EstatePass

Structure — NHIE Practice Questions

126 questions in this content area. 19 are published in full below with worked explanations.

1. A basement support column was removed during a finishing project, leaving the beam unsupported over a longer span. The finding is:

  • AAcceptable if the floor above still feels solid underfoot
  • BA cosmetic change to the basement's floor plan only
  • CAn improvement, since the span is now more open
  • An interrupted load path requiring structural evaluation

Why D is correct

Why this is correct: The governing concept is the continuous load path. Structural loads (weight) must travel from the beam, through columns or walls, down to the foundation and soil. Removing a support column interrupts this path, forcing the beam to carry load over a longer, unsupported span. This multiplies the stress on the beam, which can lead to sagging, sticking doors, and cracked finishes. Why the other choices are wrong: "Acceptable if the floor above still feels solid underfoot" is wrong because initial solidity does not guarantee the beam won't fail over time under sustained load. "A cosmetic change to the basement's floor plan only" is wrong because removing a load-bearing element is structural, not cosmetic. "An improvement, since the span is now more open" is wrong because an open span is only an improvement if the beam is properly engineered for the new, longer span. Exam tip: Any change that interrupts the load path requires a structural evaluation by a qualified professional.

2. A probe sinks easily into a deck post at the ground line while the wood above remains firm. This indicates:

  • AThe post is sound and the probe was used too forcefully
  • BThe post was manufactured from inferior lumber stock
  • CTermite activity, which always begins below grade
  • Decay where moisture and oxygen are both present

Why D is correct

Why this is correct: The governing concept is the conditions for fungal decay: moisture, oxygen, and a food source (wood). The ground line is the perfect decay zone because the wood is often damp from soil contact but still has access to oxygen from the air. Fully buried wood has less oxygen, and wood above is drier, so decay is most active right at the soil-air interface. Why the other choices are wrong: "The post is sound and the probe was used too forcefully" is wrong because a sound post would resist probing; easy penetration indicates material loss. "The post was manufactured from inferior lumber stock" is wrong; while possible, the specific location (ground line) points to environmental decay, not a manufacturing defect. "Termite activity, which always begins below grade" is wrong because termites can attack above grade, and their damage creates galleries, not generalized softness. Exam tip: Probe the ground line on every wood post. Softness there almost always means decay.

3. A sill plate section has its nearest anchor bolt about three feet from the plate end. Why does the end distance matter?

  • AThe plate end is where lumber shrinkage concentrates
  • BBolts near ends are easier to inspect and tighten
  • CEnd bolts carry the entire load of the wall above
  • An unanchored end can lift or slide independently

Why D is correct

Why this is correct: An unanchored end can lift or slide independently. A long, unsecured plate end can move separately from the anchored section, compromising the wall's continuous tie-down to the foundation. Why the other choices are wrong: "The plate end is where lumber shrinkage concentrates" is incorrect; shrinkage occurs along the grain, not specifically at ends. "Bolts near ends are easier to inspect and tighten" is irrelevant to the structural purpose. "End bolts carry the entire load of the wall above" is false; load is distributed among all bolts. Exam tip: Code typically requires an anchor bolt within 12 inches of the end of any sill plate section.

4. An engineered I-joist has a large hole cut through its top flange. Why is this more serious than a hole in a solid joist?

  • AI-joists cannot be repaired once they are cut
  • The flanges carry the bending forces almost entirely
  • CI-joists are always installed in bearing walls
  • DThe web is the only structural part of an I-joist

Why B is correct

Why this is correct: The flanges carry the bending forces almost entirely. In an engineered I-joist, the top and bottom flanges resist bending (tension and compression), while the web primarily handles shear. Cutting the top flange directly compromises the member's main load-carrying capacity. Why the other choices are wrong: The statement "I-joists cannot be repaired once they are cut" is incorrect; some repairs are possible but require engineering. "I-joists are always installed in bearing walls" is false; they are used in floors and roofs, not exclusively in walls. "The web is the only structural part of an I-joist" is wrong; both flanges and web are structural. Exam tip: Remember: Flanges = bending capacity; Web = shear resistance. A flange cut is a critical defect.

