Which wall-stud arrangement characterizes balloon framing?
Correct Answer
A) Continuous studs from foundation to roof
Balloon framing uses wall studs continuous through the floor level from the foundation/sill toward the roof. Platform framing instead constructs successive floor platforms supporting the next story. The distinction identifies the framing arrangement, not guaranteed age, condition or value.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option A is correct because balloon framing uses wall studs that run continuously from the foundation or sill toward the roof. The intermediate floors are attached to these long studs rather than serving as platforms that interrupt them. This arrangement identifies the framing type but does not by itself establish a building's age, condition or value.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: Platform construction with separate floor levels
Option B, platform construction with separate floor levels, describes platform framing. In platform framing the studs stop at each floor, which is the opposite of balloon framing's continuous studs.
Option C: Steel frame construction
Option C, steel frame construction, uses steel columns and beams. It is a different structural system from wood balloon framing.
Option D: Post and beam construction
Option D, post and beam construction, uses heavy posts and beams spaced apart. It does not rely on continuous wall studs like balloon framing.
Balloon strings run long
Picture balloon strings running all the way up: balloon studs run continuously from bottom to top, past the floors.
How to use: Use this image to separate balloon framing from story-by-story platform framing.
Exam Tip
Continuous studs point to balloon framing; studs that stop at each floor point to platform framing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- -Confusing balloon framing with platform framing
- -Assuming framing type alone proves a building's age or condition
Concept Deep Dive
Analysis
This question tests recognition of balloon framing. Its defining feature is wall studs that run continuously from the foundation or sill toward the roof, passing the intermediate floor levels. Platform framing, steel frame and post-and-beam are different systems.
Background Knowledge
Balloon framing and platform framing are both wood stud systems. In balloon framing studs are continuous through floor levels, while in platform framing each story is built on its own floor platform. Appraisers identify framing type when describing construction.
Real-World Application
An appraiser inspecting an older two-story house sees exterior wall studs running past the second-floor joists in the attic and basement. She identifies the construction as balloon framing in her description of improvements.
More Property Description Questions
A local zoning ordinance allows these maximum densities: R-1, 4 units per acre; R-2, 8 units per acre; R-4, 20 units per acre; PUD (with approval), 12 units per acre. Which category allows the highest density?
What design advantage is commonly associated with post-and-beam construction?
A hypothetical local ordinance permits either a single-family house or duplex on the site. The existing single-family house complies with all current rules. Which statement is supported?
A zoning variance allowing a reduced side setback is granted for a parcel. After the parcel is sold, who generally holds the benefit of the variance, subject to its conditions?
Under ANSI Z765-2021 as applied by Fannie Mae, a staircase runs from the second floor down to the first floor. Its area is counted as part of:
Under ANSI Z765-2021, as Fannie Mae requires for a detached house, where are exterior dimensions taken on a brick-veneer wall?
A building's HVAC system would be classified as which type of building component?
A home on a large tract is valued at $620,000 including the land it needs. The remaining excess land could be sold separately and contributes a net $95,000 after separation costs. What is the total indicated value?
A covered sale concerns a residence built in 1965. Which hazard is the subject of the federal pre 1978 housing disclosure rule, without assuming its actual presence?
Which site characteristic is most likely to reduce site utility by restricting where a typical dwelling can be placed?
People Also Study
Real Estate Market
13.6% of exam
Land or Site Valuation
4.5% of exam
Sales Comparison Approach
16.4% of exam
Cost Approach
13.6% of exam
Income Approach
8.2% of exam
Previous Question
An appraiser is reviewing the cost approach for an 8-year-old dwelling with deferred maintenance. Improvement cost new is $500,000 and age-life depreciation is $120,000, based on a total economic life of 50 years. What remaining economic life does this depreciation imply?
Next Question
Assume a section contains exactly 640 acres. How many acres are in its NW 1/4 of the SE 1/4?