National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE) — Practice Exam
Analysis: practice questions
Our Home Inspector (NHIE) bank has 24 questions on this topic. Here are 4 of them with answers; the full mock exam draws from every topic, like the real one.
Question 1
Why should a missing smoke alarm in a bedroom be clearly reported?
- Smoke alarms give early warning that saves lives
- It's only for insurance
- It is a cosmetic issue and only matters for insurance
- It raises property tax
Show the answer
A. Smoke alarms give early warning that saves lives — InterNACHI requires reporting absent alarms.
Question 2
Which professional should evaluate signs of a cracked heat exchanger?
- A qualified HVAC contractor
- A roofer
- An electrician
- A structural engineer
Show the answer
A. A qualified HVAC contractor — Refer heating defects to HVAC.
Question 3
How should an inspector prioritize findings in a summary?
- Put safety hazards and major defects first
- List items alphabetically, with cosmetic items first
- Put the cheapest items first
- Put cosmetic items first
Show the answer
A. Put safety hazards and major defects first — Clear reporting of implications.
Question 4
Efflorescence on basement walls with a musty smell suggests what further step?
- Add more insulation
- Paint the wall with waterproof paint and seal the windows
- Find and correct the water source and check for mold growth
- Install a dehumidifier only
Show the answer
C. Find and correct the water source and check for mold growth — Moisture and indoor air quality effects.