North Carolina Home Inspector Practice Exam

Which of the following is typically a sign of serious structural issues in a building?

1. Cracks larger than 1/4 inch

2. Minor settling cracks

3. Fresh paint around windows

4. Normal wear and tear

The correct answer is: Cracks larger than 1/4 inch

A crack larger than 1/4 inch is often a significant indicator of serious structural issues within a building. Such cracks can arise from various factors, including foundation settling, shifting soil, or inadequate support structures. When cracks exceed this threshold, they suggest the possibility of movement or instability within the building's structural components, warranting further inspection. In contrast, minor settling cracks are typically small and may occur naturally over time as a building ages and settles. Fresh paint around windows does not indicate structural problems; it may simply suggest maintenance or aesthetic updates. Normal wear and tear encompasses everyday deterioration of materials and is generally expected as a building ages and does not typically signify structural concerns. Thus, when evaluating the integrity of a structure, a crack larger than 1/4 inch should be taken seriously and investigated further for potential structural issues.