Welcome to your B General Contractor - Practice Exam 1
1.
What is the standard thickness of drywall (gypsum wallboard) used for most interior walls in residential construction?
What is the standard thickness of drywall (gypsum wallboard) used for most interior walls in residential construction?Deselect Answer
2.
What is 'flashing' in roofing?
3.
What is 'value engineering' in the context of construction?
4.
Per Title 24 (California Energy Code), what is required for HVAC duct systems in new residential construction?
Per Title 24 (California Energy Code), what is required for HVAC duct systems in new residential construction?Deselect Answer
5.
According to the California Residential Code, what is the minimum allowable width of a residential hallway?
According to the California Residential Code, what is the minimum allowable width of a residential hallway?Deselect Answer
6.
What is the purpose of control joints in a concrete slab?
7.
What is the purpose of corner bead in drywall installation?
8.
What is the maximum noise exposure level permitted under Cal/OSHA for an 8-hour workday without hearing protection?
What is the maximum noise exposure level permitted under Cal/OSHA for an 8-hour workday without hearing protection?Deselect Answer
9.
What is the water-to-cement ratio's effect on concrete strength?
What is the water-to-cement ratio's effect on concrete strength?Deselect Answer
10.
Which type of pipe is MOST commonly used for residential water supply lines in new California construction?
Which type of pipe is MOST commonly used for residential water supply lines in new California construction?Deselect Answer
11.
In a residential electrical system, what is the purpose of a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)?
In a residential electrical system, what is the purpose of a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)?Deselect Answer
12.
What is the purpose of a refrigerant expansion valve in a cooling system?
What is the purpose of a refrigerant expansion valve in a cooling system?Deselect Answer
13.
What is the purpose of installing a weep screed at the base of an exterior stucco wall?
What is the purpose of installing a weep screed at the base of an exterior stucco wall?Deselect Answer
14.
Which of the following BEST describes a 'specification' in construction documents?
Which of the following BEST describes a 'specification' in construction documents?Deselect Answer
15.
What type of wall provides both vertical load support and lateral resistance to wind and seismic forces?
What type of wall provides both vertical load support and lateral resistance to wind and seismic forces?Deselect Answer
16.
What is the purpose of a 'hurricane tie' (rafter tie) in roof framing?
What is the purpose of a 'hurricane tie' (rafter tie) in roof framing?Deselect Answer
17.
If lumber is priced at $0.85 per linear foot and a contractor needs 240 linear feet, what is the total material cost?
If lumber is priced at $0.85 per linear foot and a contractor needs 240 linear feet, what is the total material cost?Deselect Answer
18.
What must be done before beginning any excavation work in California?
What must be done before beginning any excavation work in California?Deselect Answer
19.
In a construction traffic control zone, what is the purpose of a 'taper' section?
In a construction traffic control zone, what is the purpose of a 'taper' section?Deselect Answer
20.
What is the MINIMUM ceiling height required for habitable rooms in a residential dwelling per CRC?
What is the MINIMUM ceiling height required for habitable rooms in a residential dwelling per CRC?Deselect Answer
21.
What is the minimum distance that excavations 5 feet or deeper must be protected against cave-in?
What is the minimum distance that excavations 5 feet or deeper must be protected against cave-in?Deselect Answer
22.
What type of sign is used to warn drivers and pedestrians of construction activity in the roadway?
What type of sign is used to warn drivers and pedestrians of construction activity in the roadway?Deselect Answer
23.
What is the MOST likely cause of a water hammer in a plumbing system?
What is the MOST likely cause of a water hammer in a plumbing system?Deselect Answer
24.
What is the R-value of insulation a measure of?
25.
Which document establishes the legal requirements that a building must meet regarding health, safety, and structural integrity?
Which document establishes the legal requirements that a building must meet regarding health, safety, and structural integrity?Deselect Answer
26.
What is the minimum required width for a stairway in a single-family residential dwelling?
What is the minimum required width for a stairway in a single-family residential dwelling?Deselect Answer
27.
According to Cal/OSHA, when must a contractor have a written Hazard Communication Program?
According to Cal/OSHA, when must a contractor have a written Hazard Communication Program?Deselect Answer
28.
How long should concrete be cured to achieve adequate strength for most residential applications?
How long should concrete be cured to achieve adequate strength for most residential applications?Deselect Answer
29.
When reading a set of construction plans, which drawing shows the overhead layout of a floor including room sizes and wall locations?
When reading a set of construction plans, which drawing shows the overhead layout of a floor including room sizes and wall locations?Deselect Answer
30.
Which seismic hardware is used to connect a wood sill plate to a concrete foundation?
Which seismic hardware is used to connect a wood sill plate to a concrete foundation?Deselect Answer
31.
What is the minimum deck joist size for a deck with joists spanning 8 feet at 16-inch spacing using Douglas Fir-Larch No. 2?
What is the minimum deck joist size for a deck with joists spanning 8 feet at 16-inch spacing using Douglas Fir-Larch No. 2?Deselect Answer
32.
What is the purpose of roof underlayment installed beneath shingles?
