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Residential Courses

2012 International Residential Code Sneak Peak
Since the implementation of the Uniform Construction Code (UCC) in 2004, many significant changes have occurred in each triennial code cycle.  Some examples of major past code changes (several of which have been eliminated legislatively) include anchorage bolt spacing, wall-bracing, fire sprinklers, electrical receptacles and energy requirements.  This has kept builders, design professionals and code officials scrambling to keep up.

The 2012 International Building Code (IRC) is anticipated to be published in late spring or early summer of 2011, this half-day program will educate builders, code officials, municipal officials, state government officials and various organizations about new provisions contained in the 2012 IRC.  This will aid stakeholders in formulating viewpoints and conveying their opinions at public hearings of the UCC Review and Advisory Council, or other venues.  This will also aid affected parties in preparing for coming code changes if they are adopted.

Instructors
The Pennsylvania Housing Research Center

Course Materials
Training manual will be provided.

Course Schedule
8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Registration
8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Instruction time

Registration Fee
$25 (Training manual and light refreshments included)

Credit Hours
3 UCC continuing education credit hours awarded.

CLICK HERE FOR COURSE LOCATIONS AND DATES

RA: Basic Blueprint Reading and Understanding House Plans
The ability to read construction blueprints is a foundational skill in the code enforcement and construction industries.  Code officials, whether they are working in the field performing inspections or in the office performing plan reviews, must know how to read blueprints.  Blueprint reading is fundamentally simple but it requires basic blueprint knowledge and practice.

This one-day program is designed to provide an introduction to the fundamentals of blueprint reading through lecture and interactive learning exercises.  The exercises are designed to test your skill level and knowledge.  Mastering blueprint reading will only come with practice!  By day’s end, participants will:

• Have an elementary knowledge of blueprint reading as it relates to residential construction projects
• Be able to find trade information using blueprints
• Be able to answer basic construction questions relating to the layout and installation of materials at the job site.
• Be able to identify elementary problems with classroom blueprints
• Be exposed to different types of blueprints from construction, floor framing, roof framing, elevations, HVAC layouts, electrical etc.
• Be familiar with detail bubbles that reference larger details of schedules within a plan set. 

Course participation is mandatory unless participant can show that they have a strong background, through education or work expertise, with construction blueprints.  A request must be received and approved by PCCA for a participant to be excused from attending the session.

Instructors

• The Pennsylvania Housing Research Center

Course Materials
The 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) and a standard calculator are required.  To purchase a copy of this code, please contact PCCA at 717-763-0930, click here to order online, or click here to obtain a copy of the code book order form to fax or mail to PCCA.

Code books are not available for sale at the course.

Course Schedule
8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Registration
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Instruction time

Registration Fee
$125 (Training manual included)

Credit Hours
6 UCC continuing education credit hours awarded.

CLICK HERE FOR COURSE LOCATIONS AND DATES

RA 101: Residential Building
This four-day program is a comprehensive review of Chapters 1-10 of the International Residential Code.  It includes examples, exercises and case studies designed to illustrate daily practices performed by a Residential Building Inspector or Plans Examiner.  Material includes a review of how the UCC amends certain provisions of the IRC, especially with regard to residential alterations and exclusions.

Common construction terms are reviewed by course attendees, as are common building materials.  Building permit issuance is discussed with an emphasis placed on the most important issues to be addressed and resolved during the review process.  Time will be devoted to how the IRC addresses engineered wood products and proprietary systems.

Interactive learning will be implemented through conducting a virtual inspection complete with house plans.  Students will evaluate the building plans for content, determine what is lacking and then use the plans to conduct a mock onsite building inspection.  A checklist of critical issues associated with footing and foundation, rough framing, drywall and final inspections will also be developed.

Topics Include:

• Administration
• Building Planning
• Townhouses and Two Family Dwellings
• Emergency Escape and Egress
• Foundation Systems
• Floor Systems
• Deck Requirements
• Wall Systems and Coverings
• Wall bracing
• Roof and Ceiling Systems
• Chimneys and Fireplaces

Instructors

• The Pennsylvania Housing Research Center

Course Materials
The 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) and a standard calculator are required.  To purchase a copy of this code, please contact PCCA at 717-763-0930, click here to order online, or click here to obtain a copy of the code book order form to fax or mail to PCCA.

Code books are not available for sale at the course.

Course Schedule
8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Registration
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Instruction time

Registration Fee
$395 (Training manual and lunch included)

Credit Hours
24 UCC continuing education credit hours awarded.

