North Carolina General Contractors Practice Exam

Which of the following types of buildings does not require a design professional seal for any renovation projects?

1. A commercial building exceeding 2500 sq ft

2. A family residence with up to 8 units

3. An institutional building over $90,000

4. Any building with significant structural changes

The correct answer is: A family residence with up to 8 units

In North Carolina, a family residence with up to 8 units is classified under certain regulations that exempt it from requiring a design professional seal for renovation projects. This exemption is primarily due to the scale and nature of residential buildings compared to larger commercial or institutional structures. Residential buildings, especially those with a smaller number of units like a duplex or an 8-unit multifamily residence, often don't include the same complexities in design and structural requirements that larger commercial buildings or institutional projects entail. The state recognizes that such small-scale renovations generally follow straightforward building codes and do not necessitate the oversight of a licensed design professional, which helps streamline the renovation process for homeowners and small property owners. In contrast, commercial buildings exceeding a specific size, institutional buildings with significant budgets, and any project involving major structural changes involve complexities that generally require the expertise and stamp of a licensed design professional to ensure compliance with safety and building codes.