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These 10 free NY-HI questions are organized by exam domain, so you can see how each part of the New York State Home Inspector License Examination blueprint is tested. Reveal the answer and explanation under each question.
Rainwater staining is concentrated on the siding below the lower end of a roof-to-wall intersection. The visible step flashing along the sloping wall is intact, but runoff leaves the last piece against the siding instead of entering the gutter. Which missing detail best explains this water path?
Correct answer: C - Kick-out flashing at the bottom of the sidewall
A basement's concrete-block wall has a long horizontal crack near midheight. A straightedge shows that the middle of the wall bows inward relative to its top and bottom, although the floor above appears level. The seller describes the crack as cosmetic. Which conclusion is defensible?
Correct answer: A - The crack and bowing warrant structural evaluation for possible lateral wall movement.
Measurements beside a basement wall show that the ground 12 feet from the wall is 6 inches higher than the ground at the wall. The surface slopes uniformly between the two points, with no swale or drain intercepting runoff. Which description of this grade belongs in the inspection report?
Correct answer: D - About 4.2% toward the foundation, directing runoff toward the basement wall.
An older home's two-wire branch circuit has no equipment grounding conductor. A GFCI receptacle is labeled 'No Equipment Ground.' Its TEST button cuts power to a plugged-in lamp, and RESET restores it. A separate three-light plug-in tester indicates an open ground and does not trip the GFCI. How should the inspector interpret the difference?
Correct answer: A - The plug-in trip test needs a grounding path; its failure alone does not establish GFCI failure.
During a cold, dry week, an inspector finds frost on many nail tips and widespread dampness on the underside of the roof sheathing. A bathroom exhaust duct ends inside the attic. There are no localized stains around roof penetrations. Which explanation best fits the distribution of moisture?
Correct answer: C - Indoor moisture is entering the attic and condensing on cold roof surfaces.
The furnace label reads 'Temperature rise: 35-65°F.' During steady heating, readings taken at the manufacturer's designated locations are 68°F in the return and 146°F in the supply. The filter is heavily loaded with dust. What assessment is supported by these findings?
Correct answer: D - The 78°F rise exceeds the nameplate range; restricted airflow is one possible contributor.
On entering a basement, an inspector notices a strong natural-gas odor. The owner reaches for the light switch and offers to help find the leak. What should happen first?
Correct answer: C - Leave with the owner without operating switches; call 911 or the gas utility from a safe location.
A two-story home has a static water-pressure reading of 58 psi with all fixtures closed. The highest bathroom faucet delivers a steady stream when used alone, but its flow falls to a trickle when a downstairs faucet is opened. Drainage at both fixtures is normal. Which result controls the assessment of functional flow?
Correct answer: A - The poor delivery at the highest fixture during simultaneous use
Which proposed compensation arrangement is permissible under New York's home inspector ethics rules?
Correct answer: B - Buyer and seller share a fixed fee after full disclosure to the client and agreement by all interested parties.
The client requests a home inspection of a previously occupied single-family house. The property also has a detached two-car garage and a detached garden shed with no residential use. No additional outbuilding services have been agreed upon. How does New York's minimum inspection scope treat these structures?
Correct answer: B - The garage is included; inspection of the garden shed is not required.
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