OWNER BUILDER

STUDY GUIDE
100 Question Sample (#1 to #100)

Version V17
 New BC Housing Licensing & Consumer Services Study Guide

30 of the 100 questions are multiple choice questions based on the Homeowner Protection Act Regulation. If
someone studies the link below in detail, a near perfect score on this section is possible.

Link: http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/11_29_99

*The HPO legislation questions come last, as reported by most people.

*There are very few “all of the above” or “none of the above” questions. Questions are generally worded like
the following: “Which of the following best describes…”, “Which of the following is most applicable…”, “Which
of the following does/doesn’t…”

*The exam is done online (in a web browser). The page is divided into three columns: the left column has
displayed the X/100 question count as well as a ‘flag’ function which lets you tag a question. The middle column
displays the question with a ‘next’ button underneath. The right column shows a table numbered 1 to 100 which
you can click to navigate directly to a question. If you have ‘flagged’ a question, it shows an icon here.

*Watch out for variations on each question plus new questions that are not provided on this study guide.

*Even though the building code is in metric, most of the exam is in imperial.

*Remember to study the Workers Compensation Act and OHS manual (excavation safety, WCB obligations,
ladder rules, platform angles, power lockout).

*Remember to know when to call for each inspection (at what stage of construction) as well as when you can
obtain an occupancy permit.

*Generally, you can reduce the possible answers to two, as the others are obviously incorrect.

*Read the Homeowner Information Guide – Electrical Safety and Homeowner Information Guide – Gas Safety
both from the Technical Safety BC.
The following questions have been supplied by people who have previously taken the exam. In some cases, the
exact question could not be remembered and so the gist of the question is supplied. An additional 150 questions
are available along with supplemental supplements by reaching out to XXXXXX. These additional questions are
$100.00 and have a passing grade guarantee, email for details.

1. At what depth of trench is shoring require / At what depth of an excavation is shoring

required?
a. 1.2m (4ft)
b. 1.5m (5ft)
c. 0.9m (3ft)
d. 2.1m (7ft)

2. Which best describes the design principle of rain water deflection?

a. Design and construction that prevents water from ever entering
b. Building design that allows all assemblies to air dry
c. Construction that uses water-proof materials
d. When water enters, proper design will allow it to drain away

3. What is the required light certification?

a. CSA Authorized
b. BCC Certification
c. BEST Code
d. Lighting Standard Association

4. What grit of sandpaper would get smoothest result?

a. 600
b. 400
c. 450
d. 180

5. What is the maximum rise in a flight of stairs?

a. 4.1m
b. 3.4m
c. 3.7m
d. 1.2m

6. What is the minimum distance that a ladder must extend above a parapet wall or landing?
a. 5 ft.
b. 3 ft.
c. 1 ft.
d. 2 ft.

7. What heights are end dams on window /door flashings?

a. 50mm/2inch
b. 25mm/1inch
c. 100mm/4inch
d. 200mm/8inch

8. When do you request an inspection?

a. Midway through work completion
b. Generally you don’t need an inspection
c. Once work is complete
d. Before the project has started

9. How do you increase inspection efficiency?

a. Reduce the number of inspections
b. Increase the number of inspectors
c. Do self inspections
d. Group Inspections as closely together as possible
10. When is an HRV required?
a. In rare cases
b. Sometimes
c. Never for an owner builder
d. Almost always

11. Which of the following is not allowed under the HPO owner-builder program?
a. New dwelling unit attached to building less than 10 years old
b. Single Family Home
c. New dwelling unit attached to a building older than 10 years
d. One single dwelling attached to non-residential building

12. Who issues permits for a gas fireplace?

a. Technical Safety BC
b. BC Fire Board
c. Local Installation Company
d. Local Fire Department

13. Maximum electrical permit for an owner builder?

a. 120 amp
b. 60 amp
c. 200 amp
d. Owner builder cannot request an electrical permit

