National Home Inspector Practice Exam

What is the most appropriate action if roof trusses have been cut for an attic ladder installation, but there are no signs of distress?

1. This is not a concern since this is no indication of distress.

2. This is beyond the scope of an inspection and does not need to be reported.

3. The inspector can evaluate the remaining pieces of the trusses as if they were site-built.

4. The inspector should recommend this situation be referred to a structural engineer.

The correct answer is: The inspector should recommend this situation be referred to a structural engineer.

When roof trusses have been altered, such as being cut to accommodate an attic ladder installation, it raises a potential concern regarding the structural integrity of the roof system, even if there are no visible signs of distress at the moment. Trusses are designed to carry specific loads and modifications can affect their performance. Recommending that the situation be referred to a structural engineer is appropriate because a structural engineer has the expertise to evaluate the extent of the modifications and their implications on the overall structural integrity of the building. They can assess whether the remaining truss system can safely support the loads it is designed for, taking into consideration building codes, engineering principles, and safety factors. This proactive approach helps ensure that any potential issues are addressed before they lead to significant problems in the future. The other options may seem less appropriate in this context, as they either dismiss the modifications as non-concerning, limit the inspector’s responsibilities to reporting, or fail to provide a thorough evaluation by a qualified professional. Thus, highlighting the necessity for a structural engineer's assessment emphasizes safety and adherence to best practices in home inspections.