NEW YORK HOME INSPECTOR LICENSE
EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026
1. During a home inspection, you observe horizontal cracks in a basement
foundation wall. What should the inspector report?
A. Cosmetic aging only
B. Possible structural movement requiring further evaluation
C. Normal paint damage
D. No defect exists
Answer: B. Possible structural movement requiring further evaluation
Rationale: Horizontal cracks may indicate structural pressure or foundation
failure.
2. A roof has missing shingles and visible water stains in the attic. What is the
MOST appropriate conclusion?
A. Roof is functioning normally
B. Evidence suggests active or previous roof leakage
C. Stains are unrelated to roofing
D. No reporting needed
Answer: B. Evidence suggests active or previous roof leakage
Rationale: Missing shingles combined with attic staining indicates moisture
intrusion.
,3. During inspection of an electrical panel, double-tapped breakers are
observed. What should the inspector do?
A. Ignore the condition
B. Report as potential safety concern
C. Repair the breakers personally
D. Shut off power permanently
Answer: B. Report as potential safety concern
Rationale: Double-tapping may create overheating and electrical hazards.
4. A furnace produces unusual soot buildup near the burner compartment.
What is the BEST recommendation?
A. Continue operation normally
B. Recommend HVAC specialist evaluation immediately
C. Clean it personally during inspection
D. Ignore the soot
Answer: B. Recommend HVAC specialist evaluation immediately
Rationale: Soot may indicate incomplete combustion or ventilation issues.
5. An inspector notices active water dripping beneath a bathroom sink. What
should be included in the report?
A. No defect noted
B. Active plumbing leak observed
C. Cosmetic issue only
D. Ignore if leak is minor
Answer: B. Active plumbing leak observed
Rationale: Active leakage must be documented because it may cause damage.
6. Which condition is MOST likely to indicate unsafe stair construction?
,A. Uniform riser height
B. Missing handrail
C. Painted stair surface
D. Carpeted treads
Answer: B. Missing handrail
Rationale: Handrails are major safety features for stairways.
7. A home inspector discovers exposed wiring in an unfinished basement. What
is the BEST action?
A. Ignore it
B. Report exposed wiring as safety hazard
C. Repair wiring during inspection
D. Disconnect all electrical circuits
Answer: B. Report exposed wiring as safety hazard
Rationale: Exposed wiring presents shock and fire risks.
8. During a roof inspection, sagging roof decking is visible. What should the
inspector conclude?
A. Roof is structurally acceptable
B. Possible structural deterioration exists
C. Cosmetic defect only
D. No reporting required
Answer: B. Possible structural deterioration exists
Rationale: Sagging may indicate structural weakness or moisture damage.
9. Which plumbing material is commonly associated with corrosion concerns in
older homes?
A. PVC
B. Copper
, C. Galvanized steel
D. PEX
Answer: C. Galvanized steel
Rationale: Galvanized pipes often corrode internally over time.
10. An HVAC system fails to respond to thermostat controls during inspection.
What is the BEST recommendation?
A. Ignore the issue
B. Recommend servicing by qualified HVAC technician
C. Replace thermostat personally
D. Leave system running
Answer: B. Recommend servicing by qualified HVAC technician
Rationale: Non-responsive systems require professional evaluation.
11. What is the PRIMARY purpose of GFCI protection?
A. Reduce water pressure
B. Prevent electrical shock
C. Increase voltage
D. Improve lighting brightness
Answer: B. Prevent electrical shock
Rationale: GFCIs protect against ground-fault electrical hazards.
12. An inspector notices signs of wood rot near exterior trim. What should be
reported?
A. Cosmetic discoloration only
B. Deteriorated wood requiring repair
C. Normal aging condition
D. No defect exists
EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026
1. During a home inspection, you observe horizontal cracks in a basement
foundation wall. What should the inspector report?
A. Cosmetic aging only
B. Possible structural movement requiring further evaluation
C. Normal paint damage
D. No defect exists
Answer: B. Possible structural movement requiring further evaluation
Rationale: Horizontal cracks may indicate structural pressure or foundation
failure.
2. A roof has missing shingles and visible water stains in the attic. What is the
MOST appropriate conclusion?
A. Roof is functioning normally
B. Evidence suggests active or previous roof leakage
C. Stains are unrelated to roofing
D. No reporting needed
Answer: B. Evidence suggests active or previous roof leakage
Rationale: Missing shingles combined with attic staining indicates moisture
intrusion.
,3. During inspection of an electrical panel, double-tapped breakers are
observed. What should the inspector do?
A. Ignore the condition
B. Report as potential safety concern
C. Repair the breakers personally
D. Shut off power permanently
Answer: B. Report as potential safety concern
Rationale: Double-tapping may create overheating and electrical hazards.
4. A furnace produces unusual soot buildup near the burner compartment.
What is the BEST recommendation?
A. Continue operation normally
B. Recommend HVAC specialist evaluation immediately
C. Clean it personally during inspection
D. Ignore the soot
Answer: B. Recommend HVAC specialist evaluation immediately
Rationale: Soot may indicate incomplete combustion or ventilation issues.
5. An inspector notices active water dripping beneath a bathroom sink. What
should be included in the report?
A. No defect noted
B. Active plumbing leak observed
C. Cosmetic issue only
D. Ignore if leak is minor
Answer: B. Active plumbing leak observed
Rationale: Active leakage must be documented because it may cause damage.
6. Which condition is MOST likely to indicate unsafe stair construction?
,A. Uniform riser height
B. Missing handrail
C. Painted stair surface
D. Carpeted treads
Answer: B. Missing handrail
Rationale: Handrails are major safety features for stairways.
7. A home inspector discovers exposed wiring in an unfinished basement. What
is the BEST action?
A. Ignore it
B. Report exposed wiring as safety hazard
C. Repair wiring during inspection
D. Disconnect all electrical circuits
Answer: B. Report exposed wiring as safety hazard
Rationale: Exposed wiring presents shock and fire risks.
8. During a roof inspection, sagging roof decking is visible. What should the
inspector conclude?
A. Roof is structurally acceptable
B. Possible structural deterioration exists
C. Cosmetic defect only
D. No reporting required
Answer: B. Possible structural deterioration exists
Rationale: Sagging may indicate structural weakness or moisture damage.
9. Which plumbing material is commonly associated with corrosion concerns in
older homes?
A. PVC
B. Copper
, C. Galvanized steel
D. PEX
Answer: C. Galvanized steel
Rationale: Galvanized pipes often corrode internally over time.
10. An HVAC system fails to respond to thermostat controls during inspection.
What is the BEST recommendation?
A. Ignore the issue
B. Recommend servicing by qualified HVAC technician
C. Replace thermostat personally
D. Leave system running
Answer: B. Recommend servicing by qualified HVAC technician
Rationale: Non-responsive systems require professional evaluation.
11. What is the PRIMARY purpose of GFCI protection?
A. Reduce water pressure
B. Prevent electrical shock
C. Increase voltage
D. Improve lighting brightness
Answer: B. Prevent electrical shock
Rationale: GFCIs protect against ground-fault electrical hazards.
12. An inspector notices signs of wood rot near exterior trim. What should be
reported?
A. Cosmetic discoloration only
B. Deteriorated wood requiring repair
C. Normal aging condition
D. No defect exists
