CRC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CRC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Under the IRC, carbon monoxide alarms are required in residential units that contain which of the following? → Fuel-burning appliances or an attached garage
2. When a contract requires the contractor to obtain an 'assignment of warranties' from subcontractors, this means: → The contractor transfers subcontractor warranty rights to the owner at project completion
3. A contractor uses a 'look-ahead schedule' on a residential project. What is the typical time horizon for a look-ahead schedule? → 3–6 weeks
4. What document does a contractor use to formally request a variance or deviation from a specific code requirement? → Application for variance or appeal to the Board of Appeals
5. Which document provides an owner assurance that the subcontractors and suppliers have been paid, thus reducing lien risk on the property? → Conditional lien waiver
6. Which type of contract provides the greatest cost certainty for a residential homeowner? → Fixed-price (lump sum) contract
7. An inspector notices that anchor bolts for a mudsill are embedded only 5 inches into the concrete foundation. The IRC requires a minimum embedment of: → 6 inches
8. A homeowner requests an addition that was not in the original contract. How should a contractor handle this? → Issue a written change order before starting work
9. A residential contractor is required to provide a setback of 5 feet from the side property line. Which document establishes this requirement? → Local zoning ordinance
10. When a contractor discovers hidden conditions (e.g., buried tanks) that significantly increase costs, the proper action is to: → Stop work, notify the owner in writing, and negotiate a change order
11. What is the OSHA requirement for the maximum weight that a scaffold plank must be able to support without failure? → Four times the intended load
12. How can cost overruns be prevented in a construction project? → By regularly tracking expenses and adjusting plans as needed.
13. What does a 'proprietary' specification require of a contractor? → A specific manufacturer's product must be used with no substitution
14. Which accounting method records income and expenses only when cash is actually received or paid? → Cash basis accounting
15. What is the first step in the risk management process? → Identify potential risks through systematic analysis
16. A contractor uses the 'square foot method' for a preliminary cost estimate. What is the PRIMARY limitation of this approach? → It ignores local labor and material cost variations
17. Under the IRC, what is the minimum R-value required for insulation in an exterior wall in Climate Zone 5? → R-13 + R-5 continuous
18. Why is it necessary to follow environmental regulations during construction? → To ensure that the construction is environmentally responsible and sustainable.
19. What is the purpose of a plan review in the permitting process? → To verify proposed construction complies with codes before work begins
20. Under the IRC, what is the maximum rise allowed for each individual stair riser in residential construction? → 7-3/4 inches
21. In blueprint reading, what does the symbol 'ø' (phi) before a number indicate? → Diameter
22. During a schedule update, the contractor finds that actual progress is behind planned progress. This is best expressed as a negative: → Schedule variance (SV)
23. When a specification says a product must meet ASTM standards, ASTM refers to: → American Society for Testing and Materials
24. Which type of duct insulation is required when supply ducts pass through an unconditioned attic space? → Minimum R-8 insulation per the IECC
25. A quality control issue arises when a homeowner reports condensation forming inside double-pane windows on a newly completed home. The most likely cause is: → Failed insulated glass unit (IGU) seals allowing moisture between panes
26. Under OSHA's Lead in Construction standard, at what airborne lead concentration must employers implement engineering controls and work practices? → The action level of 30 µg/m³
27. Under OSHA standards, what color are safety cans used to store flammable liquids typically required to be? → Red
28. What is the primary purpose of quality control inspections? → To verify work meets specified standards and identify deficiencies early
29. A Florida CRC contractor must renew their license every how many years? → 2 years
30. Which clause in a residential contract limits a contractor's total financial exposure for damages to the amount paid under the contract? → Limitation of liability clause