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Practice reporting practice questions

15 questions from the home inspector exam practice test.

Practice reporting practice test

10 questions, graded as you go, with the reason for every answer. No sign-up.

What this covers

Sample questions

A finished basement wall is hidden behind stacked storage boxes and a heavy bookcase. What do typical standards of practice require?

  1. Cut an inspection opening in the nearest clear wall
  2. Inspect the wall from outside and assume it is sound
  3. Report that the area was not inspected and explain why
  4. Move the boxes and the bookcase and inspect the wall
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C. Report that the area was not inspected and explain why

Inspectors are not required to move furniture, stored items or other belongings. The area is not readily accessible, so the report must say it was not inspected and give the reason. Assuming its condition would mislead the client.

Reference: Standards of practice: readily accessible; general limitations

Under typical standards of practice, what must the inspector provide to the client after the inspection?

  1. A repair estimate for each of the defects that was found
  2. A certificate stating that the house has passed inspection
  3. A verbal summary only, given to the client at the property
  4. A written report of systems inspected and defects found
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D. A written report of systems inspected and defects found

The deliverable is a written report that identifies the systems inspected, those not inspected, and material defects, with recommendations to correct or further evaluate them. Inspectors do not pass or fail houses and are not required to estimate repair costs.

Reference: Standards of practice: report requirements

An inspector reports a worn-out roof and then offers to replace it for the client the following week. Why is this an ethical problem?

  1. The client is entitled to have that repair done at no charge
  2. The inspection report becomes void once repairs begin
  3. Roofing work requires a higher class of inspector licence
  4. Repairing defects he reported is a conflict of interest
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D. Repairing defects he reported is a conflict of interest

An inspector who gains from repair work has an incentive to find or exaggerate defects, so codes of ethics bar inspectors from repairing, for pay, items on houses they inspected, typically for one year. The client must be able to trust that the report is unbiased.

Reference: Code of ethics: conflicts of interest (repairs on inspected property)

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