BC Owner Builder Exam 2026 Questions
and Answers
Order of inspections - Correct 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? - Correct Answer-An experienced excavator says it's ok
At what depth is shoring required? - Correct Answer-1.2m/4ft
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,Which best describes the principle of rain waterterm-0 deflection? - Correct
Answer-Design and construction that prevents water from ever entering
What lighting safety certifications are required in Canada? - Correct Answer-CSA
safety certification
What grit of sandpaper would get the smoothest result? - Correct Answer-Higher
grit with get a smoother finish
What is the maximum rise in a flight of stairs? - Correct 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? - Correct Answer-3ft
What heights are end dams to be on windows and door flashings? - Correct
Answer-25mm/1 inch
End dam use - Correct Answer-Stop water from coming in
When should you call for inspectors to make them efficient as possible? - Correct
Answer-Group inspectors together when possible and call when work is complete
When is an HRV required? - Correct Answer-Almost always
What can you build under the owner-builder HPO process? - Correct Answer-
Single detached home under a single title. Single dwelling attached to pre-existing
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, building older than 10 years. Single dwelling attached to a new non-residential
building.
Who issues permits for a gas fireplace? - Correct Answer-Safety Authority (call
Technical Safe BC)
Can an owner builder take out their own electrical permit? - Correct Answer-Yes,
up to 200A
What is the best way to apply asphalt waterproofing on a foundation? - Correct
Answer-Spray-on or roll on dry foundation with 2in. below grade
When is the appropriate time to backfill a foundation? - Correct Answer-After
damp-proofing
What do you need to do when applying a peel and stick waterproof membrane
foundation? - Correct Answer-Use an approved primer before installing
What are gas meter installation requirements? - Correct 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? - Correct Answer-
10ft, 4ft if no fall protection
How high does a construction fence around a site need to be? - Correct Answer-6ft
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and Answers
Order of inspections - Correct 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? - Correct Answer-An experienced excavator says it's ok
At what depth is shoring required? - Correct Answer-1.2m/4ft
©COPYRIGHT2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
,Which best describes the principle of rain waterterm-0 deflection? - Correct
Answer-Design and construction that prevents water from ever entering
What lighting safety certifications are required in Canada? - Correct Answer-CSA
safety certification
What grit of sandpaper would get the smoothest result? - Correct Answer-Higher
grit with get a smoother finish
What is the maximum rise in a flight of stairs? - Correct 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? - Correct Answer-3ft
What heights are end dams to be on windows and door flashings? - Correct
Answer-25mm/1 inch
End dam use - Correct Answer-Stop water from coming in
When should you call for inspectors to make them efficient as possible? - Correct
Answer-Group inspectors together when possible and call when work is complete
When is an HRV required? - Correct Answer-Almost always
What can you build under the owner-builder HPO process? - Correct Answer-
Single detached home under a single title. Single dwelling attached to pre-existing
©COPYRIGHT2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
, building older than 10 years. Single dwelling attached to a new non-residential
building.
Who issues permits for a gas fireplace? - Correct Answer-Safety Authority (call
Technical Safe BC)
Can an owner builder take out their own electrical permit? - Correct Answer-Yes,
up to 200A
What is the best way to apply asphalt waterproofing on a foundation? - Correct
Answer-Spray-on or roll on dry foundation with 2in. below grade
When is the appropriate time to backfill a foundation? - Correct Answer-After
damp-proofing
What do you need to do when applying a peel and stick waterproof membrane
foundation? - Correct Answer-Use an approved primer before installing
What are gas meter installation requirements? - Correct 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? - Correct Answer-
10ft, 4ft if no fall protection
How high does a construction fence around a site need to be? - Correct Answer-6ft
©COPYRIGHT2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 3
