National Home Inspector Practice Exam

Which assumption about a house normally cannot be determined by routine inspection procedures?

1. Furnace operates normally

2. Siding shows no repair needs

3. House is in sound structural condition

4. House has a dry basement

The correct answer is: House is in sound structural condition

The assumption that a house is in sound structural condition typically cannot be determined by routine inspection procedures due to the limitations of what a standard home inspection entails. Inspectors use visual assessments to evaluate various components of the home, but structural integrity can often be hidden behind walls, under floors, or above ceilings. Routine inspections may reveal visible signs of damage or wear, but they do not include invasive methods to fully assess the internal condition of structural elements like beams, joists, and foundations. For instance, while an inspector can check for obvious issues such as cracks in the walls or uneven floors, the underlying structural problems might not be visible. This means that, despite a thorough examination, there is always a level of uncertainty regarding the actual soundness of the structure without further investigation or specialized tools. Other assumptions, such as whether the furnace operates normally, whether the siding shows no repair needs, or whether the house has a dry basement, can generally be assessed through the inspection process. The inspector can test the furnace operation, visually inspect the siding for damage, and check for signs of moisture in the basement, providing a more immediate and visible assessment of those elements. Thus, the nature of structural evaluation requires more than what a routine inspection can typically provide.