Description: Energy conservation isn’t all about insulation and the energy code. Choices made throughout the entire design and construction process can have an impact on the performance of the home.  The IRC provides a variety of options to meet code that can have different energy impacts.  Dimes add up to dollars and dollars add up to dinner, just the same, small gains in energy conservation can add up to lots of saved energy. Learn how to keep energy in mind through out the whole construction process, long before the insulation crew arrives.

Length: Approximately 5 hours.

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, attendees will…

• Understand code provisions that reduce thermal bridges and increase insulation in the exterior envelope, such as single-ply and box headers, as well as single top plate construction and 24-inch-on-center wall spacing.
• Think outside the box about how various trades can enhance energy performance.
• Learn the complexities of providing certain air barriers and why they are essential to thermal performance.

Continuing Education Units: Approved for 0.5 Preferred Provider CEUs from the International Code Council (ICC).

Course Instructor: Glenn Mathewson, MCP

Code Edition(s): 2018 International Residential Code

Course Sessions:

1. Science
2. Walls
3. Headers
4. Rafters & Trusses
5. Attics
6. Air Barriers
7. M.E.P.

Description: This class is helpful for everyone in the construction industry, as it explores the reasoning and science behind many plumbing, mechanical, fuel-gas, and electrical code provisions.  Whether a contractor or inspector, cross training in these specialized trades offers a better understanding of the work performed and how they “work”.

Length: Approximately 5 hours.

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, attendees will…

• Realize the old saying “$hit runs downhill” is completely false.
• Understand how natural draft venting works.
• Trust that there are sensible reasons for many seemingly arbitrary code provisions.

Continuing Education Units: Approved for 0.5 Preferred Provider CEUs from the International Code Council (ICC).

Course Instructor: Glenn Mathewson, MCP

Code Edition(s): 2018 International Residential Code

Course Sessions:

1. P-Traps
2. Drains & Vents
3. Water Distribution
4. Gas Pipe Sizing
5. Combustion Air
6. Gas Venting
7. Electrical Systems

Description: This course uncovers how the code works and the people involved. It begins with some fun history leading up to the current International Codes, and follows with an enlightening explanation of how the code is developed and adopted into law.  Before applying the provisions, this course lays the foundation of how to navigate the code and how the code is administered as a minimum standard.  The course concludes with sessions about key players in the use of the code and offers perspective from each of them in hope for a team effort in applying the codes across our communities.

Length: Approximately 3 hours.

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, attendees will…

• Be introduced to some of the history of codes and how they got to be what they are today.
• Learn how the code is developed, adopted, administered, and navigated.  Learn the rules of the rules.
• Gain perspective by seeing what it’s like working with code behind the plans examiner’s desk, through the inspector’s eyes, and in the contractor’s boots.

Continuing Education Units: Approved for 0.3 Preferred Provider CEUs from the International Code Council (ICC).

Course Instructor: Glenn Mathewson, MCP

Code Edition(s): 2018 International Residential Code

Course Sessions:

1. Code History
2. Code Development
3. Code Amendment & Adoption
4. Code Administration
5. Code Navigation
6. Plans Examiners & Permit Technicians
7. Inspectors
8. Contractors

Description: Furnace and water heater installations and replacements are ubiquitous in every house. Many new contractors and inspectors are often tasked with their installation and inspection, and many homeowners tackle these projects on their own. Not as simple as often believed, these appliances are connected to many systems of a house, including electrical, venting, gas, water and air distribution. This class explores, in depth, all the various code provisions regarding their installation.

Length: Approximately 4 hours.

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, attendees will…

• Understand the large list of requirements for a water heater temperature and pressure relief valve.
• Learn the various venting methods: natural, induced, and forced.
• Gain a greater respect for the various complications regarding their installation and inspection.

Continuing Education Units: Approved for 0.4 Preferred Provider CEUs from the International Code Council (ICC).