CLICK HERE FOR COURSE LOCATIONS AND DATES

RA 201: Residential Electrical
This four-day program is a comprehensive review of Chapters 34-43 of the International Residential Code.  It includes examples, exercises and case studies designed to illustrate daily practices performed by a Residential Electrical Inspector or Plans Examiner.  Material includes a review of how the UCC amends certain provisions of the IRC, especially with regard to residential alterations and exclusions.

Basic electricity concepts are introduced along with common electrical terms and materials plus an overview of basic wiring and protection is presented.  The relationship between the electrical provisions of the IRC and the NEC are discussed. Building permit issuance is discussed with an emphasis placed on the most important issues to be addressed and resolve during the review process. 

Interactive learning will be implemented through conducting virtual inspections. A checklist of critical issues associated with electrical installations will also be developed.  Emphasis will be placed on addressing electrical system installation issues that should be resolved at the permit application stage of the project.

Topics include:

• General electrical requirements
• Residential services
• Branch circuits and feeders
• Wiring methods
• Bonding and Grounding
• Power and lighting distribution
• Devices and luminaries
• Appliance installation
• Swimming pools, spas and hot tubs
• Power-limited circuits

Instructors

• The Pennsylvania Housing Research Center

Course Materials
The 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) and a standard calculator are required.  To purchase a copy of this code, please contact PCCA at 717-763-0930, click here to order online, or click here to obtain a copy of the code book order form to fax or mail to PCCA.

Code books are not available for sale at the course.

Course Schedule
8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Registration
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Instruction time

Registration Fee
$395 (Training manual and lunch included)

Credit Hours
24 UCC continuing education credit hours awarded.

CLICK HERE FOR COURSE LOCATIONS AND DATES

RA 301: Residential Energy
This two-day program is a comprehensive review of the residential portion of Chapters 1-4 of the International Energy Conservation Code.  It includes examples, exercises and case studies designed to illustrate daily practices performed by a Residential Energy Inspector or Plans Examiner.  Material includes a review of how the UCC amends certain provisions of the IRC, especially with regard to residential alterations and exclusions.

Background information on building products and systems used to achieve energy conservation is introduced as well as the basic principles of the “house as a system” approach. Building permit issuance is discussed with an emphasis placed on the most important issues to be addressed and resolve during the review process. 

Interactive learning will be implemented through conducting a virtual inspection complete with house plans.  Students will evaluate the building plans for content, determine what is lacking and then use the plans to conduct a mock onsite building inspection.  A checklist of critical issues associated with energy conservation inspections will also be developed.

Topics Include:

• Differences between the IECC and Chapter 11 of the International Residential Code
• Pennsylvania Alternative Energy Standard
• Rescheck Compliance Software
• “House as a system” principles including moisture and vapor drives and thermal transference
• The relationship between draftstopping, fireblocking and air sealing

Instructors

• The Pennsylvania Housing Research Center

Course Materials
The 2009 International Residential Code (IRC), the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code and a standard calculator are required.  To purchase a copy of either code, please contact PCCA at 717-763-0930, click here to order online, or click here to obtain a copy of the code book order form to fax or mail to PCCA.

Code books are not available for sale at the course.

Course Schedule
8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Registration
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Instruction time

Registration Fee
$195 (Training manual and lunch included)

Credit Hours
12 UCC continuing education credit hours awarded.

CLICK HERE FOR COURSE LOCATIONS AND DATES

RA 401: Residential Mechanical
This four-day program is a comprehensive review of Chapters 12-24 of the International Residential Code.  It includes examples, exercises and case studies designed to illustrate daily practices performed by a Residential Mechanical Inspector or Plans Examiner.  Material includes a review of how the UCC amends certain provisions of the IRC, especially with regard to residential alterations and exclusions.

An overview of air changes, combustion air, ventilation air and makeup air will be presented and students will be introduced to solar thermal and geothermal systems. Building permit issuance is discussed with an emphasis placed on the most important issues to be addressed and resolve during the review process. 

Interactive learning will be implemented through conducting virtual inspections. A checklist of critical issues associated with mechanical and fuel gas installations will also be developed.  Emphasis will be placed on addressing mechanical and fuel gas installation issues that should be resolved at the permit application stage of the project.

Topics include:

• General requirements
• Heating and cooling systems
• Dryer and kitchen exhaust systems
• Duct sealing and insulation
• Combustion air
• Vents and chimney connectors
• Hot water heaters and boilers
• Oil storage
• Solar systems
• Radiant floor heating
• Fuel gas appliances
• Fuel gas piping and installation

Instructors

• The Pennsylvania Housing Research Center

Course Materials
The 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) and a standard calculator are required.  To purchase a copy of this code, please contact PCCA at 717-763-0930, click here to order online, or click here to obtain a copy of the code book order form to fax or mail to PCCA.

