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Site & Grounds — NHIE Practice Questions

80 questions in this content area. 14 are published in full below with worked explanations.

1. A concrete stoop has settled and now tilts back toward the front door. What is the concern?

  • AThe stoop's buried footing has certainly failed outright
  • Each rain is delivered against the door and the sill below it
  • CThe tilt now makes the storm door swing open on its own
  • DThe moving stoop will crack the house foundation beside it

Why B is correct

Why this is correct: The correct answer is "Each rain is delivered against the door and the sill below it." The governing concept is the importance of positive drainage away from a structure. A stoop that tilts toward the house reverses the intended slope, directing water against the door assembly and sill. This can lead to water intrusion, rot, and damage to the building envelope. Why the other choices are wrong: "The stoop's buried footing has certainly failed outright" is wrong; while possible, the primary concern is the water management issue, not a definitive statement about the footing. "The tilt now makes the storm door swing open on its own" is wrong; this might be a secondary effect, but the core issue is water direction. "The moving stoop will crack the house foundation beside it" is wrong; this is less likely than the immediate water intrusion hazard. Exam tip: Always check the slope of exterior surfaces—water should flow *away* from the structure.

2. A driveway slopes down toward the garage. What detail determines whether that works?

  • AThe colour and the surface texture of the garage slab
  • BWhether the garage door carries any storm rating
  • CThe as-built thickness of the driveway's pavement
  • A functioning trench drain across the garage threshold

Why D is correct

Why this is correct: The correct answer is "A functioning trench drain across the garage threshold." The governing concept is managing surface water drainage. A driveway sloping toward the garage directs runoff to the door. A trench drain (a linear drain at the threshold) is designed to intercept this water and channel it away, preventing it from entering the garage or causing flooding. Why the other choices are wrong: "The colour and the surface texture of the garage slab" is wrong; these are unrelated to drainage functionality. "Whether the garage door carries any storm rating" is wrong; door ratings pertain to wind and rain resistance, not managing concentrated runoff from a driveway. "The as-built thickness of the driveway's pavement" is wrong; pavement thickness affects durability, not drainage direction. Exam tip: For negative driveways, look for the drain at the garage door—if it's missing or clogged, it's a problem.

3. A large tree stands close to a house with a shallow foundation on clay soil. The mechanism to describe is:

  • The tree's roots drawing moisture and shrinking the clay beneath
  • BThe tree's shade cooling the foundation unevenly
  • CThe tree's leaves clogging the foundation drains
  • DThe tree's trunk pressing laterally against the foundation wall

Why A is correct

Why this is correct: The governing concept is that tree roots extract moisture from expansive clay soil, causing shrinkage and foundation settlement. This is a common mechanism for differential movement. Why the other choices are wrong: "The tree's shade cooling the foundation unevenly" is wrong because temperature variation does not cause significant foundation movement on clay. "The tree's leaves clogging the foundation drains" is wrong; while possible, it's not the primary mechanism for soil shrinkage. "The tree's trunk pressing laterally against the foundation wall" is wrong; trunk contact is rare and not the typical concern with mature trees. Exam tip: Tree + clay soil + shallow foundation = potential moisture withdrawal and settlement.

4. A sump pump discharges two feet from the foundation wall. Why is this reported?

  • AThe pump will run more often than it was designed to
  • BThe discharge line will freeze in cold weather
  • The water returns to the sump and cycles endlessly
  • DThe pump's warranty requires a longer discharge line

Why C is correct

Why this is correct: A sump pump's discharge must be directed sufficiently away from the foundation. If discharged only two feet away, the water can seep back into the same soil and drain tile system the pump is trying to dry, creating a short cycle that causes the pump to run continuously and wear out prematurely. Why the other choices are wrong: The pump will run more often than it was designed to is a result, not the core reason for reporting. The discharge line will freeze in cold weather is a separate concern related to distance and climate, not the primary issue of recirculation. The pump's warranty requires a longer discharge line is a manufacturer specification, not the fundamental hydraulic problem. Exam tip: Sump pump discharge should break the water's return path to the foundation to prevent an endless cycle.