Course Instructor: Glenn Mathewson, MCP

Code Edition(s): 2018 International Residential Code

Course Sessions:

1. Appliance location
2. Drafting
3. Vents and vent connectors
4. Combustion air
5. Temperature and pressure relief valve
6. Sealing, filters, and thermal expansion
7. Gas connections
8. Electrical connections
9. Drain pans and condensate

Description: Getting people out of buildings safely is a core objective of any building code, and that includes the path through a house to the exterior doors and emergency escape and rescue openings (egress windows).  This course reviews all the code provisions related to movement through and out a house, including doors, halls, stairs, and escape windows, to include decks over windows and door landings on the exterior.

Length: Approximately 1.5 hours.

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, attendees will…

• Learn all the details of emergency escape and rescue openings, including various methods for designing a deck over a below grade egress window.
• Understand the regulations related to stairways, doors and landings
• Be introduced to the various requirements related to the addition of an exit door to home.

Continuing Education Units: Approved for 0.15 Preferred Provider CEUs from the International Code Council (ICC).

Course Instructor: Glenn Mathewson, MCP

Code Edition(s): 2018 International Residential Code

Course Sessions:

1. Means of Egress
2. Emergency Path
3. Under the Deck

Description: Like decks, porch roofs are often considered easy construction and are typically attempted by new contractors or weekend warrior homeowners.  However, the truth is quite the contrary.  Porch roofs require significant evaluation depending on the extreme variety of their design.  This class reviews the code application of these projects from the rafters to the foundation.

Length: Approximately 3 hours.

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, attendees will…

• Understand the significant differences between constructing with a ridge board or a ridge beam.
• Learn the various ways to connect a porch roof to an existing house.
• Realize the limitations of prescriptive, structural design and when engineered design is necessary.

Continuing Education Units: Approved for 0.3 Preferred Provider CEUs from the International Code Council (ICC).

Course Instructor: Glenn Mathewson, MCP

Code Edition(s): 2018 International Residential Code

Course Sessions:

1. Shed Roofs
2. Gable Ridge Boards
3. Gable Ridge Beams
4. Bearing and Connections
5. Sheathing
6. Foundations

Description: Asphalt shingles are on the majority of homes across the county and thousands are replaced every day.  Though relatively simply, there are details in the code and the installation instructions that are critical to the success of the roof.  This course looks at many of the ways codes and inspections address roof installations and replacements and gives due respect to this important part of house construction.

Length: Approximately 2.5 hours.

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, attendees will…

• Have a better understanding of how asphalt shingled roofs work.
• Be introduced to all types and conditions of flashing.
• Learn tips and techniques for inspecting and installing asphalt shingles.

Continuing Education Units: Approved for 0.25 Preferred Provider CEUs from the International Code Council (ICC).

Course Instructor: Glenn Mathewson, MCP

Code Edition(s): 2018 International Residential Code

Course Sessions:

1. Shingles & Underlayment
2. Flashing
3. Valleys & Crickets
4. Stuff on Roofs
5. Inspections

Description: There are a lot of different code provisions to evaluate when handling a basement finish, and this courses covers them all. Building, plumbing, mechanical, fuel-gas, and electrical codes are taught as they apply to the caveats of working in a basement. Based on the 2015 IRC, this course is provided in eight learning sessions, Design, Alarms, Emergency Escape & Rescue, Framing, Fireblocking, Mechanical, Electrical, and Drywall & Access.

Length: Approximately 3 hours.

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, attendees will…

• Understand and identify the building components in the basement that need evaluation and consideration prior to concealment.
• Be introduced to code provisions that regulate the overall design of the finished space.
• Learn how emergency escape and rescue openings must be handled.

Continuing Education Units: Approved for 0.3 Preferred Provider CEUs from the International Code Council (ICC).

Course Instructor: Glenn Mathewson, MCP

Code Edition(s): 2015 International Residential Code

Course Sessions:

1. Design
2. Alarms
3. Emergency Escape and Rescue
4. Framing
5. Fireblocking
6. Mechanical systems
7. Electrical systems
8. Drywall and Access

Description: This course is related to how a new deck will interact with an existing site and building. Building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and fuel-gas systems and codes must all be considered when designing a deck to effectively work with a home. Guidance, requirements and limitations for integrating a deck with a home are provided.

