Residential Building Inspector Exam Prep

Covers inspection of footing design, foundation construction, anchorage, moisture protection, crawlspace conditions, and support of floor framing at the foundation. This domain focuses on IRC compliance for structural support, durability, and below-grade performance.

• Task 1.1: Inspect footing design, size, depth, and support conditions for compliance with the IRC
• Minimum footing width and thickness
• Footing depth below grade and frost line
• Footings on undisturbed soil or compacted fill
• Special footing conditions at steps and slopes
• Task 1.2: Inspect concrete foundation materials and construction
• Minimum concrete thickness and strength

Key references: ICC B1 official exam guide · ExamPal shared topic tree

Covers room planning, stairways, guards, emergency escape openings, fire-resistance and dwelling separation, alarms, and safety glazing. This domain emphasizes occupant safety, life-safety provisions, and basic habitability requirements.

• Task 2.1: Inspect general space planning and habitable room requirements
• Minimum room area and dimensions
• Required ceiling heights
• Minimum hallway widths
• Basic habitability provisions
• Task 2.2: Inspect stairway geometry and construction for safe use
• Stairway width, riser height, and tread depth

Key references: ICC B1 official exam guide · ExamPal shared topic tree

Covers floor joists, bearing and support, notching and boring limits, serviceability, and girders and beams in floor systems. This domain focuses on structural adequacy and load transfer in floor framing.

• Task 3.1: Inspect floor joist sizing, spacing, and span compliance
• Joist species, grade, size, spacing, and span
• Occupancy use and design loading
• Joist layout and support conditions
• Overstressed or undersized framing members
• Task 3.2: Inspect floor framing bearing, support, and load transfer
• Minimum end bearing of floor joists

Key references: ICC B1 official exam guide · ExamPal shared topic tree

Covers wall framing, openings, sheathing, exterior coverings, weather-resistive details, and concealed space protection. This domain emphasizes structural continuity, moisture management, and fire spread control in wall assemblies.

• Task 4.1: Inspect wall framing layout and vertical structural members
• Stud size and spacing
• Wall height limitations
• IRC wall framing provisions
• Noncompliant stud spacing or unsupported walls
• Task 4.2: Inspect headers, openings, and load transfer around doors and windows
• Required header sizes

Key references: ICC B1 official exam guide · ExamPal shared topic tree

Covers roof framing, sheathing, roof coverings, flashing, and attic ventilation. This domain focuses on structural support, weather protection, and moisture control in roof-ceiling assemblies.

• Task 5.1: Inspect roof framing loads, spans, and support conditions
• Roof live load assumptions
• Rafter and ceiling joist spans
• Bearing partitions and supporting members
• Overstressed roof-ceiling framing members
• Task 5.2: Inspect roof sheathing materials and fastening
• Sheathing type, thickness, and orientation

Key references: ICC B1 official exam guide · ExamPal shared topic tree

Covers the building official’s authority, permit requirements, use of the IRC, and inspection/documentation procedures. This domain focuses on administrative enforcement, code navigation, and professional inspection practice.

• Task 6.1: Apply the role and authority of the building official in residential code enforcement
• Building official responsibilities
• Authority for approvals and interpretations
• Inspector role versus designer, contractor, and owner
• Apply code intent consistently
• Task 6.2: Determine when permits are required for residential work
• Work requiring a permit

Key references: ICC B1 official exam guide · ExamPal shared topic tree