Code books are not available for sale at the course.

Course Schedule
8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Registration
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Instruction time

Registration Fee
$395 (Training manual and lunch included)

Credit Hours
24 UCC continuing education credit hours awarded.

CLICK HERE FOR COURSE LOCATIONS AND DATES

RA 501: Residential Plumbing
This four-day program is a comprehensive review of Chapters 25-33 of the International Residential Code.  It includes examples, exercises and case studies designed to illustrate daily practices performed by a Residential Plumbing Inspector or Plans Examiner.  Material includes a review of how the UCC amends certain provision of the IRC, especially with regard to residential alterations and exclusions.

Hydraulics, pneumatics and how water, air and gases interact to make a plumbing system work properly are explored and common plumbing materials such as piping and fittings are introduced.  Building permit issuance is discussed with an emphasis placed on the most important issues to be addressed and resolve during the review process. 

Interactive learning will be implemented through conducting virtual inspections. A checklist of critical issues associated with plumbing installations will also be developed.  Emphasis will be placed on addressing plumbing and sprinkler system installation issues that should be resolved at the permit application stage of the project.

Topics include:

• General plumbing requirements
• Protection, testing, trenching and workmanship
• Plumbing fixtures
• Water supply systems
• Backflow prevention
• Water and waste drainage systems
• Traps and vents
• Sumps and sub-soil Drains
• IRC provisions relating to on-lot septic systems and water/sewer laterals
• Residential automatic fire sprinkler systems

Instructors

• The Pennsylvania Housing Research Center

Course Materials
The 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) and a standard calculator are required.  To purchase a copy of this code, please contact PCCA at 717-763-0930, click here to order online, or click here to obtain a copy of the code book order form to fax or mail to PCCA.

Code books are not available for sale at the course.

Course Schedule
8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Registration
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Instruction time

Registration Fee
$395 (Training manual and lunch included)

Credit Hours
24 UCC continuing education credit hours awarded.

CLICK HERE FOR COURSE LOCATIONS AND DATES

IRC 102: RESIDENTIAL PLAN REVIEW
IRC 102 is designed for code officials, contractors and design professionals, but open to any interested party.  This two-day course focuses on performing residential building plan review using construction documents and plan review records. Attendees will conduct actual plans examination under the guidance of the instructor.  Checklists and sample plans are provided to illustrate real-world situations and applications.  After attending this course, you will:

• Have practiced performing residential plan reviews, preparing plan review notes and generating follow-up letters using actual plans and documents.
• Have a better understanding of the most significant details that should appear on residential plans in order to perform a thorough and effective plan review.
• Have been exposed to the information necessary to actually identify significant details that are missing on residential plans and that need to be provided prior to plan approval.
• Be able to describe how to perform a review of footing and foundation plans, floor and wall plans, roof and ceiling plans, fire safety elements and general residential requirements.

Instructors

• International Code Consultants, Inc.

Course Materials
The 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) and a standard calculator are required.  To purchase a copy of this code, please contact PCCA at 717-763-0930, click here to order online, or click here to obtain a copy of the code book order form to fax or mail to PCCA.

Code books are not available for sale at the course.

Course Schedule
8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Registration
8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Instruction time

Registration Fee
$195 (Training manual, Continental breakfast and lunch included)

Credit Hours
12 UCC continuing education credit hours awarded.

CLICK HERE FOR COURSE LOCATIONS AND DATES

IRC 103: HOW TO INSPECT MANUFACTURED & MODULAR HOUSING
IRC 103 is designed for code officials conducting residential inspections as well as manufactured and modular housing installers, but open to any interested party.  This one-day workshop focuses on which on-site inspections are required under the UCC and how to effectively perform those inspections.  After attending this course, you will:

• Have learned how to distinguish between manufactured and modular (industrialized) housing and the different regulations that pertain to each.
• Become acquainted with inspection issues for each type of factory-built housing, including those elements that are exempt from the Uniform Construction Code.
• Understand what documentation must be provided to the building official for manufactured housing before a certificate of occupancy can be issued.
• Know what plans and documents to request at the time of the permit application.
• Receive information on who to contact if you encounter any problems or questions with the permitting or inspection of manufactured or modular housing.

Instructors

• Mark Conte, Chief, Housing Standards Division, Office of Community Development
• Michael Moglia, HUD Code Housing Administrator, Office of Community Development

Course Materials
Training manual will be provided.

Course Schedule
8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Registration
8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Instruction time

Registration Fee
$125 (Training manual, Continental breakfast and lunch included)

Credit Hours
6 UCC continuing education credit hours awarded.

