National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE) — Practice Exam
Structure: practice questions
Our Home Inspector (NHIE) bank has 18 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 are holes in a floor joist least harmful?
- At the bottom edge in the middle of the span, where the joist is under the least stress
- Through the top edge near a bearing wall
- Near the middle of the joist's depth, away from the top and bottom edges
- Within an inch of the bottom edge at midspan
Show the answer
C. Near the middle of the joist's depth, away from the top and bottom edges — IRC R502.8 limits hole size and keeps holes 2 inches from edges.
Question 2
Must an inspector enter a crawl space that is unsafe or not readily accessible?
- Yes, always
- Only if it is dry
- No
- Only with a helper
Show the answer
C. No — SOP 3.3.IV; report that it wasn't entered and why.
Question 3
Under InterNACHI's standards, which foundation-related finding must be reported?
- The brand of concrete used
- The foundation's age
- The exact soil bearing capacity and the foundation's design load for the site
- Observed indications of possible foundation movement, such as wall cracks and out-of-square doors
Show the answer
D. Observed indications of possible foundation movement, such as wall cracks and out-of-square doors — SOP 3.3.III.
Question 4
Why is cutting or notching a manufactured roof truss a serious concern?
- No concern
- It only affects the ceiling paint
- Trusses are decorative, so cuts leave the roof's strength unchanged
- Trusses are engineered, and cuts can make them fail
Show the answer
D. Trusses are engineered, and cuts can make them fail — Modified or damaged trusses are a typical defect.
Question 5
What is a crawl space vapor retarder for?
- Limiting ground moisture rising into the crawl space
- Venting combustion gases
- Insulating the floor above so the living space stays warmer in winter
- Supporting floor joists
Show the answer
A. Limiting ground moisture rising into the crawl space — Usually polyethylene sheeting over the soil.