5. Anchor bolts connecting a sill plate to the foundation serve to:

  • Resist lateral and uplift forces on the structure
  • BLevel the sill plate during original construction
  • CProvide an electrical grounding path to the earth
  • DPrevent the sill plate from absorbing ground moisture

Why A is correct

Why this is correct: Anchor bolts secure the sill plate to the foundation to resist lateral (side-to-side) and uplift forces from wind and seismic events, preventing the house from shifting or lifting off its base. Why the other choices are wrong: 'Level the sill plate during original construction' is incorrect; leveling is done with shims, not the primary function of bolts. 'Provide an electrical grounding path to the earth' is wrong; the grounding electrode system serves that purpose. 'Prevent the sill plate from absorbing ground moisture' is incorrect; moisture protection is provided by sill sealers or other barriers. Exam tip: Anchor bolts are for structural connection, not for leveling, grounding, or moisture control.

6. Carpenter ants differ from termites in that carpenter ants:

  • AAre entirely unable to damage any structural framing
  • BConsume the wood's cellulose as food
  • CBuild mud tubes along foundation walls
  • Excavate galleries in wood but do not eat it

Why D is correct

Why this is correct: Excavate galleries in wood but do not eat it. Carpenter ants tunnel into wood to create nesting galleries. They push out sawdust-like frass but do not consume the wood for nutrition. Why the other choices are wrong: Are entirely unable to damage any structural framing is false; their excavation can significantly weaken wood. Consume the wood's cellulose as food describes termites, not carpenter ants. Build mud tubes along foundation walls is a behavior of subterranean termites, not carpenter ants. Exam tip: Key distinction: Carpenter ants excavate but don't eat wood; termites consume cellulose and build mud tubes.

7. Efflorescence and rust staining on the underside of a basement's steel beam suggest:

  • AThe steel beam was hot-dip galvanized at the factory
  • Moisture has been reaching the beam over time
  • CNormal appearance for structural steel
  • DThe beam is undersized for its span

Why B is correct

Why this is correct: Efflorescence (white, powdery deposits) is caused by water moving through masonry, dissolving salts, and depositing them on the surface as it evaporates. Rust staining indicates oxidation of ferrous metals. Together on a steel beam, they are clear evidence of chronic moisture exposure, requiring investigation into the source (leak, condensation, groundwater). Why the other choices are wrong: 'The steel beam was hot-dip galvanized at the factory' is incorrect; galvanizing provides a protective coating to *prevent* rust, not cause it. 'Normal appearance for structural steel' is wrong; rust and efflorescence are not normal; they are signs of a problem. 'The beam is undersized for its span' is incorrect; sizing affects deflection, not surface staining. Exam tip: Efflorescence + Rust = Moisture. This combination is a reliable indicator that water has been present over time, pointing you toward a moisture source.

8. Engineered I-joists with large unauthorized holes cut through their webs are a concern because:

  • AI-joists are inherently weaker than solid lumber in every respect
  • The web carries shear and hole size and location are engineered
  • CThe holes will allow moisture to reach the flanges
  • DCut webs make the floor system noisier over time

Why B is correct

Why this is correct: In an engineered I-joist, the thin web is specifically designed to resist shear forces. The manufacturer's specifications dictate the allowable size and location of any holes to maintain this engineered strength. Unauthorized field cuts compromise the web's shear capacity and void the engineering, potentially leading to structural failure. Why the other choices are wrong: 'I-joists are inherently weaker than solid lumber in every respect' is false; they are engineered for specific strengths. 'The holes will allow moisture to reach the flanges' is a potential secondary issue but not the primary structural concern. 'Cut webs make the floor system noisier over time' is not the critical safety issue related to shear capacity. Exam tip: I-joist webs are for shear. Never cut them without checking the manufacturer's printed hole-chart.

9. Frass — sawdust-like debris — accumulating below a wooden beam indicates:

  • AThe beam was recently sanded during a remodel
  • BNormal dust settling from the ceiling
  • Active wood-destroying insect activity above
  • DFungal decay releasing spores downward

Why C is correct

Why this is correct: Active wood-destroying insect activity above. Frass is the excrement and excavated wood particles produced by insects like carpenter ants or termites as they tunnel. Accumulating frass directly below a beam is a strong indicator that insects are actively working within that wood member at the time of inspection. Why the other choices are wrong: 'The beam was recently sanded during a remodel' is incorrect; sanding dust is fine and uniform, not pellet-like frass. 'Normal dust settling from the ceiling' is wrong; household dust does not resemble coarse, sawdust-like frass. 'Fungal decay releasing spores downward' is false; fungal decay (rot) produces stringy, moist wood, not dry, granular frass. Exam tip: Frass = active insects. Differentiate it from sawdust (larger shavings) or rot debris (spongy, stringy wood).

