InterNACHI - International Association of Certified Home Inspectors Exterior and Grounds Inspection Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to the InterNACHI Standards of Practice for an exterior inspection, what is the generally recommended minimum slope for the ground surface within the first 10 feet of the foundation?
- A fall of at least 1 inch for every 10 feet.
- A fall of at least 6 inches. (Correct answer)
- A slope that is perfectly level to allow for water absorption.
- A rise of 2 inches towards the foundation to create a swale.
Correct answer: A fall of at least 6 inches.
The InterNACHI Standards of Practice and general building principles recommend that the ground should slope away from the foundation with a minimum fall of 6 inches within the first 10 feet. This positive grading is crucial for directing surface water away from the structure and preventing moisture intrusion into the basement, crawlspace, or foundation, which could lead to significant structural damage.
Question 2: During an exterior inspection, you observe a second-story deck where the wooden support posts are in direct contact with the soil at their base. What is the PRIMARY concern you should report to your client?
- The deck is not aesthetically pleasing.
- The soil contact may violate local zoning ordinances.
- The wood is susceptible to rot and wood-destroying insect infestation. (Correct answer)
- The deck posts are likely not the correct species of wood.
Correct answer: The wood is susceptible to rot and wood-destroying insect infestation.
Direct wood-to-soil contact creates a pathway for moisture to wick into the wood, which accelerates decay and makes it highly vulnerable to wood-destroying insects like termites. This condition compromises the structural integrity of the posts and, consequently, the safety of the entire deck structure.
Question 3: Which of the following is an inspector REQUIRED to inspect according to the InterNACHI Exterior Standards of Practice?
- Fences and outbuildings.
- Recreational facilities, such as playground equipment.
- Retaining walls that may adversely affect the structure. (Correct answer)
- The operation of storm windows and shutters.
Correct answer: Retaining walls that may adversely affect the structure.
The InterNACHI Standards of Practice explicitly state that the inspector shall inspect retaining walls where they may adversely affect the structure due to moisture intrusion or potential failure. Items like fences, outbuildings, recreational equipment, and the operation of shutters are specifically listed as not required to be inspected.
Question 4: While inspecting a concrete driveway, you notice several sections have settled, creating uneven surfaces and significant cracks wider than 1/2 inch. One section has heaved upwards, creating a pronounced trip hazard at the entrance to the garage. Which of the following is the most appropriate action?
- Recommend immediate replacement of the entire driveway.
- Note the cracks but classify them as minor cosmetic issues.
- Report the settled sections and the significant trip hazard as material defects in need of correction. (Correct answer)
- Advise the client that driveways are outside the scope of a home inspection.
Correct answer: Report the settled sections and the significant trip hazard as material defects in need of correction.
The InterNACHI Standards of Practice require the inspection of adjacent walkways and driveways. Significant cracks and settlement, especially those creating a trip hazard, are considered material defects that affect safety and functionality. These conditions should be clearly reported as in need of correction or further evaluation by a qualified contractor.
Question 5: When inspecting the guardrails on a porch that is 48 inches above the adjacent ground, you find that the balusters (spindles) are spaced 7 inches apart. What should be reported?
- The spacing is acceptable for porches of this height.
- The guardrail height is the only required measurement.
- The baluster spacing is a safety hazard and should be reported as in need of correction. (Correct answer)
- The material of the balusters is more important than the spacing.
Correct answer: The baluster spacing is a safety hazard and should be reported as in need of correction.
A common safety standard, and a specific item InterNACHI inspectors must report on, is improper spacing between balusters. Generally, balusters should be spaced so that a 4-inch sphere cannot pass through, to prevent small children from falling through. A 7-inch spacing is a significant safety hazard that must be reported as a defect in need of correction.
Question 6: You are inspecting a timber retaining wall that is 5 feet tall and located 3 feet from the home's foundation. The wall is leaning noticeably outward and has several rotting timbers at its base. According to the Standards of Practice, what is your responsibility?
- To provide a cost estimate for replacing the wall.
- To report the wall's condition as a material defect that could adversely affect the home. (Correct answer)
- To ignore the wall as it is a landscaping feature.
- To perform a structural analysis of the soil pressure behind the wall.
Correct answer: To report the wall's condition as a material defect that could adversely affect the home.
The InterNACHI Standards of Practice require an inspector to report on retaining walls that are likely to adversely affect the building. A tall, leaning, and rotting wall in close proximity to the foundation presents a clear risk of failure, which could impact the home's structure. This must be reported as a material defect. Inspectors are not required to provide cost estimates or perform engineering analyses.
