California Real Estate Practice Exam

At what point does lumber delivered to build a deck become a fixture?

1. When it is delivered

2. When the first nail is hammered

3. When the deck is complete

4. It never becomes a fixture

The correct answer is: When the deck is complete

Lumber becomes a fixture when it is incorporated into the overall structure and design of the deck. This typically occurs when the deck is complete and the lumber is no longer easily removable without causing damage. Option A is incorrect because simply being delivered does not necessarily mean the lumber has become a permanent part of the property. Option B is incorrect because one nail does not make the lumber a fixture; it must be a substantial part of the deck. Option D is also incorrect because, as mentioned, the lumber does become a fixture once it is no longer easily removable from the deck.