5. Erosion channels run across a lawn toward the house after storms. What do they document?

  • Concentrated surface flow heading straight at the building
  • BA leaking irrigation supply main somewhere below the lawn
  • CSoil far too sandy to support a healthy grass cover
  • DA high seasonal water table breaking through the surface

Why A is correct

Why this is correct: Erosion channels (rills) are physical evidence of concentrated surface water flow. Channels directed toward the house indicate a drainage problem that delivers water to the foundation. Why the other choices are wrong: 'A leaking irrigation supply main somewhere below the lawn' is wrong; a leak might cause a wet area but not necessarily defined erosion channels from surface runoff. 'Soil far too sandy to support a healthy grass cover' is wrong; sandy soil might erode easily, but the direction of channels toward the house is the key issue. 'A high seasonal water table breaking through the surface' is wrong; a water table would cause general saturation, not distinct channels from surface flow. Exam tip: Erosion channels show the path of concentrated runoff—a risk when aimed at the foundation.

6. Grade around a house should generally fall away from the foundation over the first several feet because:

  • ASloped grade improves the home's appearance
  • BLevel grade is difficult to maintain over time
  • Surface water must be moved away before it can soak in
  • DBuilding codes require a specific decorative profile

Why C is correct

Why this is correct: The goal is to manage surface water, the most common source of basement moisture. Sloping the grade away from the foundation for the first several feet moves water away before it can soak into the soil near the foundation wall, preventing hydrostatic pressure and seepage. Why the other choices are wrong: 'Sloped grade improves the home's appearance' is a potential benefit but not the primary functional reason. 'Level grade is difficult to maintain over time' may be true but doesn't explain why a slope *away* is needed. 'Building codes require a specific decorative profile' is incorrect; codes address drainage function, not decorative appearance. Exam tip: Remember the principle: 'The first ten feet are the most important.' Divert surface water early.

7. How should an inspector handle a raised sidewalk edge on the walking path?

  • AMeasure it precisely against the municipal sidewalk standard
  • BIgnore it unless it exceeds the height of a full stair riser
  • Report it as a trip hazard on the route people actually walk
  • DAttribute it to tree roots as the likely cause in the report

Why C is correct

Why this is correct: The correct answer is "Report it as a trip hazard on the route people actually walk." The governing concept is identifying safety hazards. A raised sidewalk edge on a walking path presents a tripping risk, regardless of its precise height. The inspector's duty is to report observable hazards that affect the property. Why the other choices are wrong: "Measure it precisely against the municipal sidewalk standard" is wrong; inspectors identify hazards, they typically do not enforce municipal codes with precise measurements. "Ignore it unless it exceeds the height of a full stair riser" is wrong; a trip hazard can exist at much lower heights. "Attribute it to tree roots as the likely cause in the report" is wrong; while roots are a common cause, the inspector should report the hazard itself unless the cause is definitively known and visible. Exam tip: Report trip hazards where they exist—don't minimize them based on assumed height thresholds.

8. In site drainage terms, what exactly is a swale?

  • AA buried perforated pipe carrying roof water to the street
  • BA retaining structure built up of stacked landscape timbers
  • CA gravel-filled trench running directly beside the footing
  • A shallow surface channel that steers water around the house

Why D is correct

Why this is correct: The correct answer is "A shallow surface channel that steers water around the house." The governing concept is surface drainage techniques. A swale is a broad, shallow depression graded into the landscape to redirect surface water flow away from a structure. It is a passive drainage feature often integrated into the lawn. Why the other choices are wrong: "A buried perforated pipe carrying roof water to the street" is wrong; that describes a French drain or drain tile. "A retaining structure built up of stacked landscape timbers" is wrong; that describes a retaining wall. "A gravel-filled trench running directly beside the footing" is wrong; that describes a footing drain or curtain drain. Exam tip: Swales are surface features; drains (French drains) are subsurface. Know the difference.

9. Planting beds have been built up over the years around a house. What should an inspector consider?

  • AThat the beds improve the appearance of the elevation
  • BThat the added soil retains warmth around the wall
  • CThat the beds require a permit in most jurisdictions
  • That the grade may now be above the foundation and siding

Why D is correct

Why this is correct: Over time, raised planting beds can raise the final grade (ground level) above the foundation's intended exposure and even above the siding. This traps moisture against hidden structural wood and siding, promoting decay. Why the other choices are wrong: That the beds improve the appearance of the elevation is not an inspection concern. That the added soil retains warmth around the wall is a minor effect, not a primary defect. That the beds require a permit in most jurisdictions is a regulatory issue, not a core building science finding. Exam tip: The final grade should slope away from the foundation. Any condition that raises soil against siding or hides the foundation is a problem.

