National Home Inspector Examination Preparation2023 Content OutlineRegister for NHIE
Domain 1

Site & Exterior

Grading, drainage, retaining walls, driveways, patios, decks, cladding, windows, doors, garage doors, and exterior safety.

Water starts at the site

Observe slope, drainage, retaining walls, surface runoff, vegetation, and where roof water is discharged.

Exterior water management

Connect cladding, flashing, trim, openings, decks, and roof intersections to the water path.

Safety observations

Prioritize unstable decks, loose guards, trip hazards, garage-door safety functions, and pool barriers.

Common exam traps

  • Reporting drainage as cosmetic
  • Ignoring a deck attachment because it is concealed
  • Adjusting the garage opener instead of reporting
Module progressNot completed