10. Standing water in a crawl space with a functioning sump pump suggests:

  • AThe pump is oversized for the crawl space volume
  • Water arrives faster than the system removes it, or the pit is misplaced
  • CThe crawl space vapor barrier is far too thick
  • DGroundwater levels are entirely normal for this time of season

Why B is correct

Why this is correct: A functioning sump pump only removes water that reaches its pit. Standing water elsewhere in the crawl space indicates either the water intrusion rate (from rain, groundwater, or plumbing) exceeds the pump's removal capacity, or the crawl space grading/sub-base does not direct all water toward the pit. Why the other choices are wrong: 'The pump is oversized for the crawl space volume' is illogical; an oversized pump would remove water more quickly. 'The crawl space vapor barrier is far too thick' would not cause standing water; a barrier helps control vapor, not liquid water accumulation. 'Groundwater levels are entirely normal for this time of season' does not explain why the installed mitigation system is failing. Exam tip: For any drainage system, water elsewhere means water isn't reaching the drain or the drain can't keep up.

11. What distinguishes a slab-on-grade foundation from a crawl space foundation for inspection purposes?

  • A slab conceals the under-floor plumbing from view
  • BA slab requires no perimeter footing beneath it
  • CA slab cannot support a two-storey structure
  • DA slab is always poured after the framing is complete

Why A is correct

Why this is correct: The key inspection difference is accessibility. A slab-on-grade foundation buries plumbing, electrical, and structural components, making direct visual inspection impossible. Evidence of problems must be inferred from secondary signs, as the original explanation notes. Why the other choices are wrong: "A slab requires no perimeter footing beneath it" is incorrect; slabs often have thickened edges or footings for support. "A slab cannot support a two-storey structure" is false; properly engineered slabs can support multi-story buildings. "A slab is always poured after the framing is complete" is not true; construction sequences vary (e.g., post-tensioned slabs are poured before framing). Exam tip: Remember that a primary limitation of slab inspection is the concealment of sub-slab utilities and conditions. Report this as a limitation.

12. What does an inspector look for at the tops of foundation walls in a house with a wood-framed floor?

  • That the framing bears fully and is fastened down
  • BThat the wall extends above the framing
  • CThat the framing is set back from the wall face
  • DThat the wall is finished to match the exterior

Why A is correct

Why this is correct: This connection is critical for structural stability. The inspector must verify that the wood sill plate bears fully on the foundation (no gaps) and is properly anchored with bolts or straps to resist lateral forces (wind, earthquake) and uplift. Both conditions are visible in an unfinished basement or crawl space. Why the other choices are wrong: 'That the wall extends above the framing' is wrong; the wall typically does not extend above the sill plate. 'That the framing is set back from the wall face' is wrong; the sill plate is usually flush with or near the foundation wall's exterior face. 'That the wall is finished to match the exterior' is wrong; exterior finish is unrelated to the structural connection. Exam tip: The foundation-to-frame connection is a fundamental load transfer point. Check for bearing and anchorage.

13. What is the purpose of foundation anchorage in a wood-framed house?

  • To resist lateral and uplift forces on the structure
  • BTo carry the vertical dead load into the footing
  • CTo keep the sill plate from absorbing ground moisture
  • DTo provide a grounding electrode for the electrical system

Why A is correct

Why this is correct: To resist lateral and uplift forces on the structure. Gravity loads are carried by bearing; anchorage specifically counters horizontal forces (wind/seismic) and uplift. Why the other choices are wrong: "To carry the vertical dead load into the footing" is incorrect; that is the function of the wall framing bearing on the sill plate. "To keep the sill plate from absorbing ground moisture" is the role of sill sealer or gasket. "To provide a grounding electrode for the electrical system" is a separate function of the grounding electrode conductor. Exam tip: Anchorage = lateral and uplift resistance. It does not carry vertical dead loads.

