Building Design and Construction Flashcards
6 cards from real BC Real Estate Trading Services Course practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Building Design and Construction flashcards as text
What is the primary purpose of a 'weeping tile' system around a residential foundation in BC?
Answer: To collect and redirect groundwater away from the foundation
Weeping tile (perforated pipe) is installed around the exterior base of a foundation to collect groundwater and hydrostatic pressure, directing it away from the foundation wall to prevent water infiltration.
In the context of residential construction in BC, 'engineered lumber' refers to products such as:
Answer: Composite wood products like LVL beams, I-joists, and PSL columns made from wood fibers or veneers
Engineered lumber products — including laminated veneer lumber (LVL), I-joists, and parallel strand lumber (PSL) — are manufactured wood composites designed for specific structural applications with predictable, consistent strength properties.
Which of the following is considered a 'wet' system in residential HVAC?
Answer: Hydronic radiant heating using hot water pipes
Hydronic (hot water) radiant heating is a 'wet' system that circulates heated water through pipes to distribute heat — as opposed to 'dry' forced-air systems that use ducts and air as the heat distribution medium.
What does the term 'setback' refer to in the context of building design and municipal planning?
Answer: The minimum required distance between a structure and a property line
A setback is the minimum required horizontal distance between a building or structure and a property line (front, rear, or side) as specified in municipal zoning bylaws.
A home inspector notes that the house has 'aluminum wiring.' Why is this considered a concern by insurers and buyers?
Answer: Aluminum wiring is associated with overheating at connections due to oxidation and expansion, creating a fire risk
Aluminum wiring expands and contracts more than copper and forms an oxide layer at connections over time, leading to loose connections that can arc and overheat — a recognized fire risk. Insurers often require inspection or upgrading before providing coverage.
In BC residential construction, 'ICF' stands for which building system?
Answer: Insulated Concrete Forms
ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms) is a construction system where hollow foam blocks are stacked to form walls, reinforced with steel rebar, and then filled with concrete — creating a highly insulated, structurally strong wall assembly.