Home Builder Skills Exam Prep Course | Alabama
15 Hour Text Course
This course provides a detailed exploration of essential construction practices, focusing on building codes, materials, methods, and safety standards. Participants will gain in-depth knowledge of site preparation, foundations, concrete and reinforcement techniques, masonry, carpentry, roofing, and both interior and exterior finishes. The course also covers mechanical systems integration and OSHA safety regulations to ensure a safe and efficient construction environment.
Each section includes practical insights and technical details to enhance understanding and application, making it ideal for construction professionals, inspectors, and students in the skilled trades. By the end of the course, learners will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to execute projects with safety, compliance, and quality at the forefront.
Description
Course Details
This course provides a thorough exploration of construction practices, built around the principles and standards outlined in the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC). It is specifically designed for construction professionals, tradespeople, inspectors, and those looking to enhance their knowledge of residential building practices and compliance requirements.
The course begins with a detailed introduction to the 2021 IRC, focusing on its role in ensuring safety, sustainability, and legal compliance in residential construction. Participants will learn how to navigate the code’s structure, interpret key provisions, and apply them effectively to their projects.
Moving into the practical aspects of construction, the course covers sitework and foundation preparation, emphasizing grading, erosion control, and utility setup to ensure a stable and code-compliant starting point for any build. The concrete and reinforcement section examines techniques for mixing, pouring, and reinforcing concrete structures to meet IRC specifications for safety and durability.
The masonry module introduces the use of materials such as brick, block, and stone, aligned with the IRC’s requirements for structural integrity and resilience. In the carpentry section, participants will explore wood framing methods, including platform and balloon framing, with detailed guidance on meeting IRC standards for wall, floor, and roof construction.
A comprehensive module on roofing systems examines material selection, installation methods, and energy efficiency, all in accordance with IRC Chapter 9. The interior finishes module explores the installation of windows, doors, and skylights, emphasizing compliance with energy-efficiency and safety provisions outlined in the IRC.
For exterior finishes, participants will learn proper siding installation techniques to protect structures against environmental elements, using materials and methods approved by the IRC. The course also covers associated mechanical systems, including HVAC, plumbing, and electrical installations, ensuring these systems are properly sized, integrated, and aligned with the 2021 IRC’s chapters on mechanical and plumbing systems.
A critical focus of the course is OSHA safety standards, complementing the IRC’s requirements with practical knowledge of workplace safety, hazard mitigation, and proper use of personal protective equipment.
Throughout the course, participants will work with real-world scenarios, technical details, and best practices, gaining the confidence to execute residential construction projects that meet the exacting standards of the 2021 IRC. The course concludes with a final exam to assess and reinforce participants’ understanding of key concepts and requirements.
Course Chapters:
- Introduction to Construction and Building Codes
- Sitework and Foundations
- Concrete and Reinforcement
- Masonry
- Carpentry
- Roofing
- Interior Finishes
- Exterior Finishes
- Associated Trades
- OSHA
Final Exam