SOUTH CAROLINA RESIDENTIAL HOME
INSPECTOR EXAMINATION QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2025 Q&A
| INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. What is the primary purpose of a foundation in residential
construction?
A. To provide an aesthetic base for the home
B. To transfer the load of the structure to the ground
C. To allow access to plumbing
D. To elevate the structure above the floodplain
The foundation distributes the structural load to the earth, ensuring
stability and preventing settlement.
2. Which of the following is a typical sign of foundation settlement?
A. Peeling paint
B. Cracks in the interior walls
C. Loud HVAC noises
D. Blistering shingles
Wall cracks can indicate differential settlement in the foundation.
,3. In a crawlspace, the inspector notices fiberglass insulation hanging
down from the joists. What is the most appropriate report comment?
A. Insulation is improperly installed and should be secured or
replaced
B. No concern; insulation is expected to shift
C. Add more insulation
D. Remove insulation to prevent mold
Hanging insulation reduces effectiveness and can trap moisture,
leading to deterioration.
4. Which of the following would most likely require further evaluation by
a structural engineer?
A. Hairline cracks in drywall
B. A leaning chimney separating from the house
C. Minor water staining on ceiling
D. Doors that stick slightly
A leaning chimney can indicate serious foundation or structural
issues.
5. Which component prevents backflow in a plumbing system?
A. Drain vent
B. Backflow preventer
C. P-trap
D. Cleanout plug
A backflow preventer ensures that contaminated water does not re-
enter the potable water supply.
6. Which plumbing material is no longer allowed in residential water
supply lines due to safety concerns?
A. PEX
B. CPVC
C. Polybutylene
, D. Copper
Polybutylene piping is prone to leakage and has been the subject of
many class-action lawsuits.
7. What is the minimum slope for effective drainage on a ground-level
deck?
A. 0%
B. 1%
C. 2%
D. 1/4 inch per foot
A slope of 1/4 inch per foot (approximately 2%) helps prevent water
pooling.
8. The primary purpose of a roof underlayment is to:
A. Reflect UV rays
B. Improve insulation
C. Provide a secondary moisture barrier
D. Anchor shingles
Underlayment provides protection against moisture intrusion
beneath the roofing material.
9. A GFCI outlet must be present in which of the following areas?
A. Living room
B. Bedroom
C. Bathroom
D. Dining room
Bathrooms are wet locations and require GFCI protection to reduce
the risk of electric shock.
10. An unvented attic can result in:
A. Better energy efficiency
B. Moisture buildup and mold growth
C. No issues
INSPECTOR EXAMINATION QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2025 Q&A
| INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. What is the primary purpose of a foundation in residential
construction?
A. To provide an aesthetic base for the home
B. To transfer the load of the structure to the ground
C. To allow access to plumbing
D. To elevate the structure above the floodplain
The foundation distributes the structural load to the earth, ensuring
stability and preventing settlement.
2. Which of the following is a typical sign of foundation settlement?
A. Peeling paint
B. Cracks in the interior walls
C. Loud HVAC noises
D. Blistering shingles
Wall cracks can indicate differential settlement in the foundation.
,3. In a crawlspace, the inspector notices fiberglass insulation hanging
down from the joists. What is the most appropriate report comment?
A. Insulation is improperly installed and should be secured or
replaced
B. No concern; insulation is expected to shift
C. Add more insulation
D. Remove insulation to prevent mold
Hanging insulation reduces effectiveness and can trap moisture,
leading to deterioration.
4. Which of the following would most likely require further evaluation by
a structural engineer?
A. Hairline cracks in drywall
B. A leaning chimney separating from the house
C. Minor water staining on ceiling
D. Doors that stick slightly
A leaning chimney can indicate serious foundation or structural
issues.
5. Which component prevents backflow in a plumbing system?
A. Drain vent
B. Backflow preventer
C. P-trap
D. Cleanout plug
A backflow preventer ensures that contaminated water does not re-
enter the potable water supply.
6. Which plumbing material is no longer allowed in residential water
supply lines due to safety concerns?
A. PEX
B. CPVC
C. Polybutylene
, D. Copper
Polybutylene piping is prone to leakage and has been the subject of
many class-action lawsuits.
7. What is the minimum slope for effective drainage on a ground-level
deck?
A. 0%
B. 1%
C. 2%
D. 1/4 inch per foot
A slope of 1/4 inch per foot (approximately 2%) helps prevent water
pooling.
8. The primary purpose of a roof underlayment is to:
A. Reflect UV rays
B. Improve insulation
C. Provide a secondary moisture barrier
D. Anchor shingles
Underlayment provides protection against moisture intrusion
beneath the roofing material.
9. A GFCI outlet must be present in which of the following areas?
A. Living room
B. Bedroom
C. Bathroom
D. Dining room
Bathrooms are wet locations and require GFCI protection to reduce
the risk of electric shock.
10. An unvented attic can result in:
A. Better energy efficiency
B. Moisture buildup and mold growth
C. No issues
