Michigan Builders License Exam Questions and Answers, Updated 2024/2025 (Already Graded A+)

IRC (International Residential Code) -Ans Created to serve as a complete, comprehensive code regulating the construction of single-family, two-family and buildings consisting of three or more townhouse units. First 2 chapters of code book are -Ans Administrative Plans or supporting documents are almost always required by the controlling authority prior to issuing a permit. T or F -AnsTrue Does the building official have the authority to render interpretations of the code? -AnsYes None of the following require a permit, EXCEPT: sidewalks and driveways tiling an 8 foot fence playground equipment -Ans 8 foot fence. Tables and illustrations are always supported by information found in the written code and footnotes. T or F -AnsFalse The amount of evenly distributed weight imposed by inhabitants, goods and removable objects on a floor or roof system is referred to as -AnsLive load. If a code requirement is in the book, it is both acceptable and enforceable by the code official. T or F -AnsTrue. Illustrations are typically referred to as -Ans Figures. Michigan Builders License Exam Questions and Answers 2024/2025 (Already Passed) Generally speaking, the building official's job is to -Ans Determine that buildings are built to the minimum enforceable standard. It is required that all manufacturer instructions be at the jobsite at the time of inspection. T or F -AnsTrue. All of the following are not considered habitable spaces EXCEPT: bathrooms kitchens storage spaces closets -AnsKitchen. Bathrooms must be provided with an aggregate glazing area no less than _____ square feet, half of which must be openable. -Ans 3. The maximum height of an egress window above the floor is -Ans 44 inches. A basement bedroom must have an egress window with a clear opening of at least ______ square feet. -Ans 5.7 sq ft. At least one side-hinged exit door must be in each dwelling unit, and must be _____ feet wide. - Ans3. A porch more than _____ inches above grade must be provided with 36" guards. -Ans30 inches. Wall and ceiling finishes shall have a flame-spread classification of no more than ______ . - Ans200. According to code, concrete must reach at least 70% of it's ability within ____________days. - Ans7 days. A stud used for a non-bearing partitions may not be notched more than ____% of the stud width. -Ans40%. The Michigan Uniform Energy code applies to new buildings as well as -Ans Additions, alterations, renovation and repairs. ___________ is a measure of how well the window or door assembly conducts heat. The lower the number, the better insulation the assembly will provide. -Ans U-factor. Energy losses from recessed lighting fixtures can often reach ___% of the total thermal loss of a ceiling. -Ans50%. Michigan requires a minimum thermal resistance of ____________for mechanical system piping. -Ans R-3. Oversized HVAC equipment has a higher initial cost, a higher operating cost, provides less comfort, and shorter life expectancy. T or F -AnsTrue. _______ is the compliance route that applies Table 402.1.1 to building envelope components, and is considered the most simple. -AnsPrescriptive Path. ___________ can be used to satisfy U-factor and SHGC requirements. -AnsArea weighted averages. Recessed lights must be _____ rated. -Ans IC (Insulation Contact) Up to 15 square feet of glazing per dwelling unit is exempted from U-value requirements. T or F -AnsTrue. The 2009 IECC requires a permanent certificate posted on the electrical distribution panel. The certificate shall be completed by the builder or -Ans Registered design professional. One hurdle contractors face when bidding for an energy efficient project is choosing materials that fit the design, and also meet -AnsState energy code requirements. Historically significant buildings are not exempt from code changes. T or F -AnsFalse. Insulation products (blown and sprayed) must be documented with: -AnsR-value Settled thickness Manufacturer name The new Michigan codes took effect in -Ans March 2011. Below grade walls are insulated from the top of the basement wall down to _____ below grade, or the basement floor, whichever is less. -Ans 10. The _______ is the combined Solar Heat Gain Coefficient of all the glazed fenestration products in the building. -AnsArea weighted average. Plans and specifications must be detailed in regards to: -AnsThermal insulation R-values Design criteria Equipment systems In Michigan, the residential energy code is based on the _____ IECC, with certain amendments. -Ans2009. ___________ is the rate of air infiltration in the presence of a specific pressure differential. - AnsAir leakage. Air leakage is the random movement of air into and out of ________ through cracks and holes. - AnsWindows Attic access hatches Recessed lights R-values for insulation and fenestration requirements by component can be found in -Ans Table 402.1.1 2009 IECC IECC -AnsInternational Energy Conservation Code The _____________ compliance method allows for more innovative construction techniques like SIPs or Advanced Framing. -AnsU-factor and UA alternatives. R-30 is permitted in vaulted ceilings, but is limited to -Ans 500 sq feet Floor insulation must be installed to maintain permanent and continuous contact with the underside of the subfloor decking. T or F -Ans True. Michigan falls into climate zones -Ans5, 6 and 7. It is permissible for supply ducts to be run through the framing cavities of a residential building. T or F -AnsFalse. __________ means an electrical fixture has been tested and listed as suitable for installation in a cavity where the fixture may come in contact with insulation. -AnsIC rated (Insulation Contact) According to the Dept. of Energy, improved energy codes could reduce CO2 emissions by - Ans3%. EMAIL ME: For help with report, Assignment, Essay and thesis writing Attic insulation markers must be installed every _____ square