Humber/Ontario Real Estate Course 2 Exam Practice

During a pre-listing inspection of a cottage, a salesperson observes cracks in the walls and uneven floors in some rooms. What could be a likely cause?

1. The roof has a high pitch instead of a low pitch.

2. The footings may be inadequately sized or placed on weak soil.

3. The footings have been extended below the frost line.

4. Ice damming has occurred on the south side of the structure.

5. The attic is improperly ventilated.

6. The insulation is insufficient in the attic.

The correct answer is: The footings may be inadequately sized or placed on weak soil.

During a pre-listing inspection of a cottage, cracks in the walls and uneven floors can indicate a problem with the footings. When footings are inadequately sized or not properly placed on weak soil, it can lead to the shifting and settling of the foundation, causing visible structural issues like cracks in the walls and uneven floors. This is why option B is the correct answer in this scenario. Options A, C, D, E, and F are not the likely causes of cracks in the walls and uneven floors in a cottage. Option A, relating to the pitch of the roof, is not likely to cause these symptoms. Options C and D, concerning footings and ice damming, do not directly relate to the observed issues. Options E and F, regarding attic ventilation and insulation, are unlikely to directly cause cracks in the walls and uneven floors.