What is the purpose of roof underlayment installed beneath shingles?Deselect Answer
33.
What is the purpose of a vapor barrier in a crawl space?
34.
In platform framing, each floor platform is constructed before erecting the walls above. What is the PRIMARY structural advantage of platform framing?
In platform framing, each floor platform is constructed before erecting the walls above. What is the PRIMARY structural advantage of platform framing?Deselect Answer
35.
What is the standard compressive strength for residential concrete footings and foundations, measured at 28 days?
What is the standard compressive strength for residential concrete footings and foundations, measured at 28 days?Deselect Answer
36.
What is the California requirement for grading around a building foundation?
What is the California requirement for grading around a building foundation?Deselect Answer
37.
What is a 'toolbox talk' on a construction site?
38.
What is the purpose of a ridge board in conventional roof framing?
What is the purpose of a ridge board in conventional roof framing?Deselect Answer
39.
A contractor is reviewing shop drawings submitted by a subcontractor. What is the PRIMARY purpose of reviewing shop drawings?
A contractor is reviewing shop drawings submitted by a subcontractor. What is the PRIMARY purpose of reviewing shop drawings?Deselect Answer
40.
What is the maximum riser height allowed for residential stairs under the California Residential Code?
What is the maximum riser height allowed for residential stairs under the California Residential Code?Deselect Answer
41.
What is a 'jamb' in door or window framing?
42.
In roof framing, what is the 'unit rise'?
43.
What is the standard stud height used in residential construction to achieve an 8-foot finished ceiling?
What is the standard stud height used in residential construction to achieve an 8-foot finished ceiling?Deselect Answer
44.
Which type of lumber grade is MOST commonly used for structural framing members such as studs and joists?
Which type of lumber grade is MOST commonly used for structural framing members such as studs and joists?Deselect Answer
45.
What is the purpose of using a 'bonding agent' before applying new plaster or stucco over an existing surface?
What is the purpose of using a 'bonding agent' before applying new plaster or stucco over an existing surface?Deselect Answer
46.
What is the minimum roof slope (pitch) required for asphalt shingles per manufacturer guidelines and most building codes?
What is the minimum roof slope (pitch) required for asphalt shingles per manufacturer guidelines and most building codes?Deselect Answer
47.
A cripple wall is located:
48.
What personal protective equipment (PPE) is required when cutting or grinding concrete or masonry?
What personal protective equipment (PPE) is required when cutting or grinding concrete or masonry?Deselect Answer
49.
What is the Cal/OSHA requirement for a stairway or ladder when a construction site has a change in elevation of 19 inches or more?
What is the Cal/OSHA requirement for a stairway or ladder when a construction site has a change in elevation of 19 inches or more?Deselect Answer
50.
In cabinetry, what does 'face frame' construction mean?
51.
What unit is used to measure the cooling capacity of an air conditioner?
What unit is used to measure the cooling capacity of an air conditioner?Deselect Answer
52.
What type of flooring underlayment is used beneath laminate flooring to provide cushioning and a moisture barrier?
What type of flooring underlayment is used beneath laminate flooring to provide cushioning and a moisture barrier?Deselect Answer
53.
What type of glass is required in hazardous locations such as shower doors and sidelights adjacent to doors?
What type of glass is required in hazardous locations such as shower doors and sidelights adjacent to doors?Deselect Answer
54.
What is the minimum slope required for a horizontal drainage pipe to ensure proper self-scouring flow?
What is the minimum slope required for a horizontal drainage pipe to ensure proper self-scouring flow?Deselect Answer
55.
What is the purpose of a P-trap in a plumbing drain line?
56.
On a set of plans, the scale reads 1/4" = 1'-0". If a wall measures 3 inches on the drawing, how long is the actual wall?
On a set of plans, the scale reads 1/4" = 1'-0". If a wall measures 3 inches on the drawing, how long is the actual wall?Deselect Answer
57.
In stucco application over wood-frame walls, what is the FIRST layer applied?
In stucco application over wood-frame walls, what is the FIRST layer applied?Deselect Answer
58.
What is the volume of a cylinder with a diameter of 4 feet and a length of 10 feet?
What is the volume of a cylinder with a diameter of 4 feet and a length of 10 feet?Deselect Answer
59.
A contractor discovers a design error in the plans before construction begins. What is the BEST course of action?
A contractor discovers a design error in the plans before construction begins. What is the BEST course of action?Deselect Answer
60.
What is the purpose of a return air duct in an HVAC system?
61.
What is the purpose of a 'spotter' when operating heavy equipment on a construction site?
What is the purpose of a 'spotter' when operating heavy equipment on a construction site?Deselect Answer
62.
What is the purpose of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?
63.
What does 'ampacity' mean in electrical work?
64.
What is the purpose of expansion joints in large tile installations?
What is the purpose of expansion joints in large tile installations?Deselect Answer
65.
What is 'cut and fill' in earthwork?
66.
Which class of fire extinguisher is appropriate for electrical fires?
Which class of fire extinguisher is appropriate for electrical fires?Deselect Answer
67.
What is the standard height for a kitchen base cabinet (without countertop)?