10. Steps between a driveway and an entry with inconsistent riser heights are:

  • AA design preference with no safety aspect
  • A fall hazard from the irregular stride
  • CA structural problem in the step footings
  • DAcceptable for exterior steps generally

Why B is correct

Why this is correct: Consistent riser height is critical for safe use of stairs. Inconsistent heights create a trip and fall hazard because people develop a rhythm and expect the next step to be the same height. Why the other choices are wrong: It is a safety hazard, not a mere design preference. It is not primarily a structural problem in the footings. It is not generally acceptable for exterior steps. Exam tip: Irregular step geometry is a fall hazard, indoors or out.

11. Tree roots visible lifting a section of sidewalk indicate:

  • A trip hazard that will progress as the tree grows
  • BThe tree is in decline and losing anchorage
  • CThe sidewalk was poured too thin originally
  • DOrdinary soil settlement unrelated to the nearby tree

Why A is correct

Why this is correct: Tree roots grow and thicken over time, exerting upward pressure on anything above them, like a sidewalk slab. This creates a trip hazard that will worsen as the tree continues to grow, requiring either root pruning, sidewalk repair, or tree removal. Why the other choices are wrong: 'The tree is in decline and losing anchorage' is incorrect; active root growth lifting pavement indicates a healthy, growing tree. 'The sidewalk was poured too thin originally' may be true but doesn't explain the specific mechanism of visible roots lifting the slab. 'Ordinary soil settlement unrelated to the nearby tree' is illogical; the evidence (visible roots directly under the lifted section) points to the tree as the cause. Exam tip: Visible roots + lifted pavement = progressive trip hazard caused by the tree. The finding links the hazard to the tree's growth.

12. What is the consequence of ground that slopes toward the foundation?

  • Water collects against the wall and works inward
  • BThe foundation is loaded more evenly by the soil
  • CThe lawn nearest the house grows more vigorously
  • DThe wall stays cooler and loses less heat

Why A is correct

Why this is correct: The governing concept is negative grading consequences. Ground sloping toward the foundation (negative grade) collects and pools rainwater and meltwater against the foundation wall. This saturates the soil, increases hydrostatic pressure, and promotes water infiltration through cracks or porous masonry. Why the other choices are wrong: "The foundation is loaded more evenly by the soil" is incorrect; water saturation creates uneven, expansive loads. "The lawn nearest the house grows more vigorously" is incorrect; while possibly true, it's not the significant consequence. "The wall stays cooler and loses less heat" is incorrect; wet soil increases heat loss and does not improve energy efficiency. Exam tip: Negative grade = water delivery to the foundation = moisture problems.

13. Which observation about a large tree close to the house is most useful in the report?

  • AIts species, growth habit and expected height at maturity
  • BA rough estimate of its age worked out from trunk girth
  • Its proximity, condition, and any parts overhanging the structure
  • DA recommendation that it be removed before the closing date

Why C is correct

Why this is correct: The inspector's role is to report observable conditions that affect the property: the tree's proximity, its health (dead limbs, fungal growth), and any parts overhanging the structure that pose a risk. Why the other choices are wrong: 'Its species, growth habit and expected height at maturity' is beyond a generalist inspector's expertise. 'A rough estimate of its age worked out from trunk girth' is speculative and not useful for risk assessment. 'A recommendation that it be removed before the closing date' is prescriptive; inspectors recommend evaluation by a specialist, not specific actions. Exam tip: Report observable risk factors (proximity, condition, overhang) and recommend evaluation by a qualified arborist.

14. Why does an inspector note a large tree very close to the foundation?

  • Roots affect soil moisture and can reach drains
  • BThe tree's canopy prevents the wall from drying
  • CThe tree indicates the soil is unusually fertile
  • DRoots always lift and crack a concrete foundation

Why A is correct

Why this is correct: Large tree roots close to a foundation can affect soil moisture content (causing shrinkage in clay soils) and can infiltrate and clog underground drain lines, both of which threaten foundation stability and drainage. Why the other choices are wrong: The tree's canopy prevents the wall from drying is less critical than root-related issues. The tree indicates the soil is unusually fertile is irrelevant to inspection findings. Roots always lift and crack a concrete foundation is an overstatement; it is possible but not 'always' the case. Exam tip: For trees near foundations, the primary concerns are soil moisture changes and root intrusion into drains, not necessarily direct lifting.

66 more Site questions

Answers and explanations for these are in the study app.

