Home Inspector Test Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. What is the minimum vent clearance required between a Category I furnace vent termination and an operable window or door? → 4 feet horizontally or 1 foot above
2. Please indicate what should NOT be done if an electrical issue is discovered during an electrical system inspection: → One shouldn't identify the cause of the electrical problem.
3. What is the primary function of a fireplace damper that a home inspector verifies during an inspection? → Control airflow and prevent conditioned air loss when the fireplace is not in use
4. Please indicate the best course of action to take in the event that a client asks a "technically exhaustive" inspection: → One should explain that they're only able to perform a standard inspection.
5. Please mark the appropriate way of giving one's findings to a client after the completion of the home inspection: → Any of the above
6. What is the minimum recommended clearance between a gas furnace and combustible materials in a typical residential installation? → Varies by manufacturer — always check the nameplate
7. What is the purpose of a flue liner in a masonry chimney? → To contain combustion gases and protect masonry from heat and corrosive byproducts
8. Please indicate the window-related component of the house inspection report that is NOT required to be remarked on: → The condition of window treatments
9. What does 'thermal bridging' refer to in the context of building insulation? → Heat transfer through a conductive structural element bypassing insulation
10. What is the purpose of a weep hole in a brick veneer wall? → Drain water that collects at the base of the wall cavity
11. What is the primary function of an Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) device? → To de-energize a circuit when it detects a dangerous arcing condition.
12. What is the standard minimum headlap for asphalt roof shingles? → 2 inches
13. Please write the following advice about inadequate air ducts when assessing an air conditioning system in a home inspection report: → You should recommend installation of additional return air ducts, especially in bedrooms.
14. A home inspector finds that the trap for a floor drain in the basement has no water in it. What hazard does this create? → Sewer gases can enter the living space
15. What is the purpose of a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet? → To prevent electric shocks
16. Which material is NOT acceptable for use as a DWV drain pipe in residential construction under most US codes? → Galvanized steel
17. Which of the following is an inspector's ethical obligation when a client asks them to overlook a defect to help close a real estate deal? → Refuse and document all defects accurately regardless of pressure from any party
18. A home inspector observes that a bathroom exhaust fan vents into the attic rather than outside. What deficiency does this represent? → Moisture introduction into the attic, promoting mold and rot
19. A home inspector finds that attic insulation is blocking soffit vents. What is the primary concern? → Restricted attic ventilation leading to moisture and heat buildup
20. Which condition would a home inspector classify as a 'major defect' rather than a 'maintenance item'? → Significant foundation settlement causing structural concerns
21. What hazard does improperly rated wire insulation in a high-temperature location (such as inside a luminaire) present? → Insulation can melt or char, causing a short circuit or fire within the fixture
22. An online inspector notices standing water visible near the base of the water heater during a video walkthrough. What should be the recommended next step? → Recommend an in-person plumbing inspection immediately
23. Which condition is a home inspector MOST likely to flag regarding a wood-burning fireplace? → Creosote buildup inside the flue
24. When conducting a virtual inspection of a bathroom, which area requires the homeowner to hold the camera closest to reveal the most critical information? → The base of the toilet and around the tub/shower surround
25. A home inspector observes that a toilet's wax ring seal shows signs of leakage at the floor. Which DWV component is most likely failing? → The closet flange
26. According to the '10-2-3 rule,' how high must a chimney extend above any portion of the roof within 10 feet horizontally? → 2 feet
27. When a home inspector operates the furnace and notices a strong smell of aldehydes or a sharp acrid odor from the supply registers, what should be suspected? → A cracked heat exchanger allowing combustion gases into the airstream
28. A home inspector finds that roof shingles have been installed over two existing layers of roofing. What concern should be documented? → Excess weight and possible building code violation limiting re-roofing layers
29. Which type of roofing material is most commonly associated with 'cupping' as a defect? → Asphalt shingles
30. Which type of foundation crack is generally considered most serious in a poured concrete foundation? → Horizontal cracks in the middle of the wall