14. What is the best practice to apply asphalt waterproofing on a foundation?

a. Spray-on or roll on damp foundation with 12inch (max) above grade
b. Spray-on or roll on damp foundation with 2inch (max) below grade
c. Spray-on or roll on dry foundation with 12inch (max) above grade
d. Spray-on or roll on dry foundation with 2inch (max) below grade

15. What do you need when applying a peel/stick waterproof membrane foundation?
a. Apply an approved primer prior to installation
b. Wait until temperatures are above 20 degrees Celsius
c. Request approval from a structural engineer
d. Spray cleaning solution

16. The distance from a gas vent to the roof must be?
a. Lower than the roof line
b. Greater than the overhang of the roof
c. Within the overhang of the roof
d. Gas vent has no requirement with the roof

17. How high does a construction fence around a site need to be?

a. 6 ft.
b. 5 ft.
c. 8 ft.
d. 4.5 ft.

18. When do you need to install a handrail or wear fall protection?

a. 10 ft. above grade
b. 6 ft. above grade
c. 8 ft. above grade
d. 4 ft. above grade

19. When installing the footer, it was dug down 2 inches deeper then what the elevation should be. What needs to happen?
a. Install the footing form at proper elevation and fill with extra concrete
b. Install the footing form at proper elevation and fill with 2inch of dirt then with concert (no extra)
c. Dig down 10 more inches and fill with extra concert, to increase size of footer so it can with stand the extra weight
d. Install footer at lower elevation and fill with concert no extra
20. When installing flashing for a roof valley how much do the asphalt shingles need to overlap it?
a. 2in
b. 4in
c. 6in
d. other

21. What would cause a blister on a flat roof?

a. Roof installed incorrectly
b. Moisture trapped under the roof
c. Roof is too hot during installation
d. Poor material selection

22. Water is backing up in a skylight what do you do to fix it?

a. Remove caulking from skylight
b. Drill Drain Holes
c. Clear Drainage
d. Other

23. What needs to be done first when starting to install asphalt shingles on a roof?
a. Law one row of shingles
b. Install roof vents
c. Install roof edge
d. Install eve protection

24. What kind of fastener can you use in a wood that had been treated with chromated copper arsenate (pressure treated)?
a. Lumber manufacturer approved fastener
b. Stainless Steel Only
c. Hot Dipped Glavanized
d. Ceramic coated only

25. When should there be insulation under a basement slab?

a. Not required
b. When below grade minimum 1 foot
c. When you plan to use it as living space
d. When there is heating or above frost line

26. How deep should the control joint be in a concrete slab?

a. 1/2 of the slab
b. 1/4 of the slab
c. 3/8 of the slab
d. 7/8 of the slab

27. What kind of insulation should be installed under the slab?

a. EPS
b. XPS extruded poly styrene
c. Fiber glass insulation
d. 6 mil poly

28. When framing a header of a staircase, the framer needs to know the nailing pattern. Where does he get it?
a. Go the framing foreman and ask him
b. Use the manufacturer approved nailing pattern
c. Use the BC code section 9 nailing pattern for the header
d. Other

29. What document must the owner submit to WorkSafe BC prior to starting construction?
a. Proof of insurance coverage
b. Notice of project
c. Copy of building permit
d. Safety plan
30. What is the nailing/screw pattern for backer board?
a. Every 6 inch
b. Every 12 inch
c. Every 8 inch
d. Manufacturer approved pattern

31. When installing a bi-fold door, the door binds at the side jamb on the top what can be done?
a. Shim the door frame
b. Adjust the bottom pivot point
c. Adjust the top pivot point
d. Remove bi-fold

32. What should be done when joist and beams have contact with bare concrete wall?
a. Use galvanized joist hanger and beam pocket
b. Use pressure treated wood and leave 12 mm air space
c. Nail joist to concert wall
d. Other

