Michigan Builders License Exam Questions
and Answers Already Passed|2025
Created to serve as a complete, comprehensive code regulating the construction of
single-family, two-family and buildings consisting of three or more townhouse units. -
Answer IRC (International Residential Code)
Administrative - Answer First 2 chapters of code book are
True - Answer Plans or supporting documents are almost always required by the
controlling authority prior to issuing a permit. T or F
Yes - Answer Does the building official have the authority to render interpretations of
the code?
8 foot fence. - Answer None of the following require a permit, EXCEPT:
sidewalks and driveways
tiling
an 8 foot fence
playground equipment
False - Answer Tables and illustrations are always supported by information found in
the written code and footnotes. T or F
Live load. - Answer The amount of evenly distributed weight imposed by inhabitants,
goods and removable objects on a floor or roof system is referred to as
True. - Answer If a code requirement is in the book, it is both acceptable and
enforceable by the code official. T or F
Figures. - Answer Illustrations are typically referred to as
Determine that buildings are built to the minimum enforceable standard. - Answer
Generally speaking, the building official's job is to
True. - Answer It is required that all manufacturer instructions be at the jobsite at the
time of inspection. T or F
Kitchen. - Answer All of the following are not considered habitable spaces EXCEPT:
bathrooms
kitchens
storage spaces
closets
3. - Answer Bathrooms must be provided with an aggregate glazing area no less
than square feet, half of which must be openable.
44 inches. - Answer The maximum height of an egress window above the floor is
5.7 sq ft. - Answer A basement bedroom must have an egress window with a clear
,opening of at least square feet.
,3. - Answer At least one side-hinged exit door must be in each dwelling unit, and
must be feet wide.
30 inches. - Answer A porch more than inches above grade must be provided
with 36" guards.
200. - Answer Wall and ceiling finishes shall have a flame-spread classification of no
more than .
7 days. - Answer According to code, concrete must reach at least 70% of it's ability
within days.
40%. - Answer A stud used for a non-bearing partitions may not be notched more
than % of the stud width.
Additions, alterations, renovation and repairs. - Answer The Michigan Uniform
Energy code applies to new buildings as well as
U-factor. - Answer is a measure of how well the window or door
assembly conducts heat. The lower the number, the better insulation the assembly
will provide.
50%. - Answer Energy losses from recessed lighting fixtures can often reach %
of the total thermal loss of a ceiling.
R-3. - Answer Michigan requires a minimum thermal resistance of for
mechanical system piping.
True. - Answer Oversized HVAC equipment has a higher initial cost, a higher
operating cost, provides less comfort, and shorter life expectancy. T or F
Prescriptive Path. - Answer is the compliance route that applies Table
402.1.1 to building envelope components, and is considered the most simple.
Area weighted averages. - Answer can be used to satisfy U-factor and
SHGC requirements.
IC (Insulation Contact) - Answer Recessed lights must be rated.
True. - Answer Up to 15 square feet of glazing per dwelling unit is exempted from U-
value requirements. T or F
Registered design professional. - Answer The 2009 IECC requires a permanent
certificate posted on the electrical distribution panel. The certificate shall be
completed by the builder or
, State energy code requirements. - Answer One hurdle contractors face when bidding
for an energy efficient project is choosing materials that fit the design, and also meet
False. - Answer Historically significant buildings are not exempt from code changes.
T or F
R-value
Settled thickness
Manufacturer name - Answer Insulation products (blown and sprayed) must be
documented with:
March 2011. - Answer The new Michigan codes took effect in
10. - Answer Below grade walls are insulated from the top of the basement wall
down to below grade, or the basement floor, whichever is less.
Area weighted average. - Answer The is the combined Solar Heat Gain
Coefficient of all the glazed fenestration products in the building.
Thermal insulation R-values
Design criteria
Equipment systems - Answer Plans and specifications must be detailed in regards
to:
2009. - Answer In Michigan, the residential energy code is based on the
IECC, with certain amendments.
Air leakage. - Answer is the rate of air infiltration in the presence of a
specific pressure differential.
Windows
Attic access hatches
Recessed lights - Answer Air leakage is the random movement of air into and out of
through cracks and holes.
Table 402.1.1
2009 IECC - Answer R-values for insulation and fenestration requirements by
component can be found in
International Energy Conservation Code - Answer IECC
U-factor and UA alternatives. - Answer The compliance method
allows for more innovative construction techniques like SIPs or Advanced Framing.