CLICK HERE FOR COURSE LOCATIONS AND DATES

IRC 104: RESIDENTIAL INSPECTION ESSENTIALS
IRC 104 is designed for new and experienced residential inspectors, but open to any interested party.  This two-day course provides the underlying technical background upon which building codes are based, including basic structural engineering concepts, the structural properties of soils and concrete, and key construction and inspection details of wood, masonry, siding and roofing. The course will improve participants’ technical understanding as well as help them make more informed inspection and enforcement decisions.  After attending this course, you will:

• Be able to identify key structural elements on residential building plans that should be field-verified during inspection.
• Be able to identify key elements that are missing on residential building plans.
• Be able to describe the duties of a residential building inspector and prioritize those inspection items having the greatest impact on fire safety and the health and protection of the building occupants.
• Have an understanding of what inspection issues exist for various phases of construction, including footer, foundation, rough framing, rough-in plumbing, mechanical and electrical, drywall and final
• Have a better understanding of what to identify when conducting inspections at various phases of construction.

To take this program you should first attend the PCCA's RA 101: Residential Building program or have a thorough working knowledge of chapters 1-10 of the International Residential Code.

Instructors

• The Pennsylvania Housing Research Center

Course Materials
The 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) and a standard calculator are required.  To purchase a copy of this code, please contact PCCA at 717-763-0930, click here to order online, or click here to obtain a copy of the code book order form to fax or mail to PCCA.

Code books are not available for sale at the course.

Course Schedule
8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Registration
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Instruction time

Registration Fee
$195 (Training manual, Continental breakfast and lunch included)

Credit Hours
12 UCC continuing education hours awarded.

CLICK HERE FOR COURSE LOCATIONS AND DATES

IRC 105: RESIDENTIAL DECKS: DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND INSPECTION
IRC 105 is designed for building officials, design professionals, contractors and home inspectors, but open to any interested party.  This one day course provides an overview of the requirements for residential decks in the IRC and focuses on proper deck design and construction techniques. Deck failures are responsible for a substantial number of injuries and deaths each year. This program will explore the root of these problems and offer real world solutions. The program will discuss the IRC code requirements for residential decks including a detailed review of the use of commonly used connectors, fasteners, etc. Hands on examples including residential deck design, a detailed deck plan review and a virtual deck inspection.  After attending this course, you will:

• Learn how to find code requirements in the IRC pertaining to residential deck construction and will understand key issues related to residential deck design, construction and inspection that are not addressed in the IRC.
• Have access to practical resources for design, construction and inspection of residential decks.
• Be able to describe deck failures and learn how to prevent in the future.
• Be better equipped to design, construct or inspect decks for code compliance and according to accepted engineering practice.
• Understand when an engineered design is required for residential decks.

Instructors

• The Pennsylvania Housing Research Center

Course Materials
The 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) and a standard calculator are required.  To purchase a copy of this code, please contact PCCA at 717-763-0930, click here to order online, or click here to obtain a copy of the code book order form to fax or mail to PCCA.

Code books are not available for sale at the course.

Course Schedule
8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Registration
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Instruction time

Registration Fee
$125 (Training manual, Continental breakfast and lunch included)

Credit Hours
6 UCC continuing education credit hours awarded

CLICK HERE FOR COURSE LOCATIONS AND DATES

IRC 106: MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING
Pennsylvania’s Uniform Construction Code has adopted the International Residential Code (IRC) for the design and construction of single family, two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories in height.  While many requirements of the IRC apply equally to all residential structures within its scope, there are certainly unique requirements and challenges that apply solely to two-family dwellings and townhouse construction.  This course will address these unique issues in a practical manner.   Topics include:

• Exterior walls and fire separation distances
• Fire rated assemblies
• Maintaining fire rating of penetrations of a rated assembly
• Air sealing and fire blocking challenges
• When accessible units are required
• Challenges for dryer exhaust systems
• Fire separation issues created by unusual geometrics, decks and garages
• A virtual inspection of a townhouse inspection

Please note:  This course is intended for experienced building code officials, inspectors, designers, and builders who have a strong working knowledge of the IRC.

Instructors

• The Pennsylvania Housing Research Center

Course Materials
The 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) and a standard calculator are required.  To purchase a copy of this code, please contact PCCA at 717-763-0930, click here to order online, or click here to obtain a copy of the code book order form to fax or mail to PCCA.

Code books are not available for sale at the course.

Course Schedule
8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Registration
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Instruction time

Registration Fee
$125 (Training manual, Continental breakfast and lunch included)

Credit Hours
6 UCC continuing education credit hours awarded.