14. Why are diagonal braces or sheathing panels important in a wood-framed wall?

  • AThey carry the vertical load between studs
  • BThey provide a nailing surface for interior finishes
  • They keep the wall from racking under lateral load
  • DThey allow the wall to be built without a top plate

Why C is correct

Why this is correct: They keep the wall from racking under lateral load. Wood stud walls form a rectangular frame that is inherently unstable against sideways (lateral) forces like wind or earthquake. Diagonal braces or structural sheathing (plywood, OSB) provide the necessary triangulation to prevent the wall from deforming into a parallelogram, a failure mode known as racking. Why the other choices are wrong: "They carry the vertical load between studs" is incorrect; vertical loads are carried by the studs themselves. "They provide a nailing surface for interior finishes" is a function of sheathing, but not its primary structural purpose. "They allow the wall to be built without a top plate" is false; top and bottom plates are always required. Exam tip: Lateral bracing resists sideways forces. Its absence or improper removal compromises the building's ability to withstand wind and seismic events.

15. Why does an inspector look for evidence of a removed wall in a finished space?

  • ARemoved walls always require a permit record
  • The wall may have carried load now unsupported
  • CRemoval changes the room's ventilation path
  • DRemoved walls affect the property's floor area

Why B is correct

Why this is correct: In a finished space, clues like patched flooring or ceiling lines may indicate a wall was removed. The primary concern is whether that wall was load-bearing. If it was, and no proper beam or header was installed to carry the load, the structure above may be unsupported, posing a safety risk. Why the other choices are wrong: 'Removed walls always require a permit record' is wrong; while often true, the inspector's immediate concern is structural, not administrative. 'Removal changes the room's ventilation path' is wrong; this is a secondary consideration, not the primary structural hazard. 'Removed walls affect the property's floor area' is wrong; this relates to area calculation, not structural integrity. Exam tip: Suspect a removed wall in finished areas? The question is: "Where did the load go?"

16. Why does an inspector note a header that has been cut for a duct or a pipe?

  • Headers carry the load over an opening and are sized for it
  • BCutting a header changes the required window dimensions
  • CPenetrated headers are only a concern in exterior walls
  • DCutting the header transfers the load to the sole plate

Why A is correct

Why this is correct: The governing concept is that a header is a load-bearing member sized to carry loads over an opening (like a door or window). Cutting into it reduces its structural capacity, potentially leading to sagging or failure. Why the other choices are wrong: "Cutting a header changes the required window dimensions" is wrong; window dimensions are fixed, not changed by cutting the header. "Penetrated headers are only a concern in exterior walls" is wrong; headers in interior walls can also be load-bearing. "Cutting the header transfers the load to the sole plate" is wrong; the load path is disrupted, not properly transferred. Exam tip: Never assume a cut in a header is acceptable. It compromises structural integrity.

17. Why does an inspector note the absence of a crawl space access opening?

  • The space cannot be inspected or maintained
  • BThe absence indicates the space was filled
  • CAccess openings determine the ventilation area
  • DThe absence means no crawl space exists

Why A is correct

Why this is correct: A crawl space access opening is essential for inspection and future maintenance. Its absence means critical components within (framing, insulation, plumbing, pests, moisture) cannot be evaluated. This is a significant limitation that must be reported to the client. Why the other choices are wrong: 'The absence indicates the space was filled' is wrong; absence does not prove filling; it only prevents verification. 'Access openings determine the ventilation area' is wrong; while some vents may be present, the access opening's primary purpose is entry, not ventilation. 'The absence means no crawl space exists' is wrong; a crawl space likely exists but is inaccessible. Exam tip: No access = not inspected. This is a standard limitation that must be explicitly reported.

18. Why does an inspector note the direction that floor joists run?

  • ADirection indicates the building's original orientation
  • It identifies which walls below are likely bearing
  • CJoist direction determines the subfloor material
  • DDirection establishes the framing's installation date

Why B is correct

Why this is correct: The governing concept is load path in framing. Floor joists transfer their load (weight of floor, live loads) perpendicularly to their endpoints. Therefore, the direction joists run reveals which walls beneath them are likely load-bearing (those running perpendicular to the joists). Why the other choices are wrong: "Direction indicates the building's original orientation" is not a standard inspection concern. "Joist direction determines the subfloor material" is incorrect; material choice is independent. "Direction establishes the framing's installation date" is not reliably determined by direction alone. Exam tip: Joists span between bearing walls. Their direction points you to those walls.

19. Wood at the base of a post is soft and crumbles when probed. What does this most likely indicate?

  • Decay from sustained moisture exposure
  • BNormal weathering of the wood surface
  • CCompression from the load above the post
  • DManufacturing defects in the lumber itself

Why A is correct

Why this is correct: Decay from sustained moisture exposure. Fungal decay requires consistent moisture; a post base in contact with moisture becomes soft and loses structural integrity. Why the other choices are wrong: "Normal weathering of the wood surface" causes checking or graying, not soft, crumbly wood. "Compression from the load above the post" might cause crushing but not softening. "Manufacturing defects in the lumber itself" would likely be apparent earlier, not localized to the base. Exam tip: Soft, crumbly wood + moisture = decay. Probe suspected areas to confirm.

