North Carolina Building Contractor License Practice Exam

What percentage of the floor area must the glazed area of all habitable rooms be?

1. 8 percent

2. 15 percent

3. 20 percent

4. 25 percent

The correct answer is: 25 percent

The correct answer, which states that the glazed area of all habitable rooms must be 25 percent of the floor area, aligns with building codes and regulations aimed at ensuring adequate light and ventilation in living spaces. This requirement plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy indoor environment and enhancing energy efficiency by allowing natural light to enter the spaces. A glazed area of 25 percent serves to optimize the balance between natural light and energy consumption, promoting well-lit environments while reducing reliance on artificial lighting during the day. Additionally, this threshold assists with airflow, as windows and other glazed openings can support natural ventilation. Building codes typically focus on establishing minimum standards for health, safety, and welfare, and this percentage is a valuable guideline to ensure that habitable rooms are functional and comfortable. Recognizing this requirement is essential for contractors when designing and constructing spaces that adhere to safety and performance standards in North Carolina and aligns with general building practices.