33. What is the minimum depth for a beam support (beam pocket in foundation wall)?
a. Not less than 89mm, 3 inch
b. More than 89mm, 3 inch
c. Exactly 89mm, 3 inch
d. Depth won’t matter

34. When is a footing inspection conducted?

a. When the forms and steel reinforcing, if used, for the footings are complete but prior to placing any concrete
b. Prior to placement of reinforcing steel
c. After the concrete has been poured and set
d. While concrete is curing

35. Sash hinged windows are called?

a. Dormers
b. Bi-Fold
c. Casement
d. Bridge

36. What is the moisture permeability of 6 mil poly?

a. 0.06 US perm
b. 0.10 US perm
c. 0.05 US perm
d. 6 mil

37. New fire places come with an air box around the fire box what is it for?
a. Hotter Fires
b. More controlled heat distribution
c. Safety
d. Easier Installation

38. When can BC Work Safe authority come to your construction site?
a. Business Days
b. With 1 day notice
c. Anytime
d. Only when a complaint is made

39. What is the best way to build a water tight wall?

a. Flashing
b. Caulking
c. Rain Screen
d. Waterproof membrane
40. Moisture content of framing lumber at the time of installation must not exceed?
a. 32%
b. 19%
c. 6%
d. 10%

41. What is your liability for a subcontractor on your site?

a. Work Safe BC Insurance Premiums
b. Loss of Life
c. No Liability
d. All Liability is bestowed on you

42. What is diverting flashing and where is it used?

a. Light source to detect leaks
b. Material used between a roof and insulation to prevent water ingress
c. The end of an intersection between a roof and a wall, to direct water away
d. On a hard hat to keep water from running down it

43. When can you sell an owner-built house?

a. You cannot sell an owner built home without permission from HPO
b. Anytime after occupancy
c. After the first year of occupancy or with special permission from HPO
d. After the first year of occupy and with permission from HPO

44. Can you transfer your owner-built house to a family member in the first year?
a. Yes
b. No, unless with HPO permission
c. No, unless with municipal approval
d. Family cannot occupy owner-built homes

45. If you are building a 12’ x 9’ room, and draw a diagonal line between 2 corners to
see if the room is quare how long should the line be?
a. 15
b. 13
c. 21
d. 12

46. How far above a chimney can the flue liner protrude?
a. 25mm exactly
b. At the discretion of the installer
c. Fluer liner can project a minimum of 50mm
d. Based on weather data

47. In relation to code pertaining to garage/home insulation which is not true?

a. If garage is heated it is still considered an unconditioned space
b. You always need insulation between living area garage
c. If the garage is heated you do not need air barrier
d. Treat a garage as exterior space

48. When do you call for an electrical inspection?

a. Before any wiring is concealed
b. Immediately after trades person completes the work
c. Once occupancy has been granted
d. While the work is being completed

49. If an electrical contractor fails inspection (or a notice is posted) what must they do?
a. Stop all electrical work and fix existing issue with inspector
b. Fix the problem and call for re-inspection
c. Fix the problem and continue work (inspect everything at the end)
d. Hire a new electrician to fix the problem
50. When do you need a chimney saddle?
a. No chimney saddle required in BC
b. When lower side of chimney is 250mm or more
c. When upper side of chimney is 750mm or more
d. Installers discretion

51. What must you do before starting to build?

a. Notify work safe BC (NOP 24 hours in advance)
b. Obtain a written letter of approval from Work Safe BC
c. Hire a safety consultant
d. Once you have approval from municipality you can start

52. How high must a ladder protrude above a 4’ trench?

a. 2’
b. 5’
c. 4’
d. 3’

53. Why keep a worksite free of debris?

a. To find materials quickly
b. To avoid employees complaining
c. Insure a safe workplace
d. No need if you are the only one working

54. What shows hidden objects on blueprints/technical drawings?

a. A “?
b. Dashed Line
c. Blue Line
d. Dotted Line

55. What square is best to use to transfer a 35-degree slope from plans to work?
a. Standard Square
b. Don’t use a square
c. Slide T-Bevel
d. Large Square

