NORTH CAROLINA BUILDING CONTRACTOR
EXAM —QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF
1. What is the minimum slope required for asphalt shingles
according to common building standards?
o 2:12
o 4:12
o 1:12
o 3:12
Asphalt shingles should be installed on roofs with at least a
4:12 slope unless special underlayment is used.
2. Which document establishes the contractual relationship between
owner and contractor?
o Specifications
o The signed construction contract
o Building permit
, o Addenda
The signed contract legally defines responsibilities and
obligations.
3. When must a North Carolina building permit be posted on a
jobsite?
o At project completion
o After the first inspection
o Before work begins
o When the foundation is complete
NC code requires permits visible on site before construction
starts.
4. Which type of soil provides the poorest foundation support?
o Gravel
o Sand
o Clay
o Silt
Clay expands and contracts, reducing stability.
5. What is the primary purpose of reinforcement in concrete?
o Improve color
o Increase tensile strength
o Reduce curing time
o Prevent cracking entirely
Rebar and mesh offset concrete’s weak tensile capacity.
, 6. A contractor must notify NC 811 before excavation at least:
o 3 full working days
o 1 day
o 7 days
o 10 days
NC 811 law requires a minimum of 3 working days.
7. What is required for a certificate of occupancy (CO)?
o A signed contract
o All required inspections passed
o Final payment
o Landscaping completed
A CO is issued only after passing all code inspections.
8. Which lumber grade is typically used for general structural
framing?
o Finish grade
o No. 2 grade
o Utility
o Select Structural
No. 2 meets most structural requirements.
9. Who is responsible for jobsite safety under OSHA?
o The owner
o The architect
EXAM —QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF
1. What is the minimum slope required for asphalt shingles
according to common building standards?
o 2:12
o 4:12
o 1:12
o 3:12
Asphalt shingles should be installed on roofs with at least a
4:12 slope unless special underlayment is used.
2. Which document establishes the contractual relationship between
owner and contractor?
o Specifications
o The signed construction contract
o Building permit
, o Addenda
The signed contract legally defines responsibilities and
obligations.
3. When must a North Carolina building permit be posted on a
jobsite?
o At project completion
o After the first inspection
o Before work begins
o When the foundation is complete
NC code requires permits visible on site before construction
starts.
4. Which type of soil provides the poorest foundation support?
o Gravel
o Sand
o Clay
o Silt
Clay expands and contracts, reducing stability.
5. What is the primary purpose of reinforcement in concrete?
o Improve color
o Increase tensile strength
o Reduce curing time
o Prevent cracking entirely
Rebar and mesh offset concrete’s weak tensile capacity.
, 6. A contractor must notify NC 811 before excavation at least:
o 3 full working days
o 1 day
o 7 days
o 10 days
NC 811 law requires a minimum of 3 working days.
7. What is required for a certificate of occupancy (CO)?
o A signed contract
o All required inspections passed
o Final payment
o Landscaping completed
A CO is issued only after passing all code inspections.
8. Which lumber grade is typically used for general structural
framing?
o Finish grade
o No. 2 grade
o Utility
o Select Structural
No. 2 meets most structural requirements.
9. Who is responsible for jobsite safety under OSHA?
o The owner
o The architect
