Inspection Procedures & Techniques Flashcards
7 cards from real CPI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Inspection Procedures & Techniques flashcards as text
During a home inspection in winter, the inspector cannot determine if the air conditioning system is functional because outdoor temperatures are below 60°F. The correct approach is to:
Answer: Note the temperature limitation in the report and recommend testing when conditions permit
Running an AC compressor below the minimum outdoor temperature can damage it; inspectors document the limitation and recommend seasonal re-testing.
What does the inspector examine when assessing a home's grading and drainage condition?
Answer: Whether the ground slopes away from the foundation to direct water away from the structure
Proper grading requires the ground to slope away from the foundation (typically 6 inches over 10 feet) to prevent water from pooling against the structure.
An inspector observes that the dryer exhaust duct is made of flexible white plastic foil. This should be reported because:
Answer: Plastic foil duct is a fire hazard and is prohibited; rigid or approved flexible metal duct is required
Plastic foil dryer ducts can sag, trap lint, and ignite from dryer heat; only rigid or approved semi-rigid metal duct is acceptable.
When inspecting electrical outlets in a bedroom of a home built in 2002, the inspector should expect to find:
Answer: AFCI-protected circuits per the 1999 NEC requirement for bedroom circuits
The 1999 NEC required AFCI protection for bedroom branch circuits, so a 2002 home should have AFCI breakers protecting bedroom outlets.
Which of the following is a standard inspection technique for evaluating the condition of asphalt shingle roofing from a safe vantage point?
Answer: Using binoculars from the ground or a ladder at the eave to observe granule loss, curling, and missing shingles
Binoculars or viewing from a ladder at the eave allows inspection of granule loss, curling, cupping, and missing shingles without walking the roof unnecessarily.
When an inspector notes 'deferred maintenance' in a report, this typically means:
Answer: Routine upkeep tasks have been neglected, allowing conditions to worsen over time
Deferred maintenance describes conditions caused by neglected routine upkeep, such as peeling paint, clogged gutters, or deteriorated caulking.
An inspector finds that stair handrail balusters have gaps greater than 4 inches. This is reported because:
Answer: A 4-inch or smaller gap prevents a 4-inch sphere (representing a child's head) from passing through, reducing entrapment risk
The 4-inch baluster spacing rule is based on child safety; a gap larger than 4 inches allows a small child's head to become entrapped.