TEXAS HOME INSPECTOR EXAM
1. What is the primary purpose of a home inspection?
A. To guarantee future condition of the home
B. To determine the market value of the home
C. To provide an objective evaluation of the home’s visible
condition
D. To enforce building codes
The primary purpose of a home inspection is to provide clients
with an objective assessment of the property’s current,
observable condition. Inspectors do not guarantee future
performance, determine market value, or act as code
enforcement officials.
2. Which organization develops the Standards of Practice
commonly used by home inspectors?
A. Federal Emergency Management Agency
B. Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC)
C. Department of Housing and Urban Development
D. National Association of Realtors
In Texas, the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) establishes
Standards of Practice and licensing requirements for home
inspectors. These standards guide how inspections are
performed and reported.
3. A GFCI outlet is primarily designed to protect against:
A. Overheating wires
B. Lightning strikes
C. Electrical shock from ground faults
D. Power surges
,Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) detect imbalances in
electrical current and quickly shut off power to reduce the risk
of electric shock, especially in wet locations.
4. Which roof covering generally has the shortest life
expectancy?
A. Clay tile
B. Slate
C. Metal
D. Three-tab asphalt shingles
Three-tab asphalt shingles typically have shorter lifespans
compared to clay tile, slate, and metal roofing materials, often
lasting 15–25 years depending on climate and maintenance.
5. What is the function of flashing on a roof?
A. To improve attic ventilation
B. To support roof rafters
C. To prevent water intrusion at roof penetrations and joints
D. To increase insulation value
Flashing directs water away from vulnerable areas such as
chimneys, valleys, vents, and roof intersections to help prevent
leaks.
6. Which foundation crack is generally considered the most
serious?
A. Hairline shrinkage crack
B. Small vertical crack
C. Large horizontal crack
D. Surface-level crack in mortar
Horizontal foundation cracks may indicate significant lateral soil
pressure or structural movement and often warrant further
evaluation by a structural engineer.
, 7. What is the recommended minimum slope for proper
drainage away from a foundation?
A. 1 inch in 20 feet
B. 2 inches in 15 feet
C. 6 inches within the first 10 feet
D. 12 inches within the first 20 feet
Proper grading directs water away from the home. A common
recommendation is a slope of at least 6 inches within the first
10 feet from the foundation.
8. Which type of fire extinguisher is suitable for ordinary
combustibles?
A. Class C
B. Class D
C. Class K
D. Class A
Class A fire extinguishers are designed for ordinary
combustibles such as wood, paper, and cloth.
9. What does “spalling” refer to in masonry?
A. Paint peeling from surfaces
B. Flaking or breaking apart of brick or concrete surfaces
C. Rust formation on metal
D. Uneven mortar joints
Spalling occurs when masonry surfaces chip, flake, or break
apart, often due to moisture intrusion, freeze-thaw cycles, or
poor material quality.
10. Which plumbing pipe material is most susceptible to
corrosion over time?
A. PEX
B. PVC
1. What is the primary purpose of a home inspection?
A. To guarantee future condition of the home
B. To determine the market value of the home
C. To provide an objective evaluation of the home’s visible
condition
D. To enforce building codes
The primary purpose of a home inspection is to provide clients
with an objective assessment of the property’s current,
observable condition. Inspectors do not guarantee future
performance, determine market value, or act as code
enforcement officials.
2. Which organization develops the Standards of Practice
commonly used by home inspectors?
A. Federal Emergency Management Agency
B. Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC)
C. Department of Housing and Urban Development
D. National Association of Realtors
In Texas, the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) establishes
Standards of Practice and licensing requirements for home
inspectors. These standards guide how inspections are
performed and reported.
3. A GFCI outlet is primarily designed to protect against:
A. Overheating wires
B. Lightning strikes
C. Electrical shock from ground faults
D. Power surges
,Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) detect imbalances in
electrical current and quickly shut off power to reduce the risk
of electric shock, especially in wet locations.
4. Which roof covering generally has the shortest life
expectancy?
A. Clay tile
B. Slate
C. Metal
D. Three-tab asphalt shingles
Three-tab asphalt shingles typically have shorter lifespans
compared to clay tile, slate, and metal roofing materials, often
lasting 15–25 years depending on climate and maintenance.
5. What is the function of flashing on a roof?
A. To improve attic ventilation
B. To support roof rafters
C. To prevent water intrusion at roof penetrations and joints
D. To increase insulation value
Flashing directs water away from vulnerable areas such as
chimneys, valleys, vents, and roof intersections to help prevent
leaks.
6. Which foundation crack is generally considered the most
serious?
A. Hairline shrinkage crack
B. Small vertical crack
C. Large horizontal crack
D. Surface-level crack in mortar
Horizontal foundation cracks may indicate significant lateral soil
pressure or structural movement and often warrant further
evaluation by a structural engineer.
, 7. What is the recommended minimum slope for proper
drainage away from a foundation?
A. 1 inch in 20 feet
B. 2 inches in 15 feet
C. 6 inches within the first 10 feet
D. 12 inches within the first 20 feet
Proper grading directs water away from the home. A common
recommendation is a slope of at least 6 inches within the first
10 feet from the foundation.
8. Which type of fire extinguisher is suitable for ordinary
combustibles?
A. Class C
B. Class D
C. Class K
D. Class A
Class A fire extinguishers are designed for ordinary
combustibles such as wood, paper, and cloth.
9. What does “spalling” refer to in masonry?
A. Paint peeling from surfaces
B. Flaking or breaking apart of brick or concrete surfaces
C. Rust formation on metal
D. Uneven mortar joints
Spalling occurs when masonry surfaces chip, flake, or break
apart, often due to moisture intrusion, freeze-thaw cycles, or
poor material quality.
10. Which plumbing pipe material is most susceptible to
corrosion over time?
A. PEX
B. PVC