feet. -Ans 300 sq ft. Buildings that are exempted from the new regulations are those with very low energy use or ones that are neither heated or cooled. T or F -Ans True. A contractor needs to remove a non-load bearing wall, does he need to pull a permit? -Ans Yes. A concrete contractor has been hired by an owner to install a driveway and sidewalks. The lot is flat and the concrete is being place on undisturbed earth with a prepared base. Does the contractor need to pull a permit? -AnsNo. A permit has been issued for a building project and there is a code infraction in the building plans that has been overlooked by the building official. Can the building official require a correction to a project that they previously overlooked? -AnsYes. Who issues a well and septic permit? -AnsHealth department. Permits are not required for one story detached accessory structures not exceeding: -Ans 200 sq. feet. IRC R105 If work requiring a permit is provided in an emergency situation, the permit application must be submitted within: -Ans The next business day. If an inspection official is refused entry to a building project, the official will have recourse to the remedies provided by law which include securing a warrant from the court and returning with an officer of the law. -Ans True. Can a building official be held liable for any damage occurring to persons or property as a result of their actions or inaction? -AnsNo. IRC R104.8 An owner needs a foundation wall repaired, it has seriously buckled due to excessive lateral loading from soil pressure. Does the contractor need to pull a permit? -Ans Yes. Although contractors should check for restrictive covenants and local zoning requirements, a permit isn't required from the building official for installing a fence not over _______ tall. - Ans6 ft. IRC R105.2 If a permit is applied for but not yet approved and the applicant is not persueing approval after______ days the application will be considered abandoned. -Ans 180 days. Can a building official revoke a Certificate of Occupancy? -Ans Yes. When a project requiring a permit has commenced prior to the issuance of a permit, the building official is authorized to charge an additional fee. T or F -AnsTrue. Foam plastic is used as insulation. The flame spread index cannot exceed 75 and the smoke development index cannot exceed -Ans450 Foam plastic used for interior trim shall have a maximum thickness of 1/2" and a maximum width of -Ans8". Foam plastic interior trim must not constitute more than __________ of the total wall and ceiling area of any room or space. -Ans10%. Foam plastic used as insulation in walls must be separated by an approved thermal barrier. What is the minimum thickness of gypsum wall board being used as a thermal barrier for spray foam insulated walls? -Ans 1/2". Which of these inspections happens last? Mechanical rough Plumbing rough Framing Electrical rough -AnsFraming. A retaining wall will be five feet tall from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall. Do you need to pull a permit? -AnsYes. Your building is utilizing engineered products such as engineered floor joists. When do the installation instructions need to be available at the work site? -Ans At the time of inspection. A door directly between a garage and a residence shall never open directly into a sleeping room. The door must also be -Ans1 3/8" solid wood 1 3/8" honeycomb core 20 minute fire rated Any of the above The nosing for stairs shall not be less than 3/4" but not be more than -Ans 1 1/4" A front porch is 25 inches above the grade below. Are guards required to be installed? -Ans No. If a smoke alarm is in a bedroom, it doesn't need to be right outside the bedroom also. -Ans False. If spray foam insulation is used to insulate a wall, what is the minimum thickness of drywall needed to cover the foam plastic? -Ans1/2" Finishing materials used for walls and ceiling shall have a flame-spread index not to exceed - Ans200 Wood joists are 19" above exposed ground. Do they have to be preservative treated or naturally durable wood? -AnsNo. You may bulldoze, grade and remove tree stumps in a wetland as long as you have a permit. - AnsTrue. Current code requires that the lowest floors in newly constructed buildings in flood hazard areas not located in designated Coastal A Zones, must have the lowest floors elevated to or above the 100-year design flood elevation. T or F -AnsTrue. What are the three basic soil types? -Ans Cohesive, granular, organic. The principal reasons to understand soil composition are to: -Ans Reduce settling Provide stability Increase load-bearing capacity If a excavating company needs to haul away 125 yards of bank soil that will swell 20% how many yards of loose soil will they haul away? -Ans 150 yards The exact location of property lines should be determined early in the design phase in order to comply with __________ requirements. -AnsSetback. A garden shed over 200 square feet will require a T or F -Ans True. What tool would you use to peel back topsoil? -Ans Bulldozer. _________ the root system of a tree during construction can potentially kill it. -Ans Cutting into Piling soil over Compacting You would use a ________ to determine a floor is level, but this tool would not help determine if a wall is plumb. -AnsBuilders level. The condition of erosion control devices must be checked after a rainfall event of _______ or more within a 24 hour period. -Ans 1/2 inch. A side yard easement of 15 feet means your building structure must be: -Ans15 feet from the property line. You can identify survey monuments by the following -AnsWho set the monument When was it set Where was it set Public _________ provide utilities access to run lines or pipes across or under your property. - AnsEasements. A deposit of earth material placed by artificial means is called -AnsFill. Grading is changing the earth surface by either excavating or filling or a combination of both. T or F -AnsTrue.