56. How much support is needed for a floor joists into footing?
a. 1.5” min
b. 0.5”min
c. Greater than 5”
d. No specified requirement

57. Why must concrete cure?

a. So you can walk on it
b. To prevent moisture ruining the finish
c. To reach peak strength
d. For optimal efficiency

58. What is one method that can be used to prevent new concrete from freezing?
a. Direction heaters
b. Concrete accelerators
c. Concrete retardants
d. Insulated Tarps

59. When to order an inspection for the external sewer line?

a. When loaded pipe is on 6” of sand and before backfill
b. When pipe is on 6” of sand
c. Before Backfill
d. Prior to use
60. When should you order an inspection for insulation?
a. Immediately after installation
b. During Installation
c. After installation but before covering/boarding
d. After covering and boarding

61. When can you put up exterior house wrap?

a. After framing inspection but before insulating
b. Prior to framing inspection
c. After insulating the house
d. Anytime

62. What must a gas fitter do when a gas system installation is completed?
a. Notify the local gas company that the work is complete
b. Affix a tag with their name, certificate number, type of appliance, and date
c. Sign off gas permit and submit to municipal building department
d. File permit documentation with municipality

63. Which statement of a location of a hydrometer is false?

a. Resident meters must be accessible
b. Meters must be installed between 1.5 and 1.8 meters above finished grade
c. Meter base is more than 1 meter (3ft) from corner of building closest to BC Hydro
source or shut off
d. Electrical meters must be installed within 1.8 meters of gas meter

64. When locking out an electric circuit you must?

a. Verbally tell all workers on site
b. Note via posted letter
c. Shut off, tag, and lock
d. Let Work Safe BC know

65. For I-Beam construction what should you follow for nailing patterns?
a. Inspection Report
b. Manufacturers or engineers instructions
c. A local I-Beam installer
d. Municipality Guidelines

66. Who is responsible for ensuring the electrical contractor is performing work safely?
a. Work Safe BC
b. Municipal Inspector
c. Owner Builder
d. BC Safety Authority

67. When can you not install a vapour barrier?

a. When temperatures are above 30 degrees Celsius
b. When temperatures are below 30 degrees Celsius
c. If insulation is wet
d. If the relative humidity is to high

68. What is diverting flashing and where is it used?

a. Light source to detect leaks
b. Material used between a roof and insulation to prevent water ingress
c. The end of an intersection between a roof and a wall, to direct water away
d. On a hard hat to keep water from running down it

69. How would you measure wood moisture content?

a. With a scale and density calculation
b. Moisture meter
c. Vapour meter
d. Volt Meter
70. Which of the following is not a characteristic of house wrap?
a. Allows vapour to escape
b. Is the primary water repelling system
c. Is vapour proof
d. Keeps water out

71. What is the minimum gap for rain screen?

a. 100mm
b. 10mm
c. 20mm
d. No gap is required

72. When strapping vertical siding what is the appropriate method?

a. Put vertical straps on the wall with horizontal on second
b. Put horizontal straps on the wall with vertical on second
c. Strap in an alternating pattern of vertical and horizontal
d. Strap in accordance with riggers hand book

73. What is the practice for eaves trough hanger spacing?

a. 36”
b. 24”
c. 10”
d. 42”

74. Why is the dam used on window flashing?

a. To prevent leaky window frames
b. To create an air tight seal
c. To hinder water flow behind siding
d. To improve insulation factor

75. What distance between window top to overhang do you not need to install header
flashing?
a. 12” down from a 24” overhang
b. 6” down from a 24” overhang
c. 10” down from a 24” overhang
d. Nothing to do with overhang

76. What is the worst underlayment for bathroom tile floor?

a. Self-leveling cement
b. 1/2“ OSB
c. 1/2“ engineered wood
d. 1/4“ particle board

