Sample questions

NHIE Sample Questions

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Sample 1

What does negative grading near a foundation suggest?

  1. Water may drain toward the structure
  2. The foundation drainage system is operating correctly
  3. The site has positive slope at every exterior wall
  4. Roof runoff is being directed safely away from the structure

Answer: A. Negative grading can direct water toward the foundation and increase moisture concerns.

Sample 2

Why should inspection reports state limitations?

  1. To avoid explaining how access affected the inspection
  2. To document what was and was not inspected
  3. To imply uninspected areas are free of defects
  4. To replace the inspection agreement and standards of practice

Answer: B. Limitations make the inspection scope clearer.

Sample 3

What can deteriorated roof flashing allow?

  1. Improved drainage beneath the roof covering
  2. Higher electrical service capacity
  3. Water intrusion at penetrations, joints, or transitions
  4. Greater plumbing supply pressure

Answer: C. Flashing defects create common water-entry paths at roof transitions and penetrations.

Sample 4

What should an inspector report at an accessible electrical panel?

  1. Concealed conditions that were not observed
  2. A market-value conclusion based on panel brand
  3. A guarantee of future electrical performance
  4. Observed defects, safety concerns, and inspection limitations

Answer: D. Home inspectors report observable conditions and limitations without guaranteeing concealed or future performance.

Sample 5

What should an inspector report clearly?

  1. Observed defects and limitations
  2. A diagnosis beyond the inspector's scope
  3. A repair price presented as certain without support
  4. A guarantee of future system performance

Answer: A. Inspection reports communicate observed conditions, concerns, and scope limitations.

Sample 6

Why are safety concerns important in reports?

  1. They guarantee the recommended correction will be performed
  2. They help clients understand potential hazards
  3. They replace the need to explain the implication of the observation
  4. They make documentation of the observed condition unnecessary

Answer: B. Safety-related observations are important for client understanding and next steps.

Sample 7

Which answer best describes an inspection limitation?

  1. A repair recommendation made without an observation
  2. A market-value conclusion based on comparable sales
  3. A condition that restricts what can be inspected
  4. A defect that must exist in every inaccessible area

Answer: C. Limitations explain what was not visible, accessible, or included.

Sample 8

Why can inadequate clearance between soil and vulnerable wall cladding be a concern?

  1. Soil contact improves drainage behind the cladding
  2. Factory-finished cladding needs no clearance from grade
  3. Clearance can be ignored whenever the cladding surface appears undamaged
  4. Contact can retain moisture and conceal deterioration or pest entry

Answer: D. Inadequate soil-to-cladding clearance can hold moisture against materials and conceal damage or pest pathways.

Sample 9

What can missing kick-out flashing cause?

  1. Water intrusion at a roof-to-wall intersection
  2. Improved drainage behind the wall cladding
  3. Reduced roof runoff at the wall intersection
  4. Automatic drying of the sheathing below the eave

Answer: A. Kick-out flashing helps direct roof runoff away from wall cladding and structure.

Sample 10

Which visible condition can indicate unsafe combustion venting?

  1. A thermostat responding to a temperature change
  2. A disconnected, damaged, improperly sloped, or poorly terminated vent connector
  3. A clean air filter installed in the return
  4. An accessible service disconnect near the equipment

Answer: B. Defective combustion venting can allow flue gases or carbon monoxide to enter occupied areas.

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NHIE Sample Questions with answer explanations and a link to the interactive NHIE Practice Test free practice test. The site includes practice paths for EPA 608, CDL, IBEW aptitude, journeyman electrician, CWI welding inspector, NASCLA, NCCCO, NHIE, and plumbing license exams.

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