  • A basement with an interior perimeter drain and sump, but exterior grade sloping toward the house, has:
  • A buried yard drain daylights at a hillside outlet that is crushed and buried in leaves. What is the finding?
  • A concrete walkway has heaved upward at one joint, creating a one-inch vertical lip. The primary report concern is:
  • A dead tree standing within falling distance of the house should be reported as:
  • A dense hedge completely hides one side of the foundation. How does the report handle that wall?
  • A downspout connects to a buried pipe that disappears underground. What can the inspector report about it?
  • A downspout discharges onto a splash block that has settled and now tips back toward the house. The report should:
  • A downspout extension discharges ten feet out onto ground that slopes back toward the house. What applies?
  • A driveway runs along the top of a retaining wall. Why does this matter to the wall?
  • A driveway that slopes toward the garage with no trench drain at the door is:
  • A French drain has been installed with its perforated pipe holes facing upward. The likely consequence is:
  • A house has no gutters at all. What is the consequence at grade?
  • A patio has settled so that it now slopes toward the house. What is the significance?
  • A patio slab abuts the house and slopes back toward the foundation wall. The finding is:
  • A patio slab has been poured to a level above the bottom of the siding. Why does this matter?
  • A patio slab with no expansion joint against the house foundation may:
  • A planting bed against the house has been built up so soil sits above the siding's bottom edge. The concern is:
  • A retaining wall built with no batter, standing perfectly vertical and holding a steep slope, is:
  • A retaining wall is leaning outward at its top. What does this indicate?
  • A retaining wall with no visible drainage provisions and saturated soil above it should be reported as:
  • A segmental block retaining wall over four feet tall shows a forward lean at its top courses. The finding is:
  • A segmental block wall leans back into the slope at a slight, even angle. How is this read?
  • A sidewalk slab has settled such that water now flows toward the house across it. The finding is:
  • A sump pump discharge line terminates two feet from the foundation wall. The concern is:
  • A walkway has settled in a straight line running away from the house. What might this suggest?
  • A wall holding back soil that shows soil washing out through its joints indicates:
  • A window well has no drain and its base is sealed concrete. What happens in sustained rain?
  • A window well serves a basement bedroom's escape opening. What extra concern applies?
  • A window well with a properly installed drain that has never been maintained may:
  • A yard drain (area drain) that has been paved over during a driveway replacement:
  • A yard's low spot holds standing water two days after rain, twenty feet from the house. This is:
  • An asphalt driveway shows interconnected cracking in a scale pattern over a large area. What does this indicate?
  • An irrigation head sprays directly against an exterior wall. Why is this reported?
  • Concrete steps have separated from the porch they serve, leaving a widening gap. What has usually happened?
  • During a dry season, a gap opens between the soil and the foundation around the whole house. What does this suggest?
  • Exterior steps rise five risers to a porch with no handrail. What applies?
  • Fence posts lean progressively downhill along a slope behind a house. What process can this indicate?
  • Grade has been raised so high that a brick veneer's weep holes sit below the soil line. What is the consequence?
  • How does an inspector assess an older timber retaining wall?
  • How far should the grade fall away from a foundation?
  • How much foundation should normally remain visible above the finished grade?
  • How should an inspector treat ordinary cracking in a concrete walkway?
  • Ivy growing directly on a masonry wall is a concern because:
  • Ivy or vines growing into a soffit or under roofing indicates:
  • Landscape timbers used as a retaining wall show soft, punky wood at ground contact. This indicates:
  • Scaling on a concrete driveway surface — flaking of the top layer — is most often associated with:
  • Shrubs planted tight against the siding are a concern because:
  • Sprinkler heads are set in beds tight against the foundation. Why note the arrangement itself?
  • Standing water remains in the yard a day after rain. What does an inspector report?
  • The neighbouring lot visibly drains onto the subject property toward the house. What does the inspector do?
  • Tree limbs overhang the roof and touch the shingles in wind. The concerns to report are:
  • Tree roots have lifted one slab of a walkway. Beyond the trip hazard, what does this tell the inspector?
  • Two wings of a house meet at an inside corner where the ground is always damp. Why is that spot chronically wet?
  • Weep holes along the base of a retaining wall serve to:
  • What are the tooled grooves across a concrete walkway actually for?
  • What does a splash block accomplish compared with a downspout extension?
  • What does an inspector observe about a window well?
  • What slope is expected on a paved surface within ten feet of the foundation?
  • White mineral staining streaks the face of a concrete retaining wall. What is it evidence of?
  • Why does an inspector look for drainage provisions in a retaining wall?
  • Why does an inspector note a driveway slab that has settled unevenly at a joint?
  • Why does an inspector note an area drain filled with leaves and soil?
  • Why does an inspector note ivy growing on a masonry wall?
  • Why does an inspector note mulch piled against wood siding?
  • Why does an inspector note shrubs growing tight against the siding?
  • Why does an inspector note tree limbs overhanging the roof?
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