77. What is the best type of flashing to use?

a. Easily replaceable
b. Biodegradable
c. Will last the lifetime of surrounding materials
d. Will fail first in order to quickly recognize other components may need care

78. Hood fans for ranges should be based on?

a. The air exhaust volume
b. The intake air volume needed
c. The clearance restrictions
d. All the above

79. Height of railings for areas above 2’ off the ground?

a. 36” interior, 42” exterior
b. 32” interior, 36” exterior
c. 36” interior and exterior
d. 42” interior and exterior
80. What is the maximum stair rise to be used?
a. 100mm
b. 500mm
c. 200mm
d. Depends on height of end user

81. When sheathing, what pattern should it be?

a. Vertical
b. Horizontal
c. Staggered
d. Other

82. If joints in a subfloor are faulty one should?

a. Add blocking
b. Use filler
c. Fix fasteners
d. Other

83. HRV should have a minimum distance between external in/out vents of?
a. 1’
b. 4’
c. 6’
d. 10’

84. Window CSA coding does not designate?

a. Window resistance
b. Moisture resistance
c. Energy rating
d. Type

85. Can an owner builder pull a permit for plumbing?

a. If work is done under supervision
b. Not possible
c. Yes, as long as they are not a certified plumber
d. Only if rough work

86. Which statement is not true?

a. Barrier materials only provide one function each, air, moisture or vapour
b. Air barrier can resist moisture, moisture resistant barrier not always air barrier
c. Barrier materials can provide multiple functions, air, moisture, vapour
d. All statements are true

87. Which product is used before applying latex paint to new drywall?
a. Water based primer sealer
b. Water based eggshell paint
c. Oil based primer
d. Water based semi-gloss paint

88. Some high efficiency windows have a gas injected between the panes. This gas is?
a. Nitrogen
b. Oxygen
c. Argon
d. Hydrogen

89. Storage of materials that have a WHMIS label should be in?

a. In their approved containers in a locker or locked room
b. In their approved containers secured outside
c. Inside an isolated room in an off-site building
d. At your tool crib
90. What is used to prevent mitre joints from opening?
a. Air dried lumber and sufficient glue
b. Air dried lumber and biscuits
c. Biscuits and silicone
d. Kiln dried lumber or engineered material and sufficient glue

91. Where a roof structure requires ventilation, where can a vent for air flow NOT be?
a. Gable
b. Roof
c. Soffits
d. Fascia

92. What barrier must be placed between concrete form and base plate?
a. Sill Gasket
b. O-Ring
c. Flashing
d. No barrier required

93. What is the primary reason to use a pre-manufactured cap shingle?

a. Better aesthetic
b. Cheaper
c. Better wind resistance
d. Thinner and easier to bend

94. When roof trusses turn up, how do you know what order they go?
a. They are individually labeled and include a chart
b. They only fit one way so it is obvious
c. All parts are the same and so no need to distinguish
d. The manufacturer will send a technician

95. The most heat loss is through?

a. Roof
b. Floor
c. Windows
d. Well

96. The best kind of paint to be used on a kitchen is?

a. Oil based paint
b. Acrylic paints
c. Water based paints
d. Other

97. What would you do if your plumbing inspection failed?

a. Stop work, fix mistakes, and call inspection again
b. Continue working and forget inspection
c. Continue working and call inspector at the end
d. Call another plumber and have them act as inspector

98. When hiring a sub-contractor, what documents are required from WCB?
a. Cover Letter
b. Permanent Residence or Passport
c. Clearance Letters
d. Red Seal Certificate

99. If there is a sudden drop in temperature, how do you dry concrete?

a. Use a large air dryer
b. Cover with a large tarp
c. Temperature will not impact concrete drying
d. Re-pour the concrete

100. What are requirements for a hand rail?

a. Must be made in an ergonomic way
b. Usable for right handed people
c. Must be continues on one side and ended in a way that won’t impede usage
d. Continues on each side