Length: Approximately 4 hours.

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, attendees will…

• Know how to identify building systems and components located on the exterior of a typical home.
• Learn how to safely design a deck that will work with emergency escape and rescue windows.
• Understand the various ways an improperly designed deck can negatively and hazardously affect building systems of the existing structure.

Continuing Education Units: Approved for 0.4 Preferred Provider CEUs from the International Code Council (ICC).

Course Instructor: Glenn Mathewson, MCP

Code Edition(s): 2012 International Residential Code (updated course coming soon!)

Course Sessions:

1. Code administration
2. Research and planning
3. Doors and landings
4. Safety glazing I
5. Safety glazing II
6. Concentrated loads
7. Mechanical systems
8. Electrical systems
9. Plumbing and crawlspaces

Description: This course covers structural design criteria for decks, such as loading, design methods and lumber properties.  It continues with an in-depth review of ledger attachments, including how to handle various exterior cladding, flashing methods, and structural considerations. Lateral loads are also discussed in detail to provide a better understanding of what is required and how to provide it.
This class is complimented well with Decks – Down The Load Path, where details of the other structural members are explained.

Length: Approximately 4 hours.

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, attendees will…

• Understand the limitations of the IRC’s prescriptive design criteria and when alternatives are necessary.
• Comprehend the concept of a load path and how to determine the tributary load on a bearing point.
• Realize the significance provisions related to the attachment of a deck ledger to a home.

Continuing Education Units: Approved for 0.4 Preferred Provider CEUs from the International Code Council (ICC).

Course Instructor: Glenn Mathewson, MCP

Code Edition(s): 2012 International Residential Code (updated course coming soon!)

Course Sessions:

1. Loads
2. Lumber properties
3. Exterior cladding
4. Flashing
5. Ledger Attachment
6. Concentrated loads
7. Lateral displacement
8. Lateral deformation
9. Alternative ledgers

Description: Now updated with all the new 2015 IRC provisions, this course completes the load path started in course 2, Ledgers and Lateral Loads.  Decking, joists, beams, posts, foundations and even properties of the earth are covered, so that the entire structural system and related codes can be understood.

Length: Approximately 3 hours.

Objectives: Upon completion of this course attendees will…

• Understand the basics of deck foundation design and construction.
• Understand the variety of manufactured decking products and how to ensure their proper installation.
• Realize the potential flexibility of the joist and beam span tables not obvious in the code provisions.

Continuing Education Units: Approved for 0.3 Preferred Provider CEUs from the International Code Council (ICC).

Course Instructor: Glenn Mathewson, MCP

Code Edition(s): 2015 International Residential Code (updated course coming soon!)

Course Sessions:

1. Decking
2. Decking fasteners
3. Joists
4. Joist connections
5. Beams part 1
6. Beams part 2
7. Posts
8. Foundations

Description: An in-depth explanation of non-structural building code regulations related to stairs, ramps, landings, guards, and handrails will be provided. Structural considerations for stairs and guards are also discussed. Design considerations for common amenities and features that often accompany deck construction, such as lighting, hot-tubs, gas-fired equipment and piping, and new doors are reviewed.

Length: Approximately 3 hours.

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, attendees will…

• Understand the differences and similarities of guards and handrails.
• Learn the strict geometric requirements of various stairways, including straight, winder and spiral, and the uniformity required of their components.
• Understand how to work with the code more successfully through an understanding of some basic administrative principles related to adoption and enforcement.

Continuing Education Units: Approved for 0.3 Preferred Provider CEUs from the International Code Council (ICC).

Course Instructor: Glenn Mathewson, MCP

Code Edition(s): 2012 International Residential Code (updated course coming soon!)

Course Sessions:

1. Stairway design
2. Stairs and landings
3. Stair construction and illumination
4. Ramps
5. Guards
6. Guard Construction
7. Handrails
8. Spas and hot tubs
9. Amenities