CLICK HERE FOR COURSE LOCATIONS AND DATES

IRC 107: Prescriptive Wall Bracing
Wall bracing is one of many important factors to consider when performing a plan review or inspection on a residential structure.  This program will provide an overview of wood-frame lateral bracing requirements and participants will perform a series of plan reviews for new construction using the prescriptive requirement of the IRC.  Topics Include:

• Understanding forces that act on a house
• History of bracing
• Physical limits
• Bracing options
• Determining required bracing
• Special considerations
• Attachment details
• Whole house considerations

Please note:  This course is intended for experienced building code officials, inspectors, designers, and builders who have a strong working knowledge of the IRC.

Instructors

• The Pennsylvania Housing Research Center

Course Materials
The 2009 International Residential Code (IRC), standard calculator and architectural scale ruler is required.  To purchase a copy of this code, please contact PCCA at 717-763-0930, click here to order online, or click here to obtain a copy of the codebook order form to fax or mail to PCCA.

Codebooks are not available for sale at the course.

Course Schedule
8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Registration
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Instruction time
Registration Fee
$195 (Training manual, Continental breakfast and lunch included)

Credit Hours
12 UCC continuing education credit hours awarded.

CLICK HERE FOR COURSE LOCATIONS AND DATES

IRC 402: Residential Mechanical Performance
This full day program is intended to help building code officials and HVAC contractors improve both system performance and code compliance.  The program highlights common mechanical code compliance problem areas and significant changes to the 2009 IRC.    Topics include: 

• HVAC installation
• Duct installation and design
• Gas piping and bonding
• Clearances to combustibles
• Combustion air
• Direct-vent appliance piping
• Drilling and notching
• Fireblocking and exhaust systems

Please note:  This course is intended for experienced building code officials, inspectors, designers, and builders who have a strong working knowledge of the IRC.

Instructors

• The Pennsylvania Housing Research Center

Course Materials
The 2009 International Residential Code (IRC).  A standard calculator is suggested.  To purchase a copy of this code, please contact PCCA at 717-763-0930, click here to order online, or click here to obtain a copy of the codebook order form to fax or mail to PCCA.

Codebooks are not available for sale at the course.

Course Schedule
8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Registration
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Instruction time
Registration Fee
$125 (Training manual, Continental breakfast and lunch included)

Credit Hours
6 UCC continuing education credit hours awarded.

CLICK HERE FOR COURSE LOCATIONS AND DATES

IRC 502: Residential Sprinklers
Designed for residential plan reviewers, inspectors and contractors but open to any interested party, this two-day session will assist participants with learning how to design and review residential fire sprinkler construction documents in compliance with the applicable building codes for fire protection and life safety requirements in one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses. After attending this session, you will:

• Understand the scope of installation standards NFPA 13R, NFPA 13D and IRC P2904
• Identify and evaluate residential sprinkler system water supply components
• Identify and evaluate residential sprinkler system pipe, valves and trim components
• Identify residential sprinkler system overhead pipe and sprinklers and evaluate the components and design for compliance with either IRC or NFPA 13D
• Review plans and hydraulic calculations for compliance with NFPA 13D

These objectives will be met by utilizing an interactive classroom setting with multiple courses exercises designed to simulate real world situations relating to the design and review of residential sprinkler systems. The following are examples of some of the topics covered through course lecture and activities:

• Network, tree and loop distribution arrangements
• System requirements for water supply from:
  o A municipal-type water system
  o A non-pressurized water storage tank
  o A private well casing
• Alternative connection arrangements to municipal-type water systems
• Head loss caused by domestic water meters from a sample flow characteristic curve
• Requirements for piping materials and installation
• Non-metallic pipe thermal protection requirements
• Type and location of sprinkler pipe hangers and restraints
• Proper placement of control valves, water meters, drain and test valves, and pressure gauges
• Suitability of anti-freeze systems
• Sprinkler types and Sprinkler Identification Numbers (SIN)
• Sprinkler selection and location
• Sizing sprinkler piping through both prescriptive methods and hydraulic calculations

Instructors
Pennsylvania Construction Codes Academy

Course Materials
The 2009 International Residential Code (IRC), the 2007 NFPA are required.  To purchase a copy of the IRC code, please contact PCCA at 717-763-0930, click here to order online, or click here to obtain a copy of the code book order form to fax or mail to PCCA.

To purchase the 2007 NFPA, please contact ICC at www.iccsafe.org.

Course Schedule
8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Registration
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Instruction

Registration Fee
$195 (Training manual, Continental breakfast and lunch included)

Credit Hours
12 UCC continuing education credit hours awarded

CLICK HERE FOR COURSE LOCATIONS AND DATES

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