New Home Construction: From Permit Application to Final Inspection

This online course focuses on the construction process for a single family home in Minnesota under the provisions of the 2020 Minnesota Residential Code and 2015 Minnesota Energy Code. Learn the permit process, plan review, alternative materials and the inspection of the footings, foundations, waterproofing, foundation insulation options, framing, water-resistive barriers, exterior envelope, wall and attic insulation materials, vapor retarders, interior air barriers, thermal barriers, unvented roofs, emergency escape and rescue, roofing materials, guards, means of egress, emergency escape and rescue, wood-plastic composite materials and interior finishes.

Course Outline

Part 1
Gain familiarity with the Minnesota State Residential Code.
1. Administrative Provisions    
2. Design Criteria in MN     
3. Definitions    
4. Permits
 
Part 2
Be able to identify what is needed when digging and pouring foundation walls. Identify protection against decay in foundation walls.
1. Foundations    
2. Protection Against Decay
 
Part 3
Understand the insulation requirements to interior and exterior walls.
1. Basement Wall Exterior Insulation    
2. Interior Basement Wall Insulation
 
Part 4
Understanding the requirements for floor, wall and roof framing.
1. Floor Framing    
2. Wall Framing    
3. Roof Framing
 
Part 5
Review safety requirements.
1. Exterior Covering    
2. Fire Protection Provisions    
3. Ceiling Height    
4. Safety Glazing
 
Part 6
1. Building Thermal Envelope    
2. Foam Plastic Insulation    
3. Decks, Means of Egress, Stairways & Landings

Learner Objectives

• Recognize the Minnesota State Residential Code elements related to this course
• Identify what is needed when digging and pouring foundation walls
• Identify protection against decay in foundation walls
• Recognize the insulation requirements to interior and exterior walls
• Identify the requirements for floor, wall and roof framing
• Recognize safety requirements
• Identify the final steps in residential construction and applying for the Certificate of Occupancy 

Testimonials

"The course was easy to understand and the instructor very knowledgeable. I liked that it was on demand to fit my schedule." Vern Mosny, Vern's Contracting, LLC

"Peter is very informative and easy to listen to. His delivery is well thought out and very educational." Chad Lidtke, Arcxis

"Best instructor that I’ve taken a course from." Chaleunesinh Souriyathay, JNP construction

"I highly recommend the instructor." Peter Carlson, Allstar Construction

"Excellent Instructor kept my attention!" Richard  Drotning, Building Official

“Very happy to catch up on the code changes! Was very nervous to take course not knowing what to expect, very casual yet interesting.” Kevin Graves, KG Construction

"Great Job, easy to follow will definitely look for more of these classes in the future. Peter is a great instructor." Brian Pederson, Arrow Building Center

"Excellent presentation. Very knowledgeable on residential construction." TimothyRose, Rose Construction

"Great overview. Knowledgeable instructor...Great Course!" Jeremy Thompson, Gordon James

"Very good course. Very informative." Leonard Clark, Landmark Building Corp

"Great code update for contractors who have been in the field through many building code changes!" Jon Brandt, REMBrandt Homes

Quiz Info

In order to receive continuing education credit(s), you will need to take a 10-question quiz after each hour of the course. To pass each quiz, you will need to achieve a score of 70% or higher. If you are unsuccessful, you will have an opportunity to repeat the quiz. Once you have successfully completed the course, you can download your continuing education certificate(s) showing the credit(s) that you have earned.

Credit Info

This course has been approved for seven hours of MN residential contractor (includes the Energy credit) or building official credits by the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry. 

If you are eligible to receive continuing education credits, your information will be electronically reported to the appropriate agency within 3 business days of course completion.

Access Info

Your online course is accessible 24/7. The course will be available to you for 180 days from purchase date.

Questions and Comments Questions and comments related to the curriculum for this course may be submitted to the instructor at education@housingfirstmn.org.