Domain 1, task 2
Building exterior practice questions
10 free building exterior questions in the style of the National Home Inspector Exam, each with the answer and the reason. The official outline calls this task "Building exterior" and gives it 5% of the exam, about 9 of the 175 scored questions.
Checked on October 4, 2026
Question 1 of 10
Which name is NOT correct for the manufactured adhered masonry veneer that imitates natural stone?
The answer is AArtificial stone, cultured stone, and manufactured stone all name the same manufactured product. Cast stone is a separate material altogether. Artificial stone is not to be described as cast stone, natural stone, or brick.
Question 2 of 10
Wood framing may carry brick and natural stone veneer EXCEPT
The answer is CWood framing may carry brick and natural stone veneer, by way of a lintel, anywhere but high seismic risk zones. Brick over a roof may sit on a steel angle lagged to the studs, so a roof location is not the exception.
Question 3 of 10
A home inspector notices that vinyl siding on the sunny side of a house has a faded color compared with the other sides. How should the inspector treat this?
The answer is DDamage, deterioration, and faded color share one item on the vinyl defect list. The manual notes vinyl color can fade with time, especially on the sunny sides of a house. Calling the fading normal aging would leave a listed defect out of the report.
Question 4 of 10
Flashing placed at the horizontal seam between two sheets of panel siding is:
The answer is CZ flashing belongs at the horizontal joint where one sheet of panel siding meets the next, and on fiber cement, hardboard, and wood siding it should be visible. L flashing is used over window and door head trim, and J channel surrounds openings in vinyl and aluminum siding.
Question 5 of 10
Which lock seats a solid bolt in a reinforced strike plate?
The answer is DA dead-bolt lock gives higher security by seating a solid bolt in a strike plate that is reinforced, and ideally in the jamb behind it. An entry lock limits entry from outside with a key or combination and is worked by a knob or handle.
Question 6 of 10
A bedroom window that serves as the escape opening opens 20 inches above the floor and 8 feet above grade. A fixed device limits the opening to 3 inches and cannot be released. What should the home inspector report?
The answer is DAn opening this close to the floor and this far above grade should be kept under 4 inches, and 3 inches meets that figure. Whatever limits the opening should still let the window open as an escape opening requires, and a device that cannot be released does not.
Question 7 of 10
Among stoop and porch materials, concrete masonry units are also known as:
The answer is DConcrete masonry units are blocks, listed with bricks, stone, pavers, and wood among common stoop and porch materials. Bricks are the masonry units the manual names separately.
Question 8 of 10
During an inspection, the home inspector finds heavy layers of caulk along the deck ledger and around the door that opens onto the deck. This is often a sign of
The answer is DHeavy use of sealant is often a sign of water infiltration problems, past or present. Sealants need regular maintenance and will usually fail before the homeowner notices, and no sealant can take the place of flashing.
Question 9 of 10
Which statement BEST describes a home inspector's role with deck floor joist spans?
The answer is DDeciding if deck joists are over-spanned is technically exhaustive work and is out of scope. Home inspectors should still be aware of basic joist span rules, so they can pick out any joist that might be too long. Interior floor joist span tables are not used here, since wet deck joists can deflect more than dry ones.
Question 10 of 10
Garage door springs should not be adjusted, repaired, or replaced by homeowners because:
The answer is BGarage door springs hold significant tension, especially with the door closed, and the risk of injury is why homeowners should leave them alone. Disconnecting the opener is a step in checking spring balance, not the reason for the warning.
Pick an answer to see the reason
What the outline puts in this task
- Wall cladding, flashing, trim, eaves, soffits, and fascia
- Exterior doors and windows, including safety glass and emergency escape
- Decks, balconies, porches, steps, stairs, and railings
- Garage vehicle doors and openers
These questions come from the course question bank and are set aside for free use. None of them is on a paid practice exam. See all 19 topics.
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Take a free 200 question practice exam, weighted like the NHIE, with your score by task.
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