What is the standard height for a kitchen base cabinet (without countertop)?Deselect Answer
68.
What is the purpose of compaction testing on a construction site?
What is the purpose of compaction testing on a construction site?Deselect Answer
69.
According to the California Electrical Code, GFCI protection is required in which of the following locations?
According to the California Electrical Code, GFCI protection is required in which of the following locations?Deselect Answer
70.
Per California Title 24 Energy Code, which area of a home typically requires the highest R-value insulation?
Per California Title 24 Energy Code, which area of a home typically requires the highest R-value insulation?Deselect Answer
71.
What is the standard spacing for floor joists in residential wood-frame construction?
What is the standard spacing for floor joists in residential wood-frame construction?Deselect Answer
72.
What is the purpose of a site plan in a set of construction documents?
What is the purpose of a site plan in a set of construction documents?Deselect Answer
73.
What does the 'competent person' designation mean under OSHA/Cal-OSHA excavation standards?
What does the 'competent person' designation mean under OSHA/Cal-OSHA excavation standards?Deselect Answer
74.
When installing asphalt shingles, what is the term for the amount each course of shingles overlaps the one below?
When installing asphalt shingles, what is the term for the amount each course of shingles overlaps the one below?Deselect Answer
75.
What is the maximum allowable notch depth at the end of a 2×10 floor joist per CRC?
What is the maximum allowable notch depth at the end of a 2×10 floor joist per CRC?Deselect Answer
76.
What is the purpose of a 'punch list' at the end of a project?
What is the purpose of a 'punch list' at the end of a project?Deselect Answer
77.
What is the minimum thickness of plywood or OSB structural wall sheathing typically required for a 16-inch stud spacing?
What is the minimum thickness of plywood or OSB structural wall sheathing typically required for a 16-inch stud spacing?Deselect Answer
78.
A plumbing vent stack serves which PRIMARY purpose?
79.
When installing hardwood flooring, why must the wood be acclimated to the job site before installation?
When installing hardwood flooring, why must the wood be acclimated to the job site before installation?Deselect Answer
80.
What is the PRIMARY function of irrigation in residential landscaping?
What is the PRIMARY function of irrigation in residential landscaping?Deselect Answer
81.
What is the standard rough opening width for a 2'8" (32-inch) pre-hung interior door?
What is the standard rough opening width for a 2'8" (32-inch) pre-hung interior door?Deselect Answer
82.
When estimating concrete for a 20-foot × 30-foot slab that is 4 inches thick, how many cubic yards are needed?
When estimating concrete for a 20-foot × 30-foot slab that is 4 inches thick, how many cubic yards are needed?Deselect Answer
83.
In California seismic design, what is the purpose of a hold-down (tie-down) anchor?
In California seismic design, what is the purpose of a hold-down (tie-down) anchor?Deselect Answer
84.
What is a 'header' in wall framing?
85.
What is the standard voltage for a residential electric dryer circuit?
What is the standard voltage for a residential electric dryer circuit?Deselect Answer
86.
What is the Cal/OSHA requirement for fall protection on a residential construction site?
What is the Cal/OSHA requirement for fall protection on a residential construction site?Deselect Answer
87.
In residential wiring, what wire gauge is standard for a 20-amp circuit?
In residential wiring, what wire gauge is standard for a 20-amp circuit?Deselect Answer
88.
What does a surveyor's benchmark establish on a construction site?
What does a surveyor's benchmark establish on a construction site?Deselect Answer
89.
Under Cal/OSHA regulations, how far must a ladder extend above the landing surface at the top of a roof access point?
Under Cal/OSHA regulations, how far must a ladder extend above the landing surface at the top of a roof access point?Deselect Answer
90.
What is the MOST likely cause of a severe crack in a concrete foundation?
What is the MOST likely cause of a severe crack in a concrete foundation?Deselect Answer
91.
What is the minimum bearing length required for a wood beam resting on a wood post per the California Residential Code?
What is the minimum bearing length required for a wood beam resting on a wood post per the California Residential Code?Deselect Answer
92.
What is 'grading' in landscaping?
93.
What is the purpose of blocking installed between floor joists?
What is the purpose of blocking installed between floor joists?Deselect Answer
94.
Before applying paint to a new drywall surface, what preparation step is MOST important?
Before applying paint to a new drywall surface, what preparation step is MOST important?Deselect Answer
95.
What type of roof covering is BEST suited for a low-slope roof (less than 2:12 pitch)?
What type of roof covering is BEST suited for a low-slope roof (less than 2:12 pitch)?Deselect Answer
96.
What does a 'scope of work' document define?
97.
What type of tile setting material is used for large-format floor tiles in wet areas?
What type of tile setting material is used for large-format floor tiles in wet areas?Deselect Answer
98.
What is the purpose of a skylight flashing kit?
99.
A field inspection is BEST performed at which stage of framing?
A field inspection is BEST performed at which stage of framing?Deselect Answer
100.
What is the recommended grout joint width for most residential floor tile installations?
What is the recommended grout joint width for most residential floor tile installations?Deselect Answer