500 sq feet - Answer R-30 is permitted in vaulted ceilings, but is limited to
True. - Answer Floor insulation must be installed to maintain permanent and
continuous contact with the underside of the subfloor decking. T or F
and Answers Already Passed|2025
Created to serve as a complete, comprehensive code regulating the construction of
single-family, two-family and buildings consisting of three or more townhouse units. -
Answer IRC (International Residential Code)
Administrative - Answer First 2 chapters of code book are
True - Answer Plans or supporting documents are almost always required by the
controlling authority prior to issuing a permit. T or F
Yes - Answer Does the building official have the authority to render interpretations of
the code?
8 foot fence. - Answer None of the following require a permit, EXCEPT:
sidewalks and driveways
tiling
an 8 foot fence
playground equipment
False - Answer Tables and illustrations are always supported by information found in
the written code and footnotes. T or F
Live load. - Answer The amount of evenly distributed weight imposed by inhabitants,
goods and removable objects on a floor or roof system is referred to as
True. - Answer If a code requirement is in the book, it is both acceptable and
enforceable by the code official. T or F
Figures. - Answer Illustrations are typically referred to as
Determine that buildings are built to the minimum enforceable standard. - Answer
Generally speaking, the building official's job is to
True. - Answer It is required that all manufacturer instructions be at the jobsite at the
time of inspection. T or F
Kitchen. - Answer All of the following are not considered habitable spaces EXCEPT:
bathrooms
kitchens
storage spaces
closets
3. - Answer Bathrooms must be provided with an aggregate glazing area no less
than square feet, half of which must be openable.
44 inches. - Answer The maximum height of an egress window above the floor is
5.7 sq ft. - Answer A basement bedroom must have an egress window with a clear
,opening of at least square feet.
,3. - Answer At least one side-hinged exit door must be in each dwelling unit, and
must be feet wide.
30 inches. - Answer A porch more than inches above grade must be provided
with 36" guards.
200. - Answer Wall and ceiling finishes shall have a flame-spread classification of no
more than .
7 days. - Answer According to code, concrete must reach at least 70% of it's ability
within days.
40%. - Answer A stud used for a non-bearing partitions may not be notched more
than % of the stud width.
Additions, alterations, renovation and repairs. - Answer The Michigan Uniform
Energy code applies to new buildings as well as
U-factor. - Answer is a measure of how well the window or door
assembly conducts heat. The lower the number, the better insulation the assembly
will provide.
50%. - Answer Energy losses from recessed lighting fixtures can often reach %
of the total thermal loss of a ceiling.
R-3. - Answer Michigan requires a minimum thermal resistance of for
mechanical system piping.
True. - Answer Oversized HVAC equipment has a higher initial cost, a higher
operating cost, provides less comfort, and shorter life expectancy. T or F
Prescriptive Path. - Answer is the compliance route that applies Table
402.1.1 to building envelope components, and is considered the most simple.
Area weighted averages. - Answer can be used to satisfy U-factor and
SHGC requirements.
IC (Insulation Contact) - Answer Recessed lights must be rated.
True. - Answer Up to 15 square feet of glazing per dwelling unit is exempted from U-
value requirements. T or F
Registered design professional. - Answer The 2009 IECC requires a permanent
certificate posted on the electrical distribution panel. The certificate shall be
completed by the builder or
, State energy code requirements. - Answer One hurdle contractors face when bidding
for an energy efficient project is choosing materials that fit the design, and also meet
False. - Answer Historically significant buildings are not exempt from code changes.
T or F
R-value
Settled thickness
Manufacturer name - Answer Insulation products (blown and sprayed) must be
documented with:
March 2011. - Answer The new Michigan codes took effect in
10. - Answer Below grade walls are insulated from the top of the basement wall
down to below grade, or the basement floor, whichever is less.
Area weighted average. - Answer The is the combined Solar Heat Gain
Coefficient of all the glazed fenestration products in the building.
Thermal insulation R-values
Design criteria
Equipment systems - Answer Plans and specifications must be detailed in regards
to:
2009. - Answer In Michigan, the residential energy code is based on the
IECC, with certain amendments.
Air leakage. - Answer is the rate of air infiltration in the presence of a
specific pressure differential.
Windows
Attic access hatches
Recessed lights - Answer Air leakage is the random movement of air into and out of
through cracks and holes.
Table 402.1.1
2009 IECC - Answer R-values for insulation and fenestration requirements by
component can be found in
International Energy Conservation Code - Answer IECC
U-factor and UA alternatives. - Answer The compliance method
allows for more innovative construction techniques like SIPs or Advanced Framing.
500 sq feet - Answer R-30 is permitted in vaulted ceilings, but is limited to
True. - Answer Floor insulation must be installed to maintain permanent and
continuous contact with the underside of the subfloor decking. T or F
