Reading Inspection Reports Practice Questions

Question 1 of 5

What is an HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator), and why is it inspected?

• AHRVs are decorative appliances with no functional purpose, and real estate
• BAn HRV is a mechanical ventilation system that exchanges stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while recovering heat from the exhaust air: (1) they are common in newer, energy-efficient Ontario homes that are tightly sealed and need mechanical ventilation to maintain air quality, (2) the inspector checks: filter condition, core condition, operation, drainage (condensate must drain properly), and overall function, (3) a dirty or non-functional HRV can result in: poor indoor air quality, excess humidity, condensation on windows, and potential mould growth, (4) maintenance: HRV filters should be cleaned quarterly and the core cleaned annually, (5) cost implications: filter cleaning is simple DIY maintenance, but core replacement costs $500-$1,000+, and (6) many homeowners are unaware their home has an HRV and do not maintain it — the inspection finding may be the buyer's first introduction to this system
• CHRVs are only used in commercial buildings, as the applicable regulatory framework and industry practices establish the standards and procedures that govern how this type of matter is addressed in Ontario real estate
• DHRV maintenance is not necessary and the system runs indefinitely without attention, and

Question 2 of 5

What signs of ice dam damage should a home inspector look for in Ontario homes?

• AIce dam indicators include: (1) water staining on interior ceilings near exterior walls — particularly in upper floors, (2) damaged or displaced shingles along the eave edge, (3) deteriorated fascia and soffit from repeated water backup, (4) inadequate attic insulation and ventilation — the root cause of ice dams, (5) evidence of heat cables or ice and water shield installation indicating past ice dam management, and (6) ice dams form when heat loss through the roof melts snow, which refreezes at the eave and causes water to back up under shingles
• BIce dams only form on flat roofs, under the home inspection standards of practice that define what systems are evaluated and the methods used to assess their current condition, and according to the industry standards for home inspections, which establish the level of examination appropriate for each building system and component
• CIce dams are only a concern in northern Ontario, according to the industry standards for home inspections, which establish the level of examination appropriate for each building system and component
• DModern homes are immune to ice dam formation, based on the scope and limitations of the standard home inspection process, which focuses on visual examination of accessible building systems and components

Question 3 of 5

The inspector finds multiple layers of roofing on the home. Why is this a concern?

• AMultiple layers provide better weather protection, particularly given that the roofing material's expected service life, current condition, and maintenance history are consistent with what the visual inspection revealed, as the roof assessment followed standard inspection practices for evaluating covering materials, flashings, drainage, and visible structural support from accessible vantage points
• BMultiple roofing layers create concerns: (1) Ontario Building Code allows a maximum of two layers of asphalt shingles, (2) additional weight from multiple layers can stress the roof structure, (3) defects in the lower layer cannot be properly assessed through overlying layers, (4) when the roof needs replacement, all layers must be stripped to the deck, increasing removal cost by $1,000-$3,000, (5) moisture trapped between layers can cause deck deterioration, and (6) the inspector should note the number of visible layers and whether the limit appears exceeded
• CThere is no limit to the number of roofing layers permitted, as the roof assessment followed standard inspection practices for evaluating covering materials, flashings, drainage, and visible structural support from accessible vantage points, particularly given that the roofing material's expected service life, current condition, and maintenance history are consistent with what the visual inspection revealed
• DEach additional layer adds 10 years to the roof's lifespan, particularly given that the roofing material's expected service life, current condition, and maintenance history are consistent with what the visual inspection revealed

Question 4 of 5

An inspection report notes 'deferred maintenance' throughout the property. What does this term mean and how should the buyer interpret it?

• ADeferred maintenance means the property is in excellent condition, according to the industry standards for home inspections, which establish the level of examination appropriate for each building system and component
• BDeferred maintenance refers to routine upkeep that has been postponed — it includes items like peeling paint, clogged gutters, missing caulking, and dirty HVAC filters; while individually minor, accumulated deferred maintenance indicates the seller has not kept up with routine care, which may signal underlying issues and will require the buyer to invest in catch-up maintenance after purchase
• CDeferred maintenance is a legal term meaning the seller must repair everything before closing, under the home inspection standards of practice that define what systems are evaluated and the methods used to assess their current condition
• DOnly one or two items of deferred maintenance are typical in any home, based on the scope and limitations of the standard home inspection process, which focuses on visual examination of accessible building systems and components

Question 5 of 5

The inspection reveals improper attic ventilation. How does this affect the roof?

• AInadequate attic ventilation affects the roof significantly: (1) heat buildup accelerates shingle deterioration and can void manufacturer warranties, (2) moisture accumulation causes sheathing rot, mould growth, and insulation damage, (3) ice dam formation — the primary cause in Ontario climates is warm attic air melting snow on the roof surface, (4) proper ventilation requires balanced intake (soffit vents) and exhaust (ridge or roof vents), (5) the inspector checks for: blocked soffit vents, missing or inadequate exhaust vents, and signs of moisture damage in the attic, and (6) ventilation improvements typically cost $500-$2,000 and can significantly extend roof life
• BAttic ventilation has no effect on roofing performance, under the home inspection standards of practice that define what systems are evaluated and the methods used to assess their current condition, and according to the industry standards for home inspections, which establish the level of examination appropriate for each building system and component
• CAttic ventilation only affects summer comfort, according to the industry standards for home inspections, which establish the level of examination appropriate for each building system and component
• DSealing all attic vents improves energy efficiency, according to the industry standards for home inspections, which establish the level of examination appropriate for each building system and component, and under the home inspection standards of practice that define what systems are evaluated and the methods used to assess their current condition