National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE) — Practice Exam
Exterior: practice questions
Our Home Inspector (NHIE) bank has 21 questions on this topic. Here are 5 of them with answers; the full mock exam draws from every topic, like the real one.
Question 1
Where is safety glazing typically required?
- Only in skylights over 10 feet up
- In every window regardless of location
- In every window of the house, regardless of its size, height or location
- In doors and in glass near tubs, showers and walkways
Show the answer
D. In doors and in glass near tubs, showers and walkways — IRC R308.4 hazardous locations.
Question 2
How should deck posts be supported?
- Buried directly in soil without footings
- Buried directly in the soil without footings, so the posts are held firmly by the earth
- On footings, with post bases that keep wood off the concrete and soil
- Set on loose bricks
Show the answer
C. On footings, with post bases that keep wood off the concrete and soil — Earth contact and inadequate footings are typical defects.
Question 3
Guard openings must not allow a sphere of what diameter to pass through?
- 2 inches
- 4 inches
- 6 inches
- 8 inches
Show the answer
B. 4 inches — IRC R312.1.3 (4-3/8 inches on the sides of stairs). InterNACHI SOP requires reporting improper baluster spacing.
Question 4
Which defect is common with exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) and stucco?
- Rust stains on the face of the finish coat from steel fasteners used to hold it on
- Rust on the face of the finish
- Termites eating the finish coat
- Water intrusion behind the cladding at penetrations and terminations
Show the answer
D. Water intrusion behind the cladding at penetrations and terminations — Trapped water can rot sheathing unseen.
Question 5
Why must deck ledgers be flashed?
- Flashing holds the deck boards down and keeps them from cupping in wet weather
- Flashing improves the deck's appearance
- It's only needed on composite decks
- Water trapped behind the ledger rots the house band joist and ledger
Show the answer
D. Water trapped behind the ledger rots the house band joist and ledger — Missing flashing is a typical deck defect.