Holes in joists are:

The correct choice indicates that holes in joists are best located near the middle of the joists. This placement is important for maintaining the structural integrity and load-bearing capacity of the joists.

When holes are drilled near the middle, they are situated away from the critical areas of tension and compression that occur at the top and bottom sections of a joist. The top of the joist typically experiences compression forces, while the bottom experiences tension forces when the joist is under load. Placing holes in these critical areas could weaken the joist significantly and compromise its ability to support weight.

Additionally, local building codes and engineering guidelines often emphasize that if holes must be made in the joists, they should ideally be in the middle section to ensure that integrity is maintained. This positioning minimizes the risk of structural failure and adheres to best practices in construction and home inspection standards.