107 more Structure questions

Answers and explanations for these are in the study app.

  • A 2x10 floor joist has a 3-inch-deep notch cut in its top edge near the bearing. How should this be reported?
  • A basement support post rests directly on the slab with no visible footing. Why is this a concern?
  • A basement with a sump pit that is dry year-round in a wet climate suggests:
  • A beam is supported at one end by a masonry wall and at the other by a wood post. Why does the inspector examine both?
  • A bearing wall has been removed and replaced with a beam. What should the inspector look for?
  • A bearing wall on the second floor sits above an open span with no beam or post below. What has been interrupted?
  • A bearing wall removed and replaced with a beam that rests on existing wall studs without added posts indicates:
  • A concrete slab shows a crack that has been filled and has reopened along the same line. What does this indicate?
  • A crack in a block foundation wall follows the mortar joints in a stair-step pattern and is wider at the top. What does this suggest?
  • A crawl space has bare soil and heavy condensation on the framing above. What should the inspector consider?
  • A crawl space has been sealed and conditioned rather than vented. What should the inspector examine?
  • A crawl space vapour retarder covers only part of the soil. What should the report say?
  • A crawl space with insulation hanging down out of the floor joists indicates:
  • A cripple wall between the foundation and the first floor has no bracing panels. Why is this significant?
  • A floor joist has been notched deeply on its bottom edge at mid-span to run a pipe. The concern is:
  • A foundation wall shows a vertical crack that is wider at the bottom than the top. What does this suggest?
  • A foundation wall with a bulge that can be measured with a straightedge indicates:
  • A garage's large door opening reduces the wall's lateral capacity because:
  • A girder is supported by a post that has been shimmed with stacked wood blocks. Why is this reported?
  • A hole bored through the center of a joist's depth affects capacity less than an equivalent edge notch because:
  • A hole is bored through a floor joist for wiring. Which placement is acceptable?
  • A joist has been doubled beside an existing one to address sagging. What should the inspector examine?
  • A pier and beam foundation shows one pier that has separated from the beam above it. What is the concern?
  • A plumber has notched the bottom of a floor joist at midspan to run a drain. Why is that location the worst choice?
  • A post supporting a beam that sits on a basement slab without a footing beneath:
  • A poured concrete foundation with a vertical crack that is wider at the top than the bottom suggests:
  • A poured foundation wall shows fine vertical cracks at regular intervals with no displacement. What is the most likely explanation?
  • A roof truss has had its bottom chord cut to create attic storage access. Why is this significant?
  • A second-storey addition has been built above a single-storey section. What should the inspector examine?
  • A slab-on-grade home with interior floor cracks and doors out of square suggests:
  • A stair-step crack through the mortar joints of a block foundation wall, with no displacement, is generally:
  • A steel column has been added under a sagging girder but does not reach a footing. How should this be reported?
  • A steel column in a basement shows rust and flaking at its base. Why is this reported?
  • A stud in a load-bearing exterior wall has been notched to 45 percent of its width. What does this indicate?
  • A wall stud has been cut through entirely for a duct with no header above. What is the concern?
  • Adjustable steel columns have been installed with the screw threads extended nearly fully. What should the inspector note?
  • An inspector finds anchor bolts in a sill plate spaced about ten feet apart. What should the report note?
  • An inspector finds mud tubes running up a foundation wall into the framing. What do these indicate?
  • An inspector finds small round holes in a wooden beam with fine powder beneath them. What does this indicate?
  • Blocking between floor joists has been removed along one bay. What is its function?
  • Cripple walls between the foundation and the first floor are a seismic concern because:
  • Ductwork in a crawl space has separated at a joint and is discharging into the space. Why does this matter structurally?
  • Efflorescence is heavy on a basement wall but the surface is dry to the touch. What can the inspector conclude?
  • Floor joists that bear only an inch on a foundation ledge are a concern because:
  • Fresh patching material is found along a foundation crack. What should the inspector report?
  • Horizontal cracking near the middle of a basement wall differs from vertical cracking because horizontal cracking:
  • How should an inspector report visible framing in a house where most of it is concealed?
  • Insulation between crawl space joists has fallen away in several places. What does this often indicate?
  • Joist hangers installed with roofing nails instead of the specified hanger nails are a concern because:
  • Nails have been driven into a joist hanger in place of the specified fasteners. Why is this reported?
  • Pier and beam foundations with shimmed posts stacked several blocks high should be reported because:
  • Plumbing has been run through a floor truss by cutting one of its web members. Why is this more serious than boring a solid joist?
  • Plywood or OSB sheathing on exterior walls contributes to a house's:
  • Posts in a crawl space rest on precast blocks sitting directly on soil. What is the concern?
  • Rafters in an attic show outward movement at the eaves and a sagging ridge. What relationship should the inspector consider?
  • Roof trusses that have been modified to create attic storage space:
  • Siding is in direct contact with the ground along one elevation. Why is this reported?
  • Standing water is found in a crawl space during a dry period. What does this suggest?
  • Studs cut through to accommodate plumbing, with no reinforcement added, are a concern because:
  • What can an inspector observe about a foundation on a house with finished basement walls?
  • What conditions does fungal decay in wood require?
  • What does an inspector consider on finding modern engineered lumber alongside original dimensional framing?
  • What does an inspector consider when a joist has been repaired by adding a short scab plate?
  • What does an inspector do on finding a soft area in a floor near a bathroom?
  • What does an inspector look for at connections between framing and a masonry chimney?
  • What does an inspector look for at the connection between a deck and the house?
  • What does an inspector look for where a basement has been finished without evidence of moisture management?
  • What does an inspector look for where a chimney passes through a floor structure?
  • What does an inspector look for where a girder bears on a masonry pocket?
  • What does the presence of carbon fibre straps on a basement wall indicate?
  • What does the presence of carpenter ant frass indicate about the wood?
  • What is the inspector able to report about seismic or wind connections in a finished house?
  • Which observation would most suggest active rather than historical foundation movement?
  • Why does an inspector distinguish a crack that passes through a masonry unit from one that follows the joints?
  • Why does an inspector examine the interior and exterior of a foundation wall where both are visible?
  • Why does an inspector examine the sill plate where it meets the foundation?
  • Why does an inspector examine the underside of a deck as well as its walking surface?
  • Why does an inspector examine window and door openings when assessing possible movement?
  • Why does an inspector look at framing above and below an added upper-floor bathroom?
  • Why does an inspector look at how a floor feels underfoot as well as at the framing?
  • Why does an inspector look at how joists are connected where they meet a flush beam?
  • Why does an inspector look at the exterior grade against the foundation before entering a basement?
  • Why does an inspector look at the underside of subfloor sheathing in a crawl space?
  • Why does an inspector look at wood fence and deck posts where they enter the ground?
  • Why does an inspector look at wood in contact with concrete for decay?
  • Why does an inspector look beneath a bearing point rather than only at the member above it?
  • Why does an inspector look closely at wood around exterior door thresholds?
  • Why does an inspector look for displacement rather than just crack width?
  • Why does an inspector measure or estimate crawl space clearance beneath the floor framing?
  • Why does an inspector note a basement floor drain and whether it appears functional?
  • Why does an inspector note a chimney that leans away from the building?
  • Why does an inspector note framing members that show splitting along their length?
  • Why does an inspector note masonry veneer that has separated from the wall behind it?
  • Why does an inspector note the height of exterior grade relative to a crawl space vent?
  • Why does an inspector note the spacing of framing members where visible?
  • Why does an inspector note the type of foundation before examining it?
  • Why does an inspector note trees growing close to a foundation?
  • Why does an inspector note where a whirlpool tub or heavy appliance sits relative to the framing below?
  • Why does an inspector note whether a basement wall bulges inward at mid-height?
  • Why does an inspector trace loads from the roof downward rather than examining components in isolation?
  • Why does the standard limit probing of framing to areas where deterioration is already visible or suspected?
  • Why is a vapour retarder placed over crawl space soil rather than against the framing?
  • Why is decay in a concealed location more serious than the same decay in the open?
  • Why is the area where a deck ledger meets the house a common location for decay?
  • Why should an inspector be cautious about quoting a single percentage for boring a stud?
  • Wood framing in a crawl space is in direct contact with soil. What is the concern?
  • Wood that crumbles into cube-shaped pieces when probed indicates:
Unlock all 126 questions