National Home Inspector Examination® (NHIE) case studies
NHIE · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The National Home Inspector Examination® (NHIE) is a high-stakes, multiple-choice examination administered by the Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors (EBPHI). According to EBPHI, it is "the Original Exam for the Home Inspection Profession," and states that require home inspectors to pass it participate in a national standard for the professional home inspector. The NHIE case studies are 5 cases and about 2,986 words.
1Diagonal foundation crack with lateral offset at a 1962 ranch
During a pre-listing inspection of a single-story 1962 ranch on a poured concrete foundation, you find a diagonal crack at the northwest corner of the basement. The crack runs from the top of the foundation wall down toward the corner, is about 1/4 inch wide at its widest point, and the concrete on the outside of the crack is displaced inward about 3/8 inch.
591 words, about 3 min2Second-story deck ledger over vinyl siding with beam bolted to 4x4 posts
A 12-foot by 16-foot second-story deck is attached to a wood-framed house. The ledger board is fastened through vinyl siding directly to the rim joist with 1/2-inch lag bolts, alternating above and below the ledger, spaced 24 inches on center.
637 words, about 3 min3Condensing furnace vent sagging under a deck and locking out on pressure switch
A 90,000 BTU/hour, 90% AFUE condensing furnace is installed in a basement. The installer used 2-inch PVC for both intake and exhaust.
559 words, about 3 min4Water heater TPR discharge reduced on a closed system without expansion tank
A 50-gallon gas-fired water heater in an attached garage is 12 years old and has a standing pilot. It sits directly on the garage floor, and the garage has a step down from the house.
611 words, about 3 min5Referral gift card, request to omit a soft spot, and a later refund demand
After an inspection, the real estate agent who referred you hands you a $50 coffee gift card 'for being prompt' and asks you to leave the soft spot out of the report because it will kill the deal. You already delivered a report that says: staining and a soft spot were observed at the bathroom floor; the subfloor was not visible; recommend further evaluation by a licensed contractor.
588 words, about 3 min