[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":134},["ShallowReactive",2],{"guide-question-maryland-contractor-simulator-inspection-day":3},{"site":4,"simulation":15,"topic":23,"question":26,"siblings":55,"prev":132,"next":133},{"name":5,"tagline":6,"title":7,"description":8,"guideTitle":9,"guideDescription":10,"ogImage":11,"disclaimer":12,"practicePitch":13,"citationsTitle":14},"Free MHIC Training","Maryland home improvement exam prep","Free MHIC Exam Prep: Maryland Home Improvement Contractor Practice","Free, narrated MHIC exam prep: 147 real Maryland contractor scenarios, every choice explained, with the law cited where it applies.","MHIC Exam Study Guide","Every scenario in the free Maryland Contractor Simulator, written out as a practice question: the situation, your options, how each choice plays out, and the Maryland law where it applies.","/og/free-mhic-training.png","Free MHIC Training is free study material for the Maryland home improvement contractor exam. It is not affiliated with the Maryland Home Improvement Commission and is not legal advice.","The free Maryland Contractor Simulator puts you in situations like these across a 40-day contracting career, narrated, with your license on the line. No account needed.","Law and codes cited",{"slug":16,"title":17,"subtitle":18,"description":19,"maxTurns":20,"characterCount":21,"scenarioCount":22},"maryland-contractor-simulator","Maryland Contractor Simulator","Learn the law by living it.","You just got your MHIC license application approved and you're starting your home improvement business in Maryland. Navigate real contractor scenarios — contracts, permits, clients, subcontractors, and inspectors. Every choice teaches you the law through consequence, not memorization. Master all five exam areas to pass.",40,20,147,{"slug":24,"title":25},"permits-codes","Permits, Inspections & Building Codes",{"slug":27,"title":28,"description":29,"takeaway":30,"situation":31,"speaker":35,"speakerDescription":36,"speakerAvatar":37,"audioUrl":38,"choices":39,"citations":53},"inspection-day","How should you handle a problem the inspector finds?","Acknowledge the discrepancy and commit to correcting it before re-inspection. You are responsible for all work on the job, including a subcontractor's, and…","Acknowledge the discrepancy and commit to correcting it before re-inspection. You are responsible for all work on the job, including a subcontractor's, and arguing with the inspector does not change the code.",[32,33,34],"Inspector Williams arrives at Sarah's renovation site for the rough-in inspection. The framing is done, plumbing is roughed in, and electrical is partially complete.","He examines the load-bearing wall modification and checks the permit posted in the window. Then he turns to you.","\"The header beam over this opening is undersized for the span. Code requires a minimum LVL beam for this load. Who did the structural calculations?\"","Inspector Williams","County building inspector. Fair but thorough. Knows every code section by heart.","/media/characters/inspector_williams.png","/media/voices/inspection_day.mp3",[40,45,50],{"text":41,"verdict":42,"label":43,"explanation":44},"Acknowledge the issue, show the engineer's stamped plans, and commit to replacing the header to spec before the next inspection","best","Correct approach","Working from engineer-stamped plans shows professionalism. Acknowledging a discrepancy and committing to correct it before re-inspection is exactly how a good contractor handles failed inspection items. Inspectors remember contractors who are honest and responsive — it builds a professional relationship that serves you for years.",{"text":46,"verdict":47,"label":48,"explanation":49},"Argue that the beam you used has always been fine for this span in your experience","wrong","Wrong","Building codes are not suggestions, and your personal experience doesn't override structural engineering requirements. The International Residential Code (IRC) specifies minimum beam sizes based on span, load, and tributary area. Arguing with the inspector doesn't change the code — it just flags you as a problem contractor who may receive more scrutiny on future inspections.",{"text":51,"verdict":47,"label":48,"explanation":52},"Tell him your subcontractor handled the framing and it's their responsibility","Under COMAR 09.08.01.08, the prime contractor is responsible for all work performed on a home improvement contract, including subcontractor work. You cannot deflect responsibility to a sub. The permit is in YOUR name. The contract is with the homeowner and YOUR company. Fix the beam.",[54],"COMAR 09.08.01.08",[56,59,62,65,68,71,74,77,78,81,84,87,90,93,96,99,102,105,108,111,114,117,120,123,126,129],{"slug":57,"title":58,"topic":24},"sarah-permit-question","Who is responsible for permits on a Maryland home improvement job?",{"slug":60,"title":61,"topic":24},"dave-wants-no-permit","Can you skip permits if the homeowner asks you to?",{"slug":63,"title":64,"topic":24},"dave-comes-around","How do you build permit costs into a contract?",{"slug":66,"title":67,"topic":24},"permit-exemptions","Which home projects need a permit in Maryland?",{"slug":69,"title":70,"topic":24},"property-manager-volume","Do cosmetic bathroom refreshes in rentals need permits?",{"slug":72,"title":73,"topic":24},"unpermitted-work-discovered","What happens when an inspector finds work without a permit?",{"slug":75,"title":76,"topic":24},"dave-deck-problem","What is your liability when unpermitted work fails?",{"slug":27,"title":28,"topic":24},{"slug":79,"title":80,"topic":24},"permit-inspection-sequence","Why do building inspections happen in stages?",{"slug":82,"title":83,"topic":24},"building-dept-permit-rush","How do you get a building permit approved faster?",{"slug":85,"title":86,"topic":24},"fire-blocking-code","Where is fire blocking required under IRC R302.11?",{"slug":88,"title":89,"topic":24},"egress-window-requirement","When does a basement bedroom need an egress window?",{"slug":91,"title":92,"topic":24},"smoke-detector-requirements","Where are smoke alarms required after a renovation?",{"slug":94,"title":95,"topic":24},"gfci-requirements","Can a homeowner refuse GFCI outlets in the kitchen?",{"slug":97,"title":98,"topic":24},"handrail-dispute","When does a deck stairway need a handrail?",{"slug":100,"title":101,"topic":24},"bathroom-ventilation","Does a bathroom need an exhaust fan under the IRC?",{"slug":103,"title":104,"topic":24},"deck-ledger-connection","How must a deck ledger be attached to the house?",{"slug":106,"title":107,"topic":24},"energy-code-compliance","How is energy code compliance checked on an addition?",{"slug":109,"title":110,"topic":24},"accessibility-code-requirements","Does the ADA apply to a single-family bathroom remodel?",{"slug":112,"title":113,"topic":24},"retaining-wall-height","When does a retaining wall need an engineered design?",{"slug":115,"title":116,"topic":24},"load-bearing-wall-question","What is required before removing a load-bearing wall?",{"slug":118,"title":119,"topic":24},"building-on-easement","Can you build a deck over a utility easement?",{"slug":121,"title":122,"topic":24},"stormwater-management","When does a patio trigger stormwater management in Maryland?",{"slug":124,"title":125,"topic":24},"hoa-interference","Does a building permit override HOA approval?",{"slug":127,"title":128,"topic":24},"abandoned-project","How do you take over a job another contractor abandoned?",{"slug":130,"title":131,"topic":24},"diy-disaster-assessment","How do you assess a homeowner's failed DIY renovation?",{"slug":75,"title":76,"topic":24},{"slug":79,"title":80,"topic":24},1792184484119]