owner-builder HPO process? - answer-Single detached
home under a single title. Single dwelling attached to pre-existing building older than 10
years. Single dwelling attached to a new non-residential building.
Who issues permits for a gas fireplace? - answer-Safety Authority (call Technical Safe
BC)
Can an owner builder take out their own electrical permit? - answer-Yes, up to 200A
What is the best way to apply asphalt waterproofing on a foundation? - answer-Spray-on
or roll on dry foundation with 2in. below grade
When is the appropriate time to backfill a foundation? - answer-After damp-proofing
, What do you need to do when applying a peel and stick waterproof membrane
foundation? - answer-Use an approved primer before installing
What are gas meter installation requirements? - answer-The distance from the gas vent
to the roof must be greater than the overhang of the roof, nothing can be with in 1m
either side or 4.5m above a gas meter
When do you need to install a handrail or have fall protection? - answer-10ft, 4ft if no fall
protection
How high does a construction fence around a site need to be? - answer-6ft
When installing the footer, it was dug down 2in. deeper than what the elevation should
be. What needs to happen? - answer-Install the footing form at proper elevation and fill
with extra concrete
When installing flashing for a roof valley how much do the asphalt shingles need to
overlap? - answer-6in.
What would cause a blister on a flat roof? - answer-Moisture trapped under roof
Water is backing up in a skylight, what do you do to fix it? - answer-Clear drainage
What needs to be done first when starting to install asphalt shingles on a roof? - answer-
Install eve protection
What kind of fastener can you use in a wood that has been treated with chromated
copper arsenate? - answer-Lumber manufacturer approved fastener
When should there be insulation under a basement slab? - answer-When there is in
floor heating
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED
CORRECT ANSWERS GRADED A+
LATEST UPDATE 2026
Order of inspections - answer-1: forms, basement and crawlspace
2: Plumbing, dampproofing, foundation drainage , sanitary sewer, storm sewer, sump,
water service
3: plumbing, electrical, mechanical, gas
4: framing inspection
5: insulation and vapour barrier
6: rainscreen/exterior finishs, drywall
7: building envelop inspection
8: final inspection
Which is not an acceptable method for determining the correct grading for a trench? -
answer-An experienced excavator says it's ok
At what depth is shoring required? - answer-1.2m/4ft
Which best describes the principle of rain waterterm-0 deflection? - answer-Design and
construction that prevents water from ever entering
What lighting safety certifications are required in Canada? - answer-CSA safety
certification
What grit of sandpaper would get the smoothest result? - answer-Higher grit with get a
smoother finish
,What is the maximum rise in a flight of stairs? - answer-The vertical height of any flight of
stairs should not exceed 3.7m
What is the minimum distance that a ladder must extend above a parapet wall or
landing? - answer-3ft
What heights are end dams to be on windows and door flashings? - answer-25mm/1
inch
End dam use - answer-Stop water from coming in
When should you call for inspectors to make them efficient as possible? - answer-
Group inspectors together when possible and call when work is complete
When is an HRV required? - answer-Almost always
What can you build under the owner-builder HPO process? - answer-Single detached
home under a single title. Single dwelling attached to pre-existing building older than 10
years. Single dwelling attached to a new non-residential building.
Who issues permits for a gas fireplace? - answer-Safety Authority (call Technical Safe
BC)
Can an owner builder take out their own electrical permit? - answer-Yes, up to 200A
What is the best way to apply asphalt waterproofing on a foundation? - answer-Spray-on
or roll on dry foundation with 2in. below grade
When is the appropriate time to backfill a foundation? - answer-After damp-proofing
, What do you need to do when applying a peel and stick waterproof membrane
foundation? - answer-Use an approved primer before installing
What are gas meter installation requirements? - answer-The distance from the gas vent
to the roof must be greater than the overhang of the roof, nothing can be with in 1m
either side or 4.5m above a gas meter
When do you need to install a handrail or have fall protection? - answer-10ft, 4ft if no fall
protection
How high does a construction fence around a site need to be? - answer-6ft
When installing the footer, it was dug down 2in. deeper than what the elevation should
be. What needs to happen? - answer-Install the footing form at proper elevation and fill
with extra concrete
When installing flashing for a roof valley how much do the asphalt shingles need to
overlap? - answer-6in.
What would cause a blister on a flat roof? - answer-Moisture trapped under roof
Water is backing up in a skylight, what do you do to fix it? - answer-Clear drainage
What needs to be done first when starting to install asphalt shingles on a roof? - answer-
Install eve protection
What kind of fastener can you use in a wood that has been treated with chromated
copper arsenate? - answer-Lumber manufacturer approved fastener
When should there be insulation under a basement slab? - answer-When there is in
floor heating
