InterNACHI - International Association of Certified Home Inspectors Interior Components and Finishes Questions and Answers

Question 1

While inspecting a recently built home, you observe that the solid hardwood flooring on the main level is 'cupping,' with the edges of the boards being slightly higher than their centers.
What is the most likely cause of this condition?

Accepted Answer

There is a moisture imbalance, with the bottom of the flooring having a higher moisture content than the top.

Answer

The flooring was installed with an insufficient expansion gap at the perimeter walls.

Answer

The home's interior is excessively dry due to the heating system.

Answer

The subfloor is uneven, causing the boards to deflect under load.

Question 2

According to the International Residential Code (IRC), which of the following situations requires the installation of safety glazing?

Accepted Answer

Glazing in a swinging door that separates a bedroom from a hallway.

Answer

A fixed window in a living room where the bottom edge is 24 inches above the floor and the total area is 8 square feet.

Answer

A glass panel in a cabinet door located in a kitchen.

Answer

An upper sash of a double-hung window in a second-floor bedroom.

Question 3

During an interior inspection, you are evaluating a flight of stairs. You measure the height of each riser and find that the tallest riser is 7 1/2 inches and the shortest is 7 inches. According to modern building standards, what should you report?

Accepted Answer

The 1/2-inch variation between the tallest and shortest riser is a safety hazard.

Answer

The riser heights are acceptable as they are all under the 7 3/4-inch maximum.

Answer

The stairs are non-compliant because the minimum riser height is 7 1/4 inches.

Answer

The variation is only a concern if the tread depth is less than 11 inches.

Question 4

An inspector is examining the interior of an attached garage and notes that the entry door leading into the house is a standard, hollow-core interior door. Why is this a significant defect?

Accepted Answer

The door lacks the required fire-resistance rating to slow the spread of a fire from the garage to the living space.

Answer

The door provides inadequate security against forced entry from the garage.

Answer

Hollow-core doors are not insulated, leading to significant energy loss.

Answer

The door is not properly sealed to prevent vehicle exhaust fumes from entering the home.

Question 5

Which of the following is the most common cause for 'nail pops' appearing on interior drywall surfaces, especially in newer construction?

Accepted Answer

Shrinkage of the wood framing members as they dry out.

Answer

Corrosion of the metal fasteners due to high interior humidity.

Answer

The use of oversized drywall fasteners for the thickness of the board.

Answer

Vibrations from nearby construction or heavy traffic.

Question 6

According to the InterNACHI Standards of Practice for inspecting interior components, which of the following is an inspector specifically required to do?

Accepted Answer

Inspect the stairs, steps, landings, and handrails.

Answer

Inspect for safety glazing in hazardous locations.

Answer

Report on the condition of paint and wallpaper.

Answer

Evaluate the fastening of kitchen countertops and cabinets.

While inspecting a recently built home, you observe that the solid hardwood flooring on the main level is 'cupping,' with the edges of the boards being slightly higher than their centers.What is the most likely cause of this condition?

While inspecting a recently built home, you observe that the solid hardwood flooring on the main level is 'cupping,' with the edges of the boards being slightly higher than their centers.
What is the most likely cause of this condition?