Description
COURSE AND PACKAGE CONTENTS:
- Overview of Building Trades 9 hour course
- Business of Building 9 hour course
- Marketing for Contractors 7 hour course
- Contracts, Liability and Risk Management 7 hour course
- Construction Safety 7 hour course
- Building Green 7 hour course
- Residential Code Review 7 hour course
- Project Management 7 hour course
- Exam Prep Tools for Business & Law Including Business Math
- Exam Prep Tools for Trades Including Construction Math Video Tutorial
- 2015 Michigan Residential Code Book
- Includes Free Video Instructions on How to Market Your Construction Company on Social Media
OVERVIEW OF BUILDING TRADES
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This nine-hour course provides an overview of building trade skills. The information provided in this course would be advantageous for anyone seeking to start a residential building project or enter into the building industry.
A 70% passing score on each assessment is required to move on to the next chapter. Students must answer 70% of the questions correctly in order to receive credit/certification for the course.
LESSON 1
- Deed Restrictions
- Surveys
- Easements
- Setback Requirements
- Topographical Plans
- Permitting and Inspections
LESSON 2
- Floods
- Wetlands
- Damage to Trees During Construction
- Utility Locations
- Dewatering
- Water Well Requirements
LESSON 3
- Site Measurements and Markings
- Site Preparation
- Excavating Near Retaining Walls
LESSON 4
- Soil Conditions
- Soil Compaction
- Finding the Optimum Density and Moisture Content
LESSON 5
- Concrete
- Pouring Concrete
LESSON 6
- Isolation Joints
- Driveways and Sidewalks
- Reinforced Concrete
- Cold Weather Concreting
- Problems with Concrete
LESSON 7
- Foundations
LESSON 8
- Framing and Sheathing
LESSON 9
- Walls and Stairs
LESSON 10
- Roofing
LESSON 11
- Rafter Framing
LESSON 12
- Roofing (continued)
LESSON 13
- Roof Venting and Insulation and Gutters
LESSON 14
- Siding and Windows
LESSON 15
- Finish Carpentry
LESSON 16
- Masonry
LESSON 17
- Mortar Types and Their Uses
LESSON 18
- Reading House Plans
LESSON 19
- Reading House Plans (continued)
LESSON 20
- Reading House Plans (continued)
BUSINESS OF BUILDING
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This nine-hour course will provide new builders with an understanding of the Code of Conduct and their responsibilities to their employees, to their customers and to the government. It includes knowledge needed in order for them to successfully maneuver through new business startup stages.
A 70% passing score on each assessment is required to move on to the next chapter. Students must answer 70% of the questions correctly in order to receive credit/certification for the course.
LESSON 1
- Hierarchy of Michigan Government with Respect to Residential Builders
- State of Michigan Government Websites
- General Information
LESSON 2
- Michigan Compiled Laws — LARA
LESSON 3
- Michigan Compiled Laws — Licensing
LESSON 4
- Michigan Compiled Laws — Complaints and Citations
LESSON 5
- Michigan Compiled Laws — Restitution and License Requirements
LESSON 6
- Michigan Compiled Laws — Applying for a License and Complaints
LESSON 7
- Administrative Rules — Licenses, Operations of Licenses and Complaints, Hearings and Pre-License and Continuing Education
LESSON 8
- Administrative Rules — Disciplinary Proceedings, State License Fee Act and Building Contract Fund
LESSON 9
- Construction Lien Documents Overview
LESSON 10
- Excerpts of the Construction Lien Act
LESSON 11
- Administrative Rules — Lien Waivers
LESSON 12
- Establishing a Business Entity
LESSON 13
- Business Finance
- Accounting and Bookkeeping
LESSON 14
- Independent Contractor or Employee?
- Income Tax
LESSON 15
- Labor Laws
LESSON 16
- Fair Housing
- Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act
LESSON 17
- Bidding and Estimating
- Developing a Project Budget
MARKETING FOR BUILDING CONTRACTORS
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Marketing is an essential part of running a successful business. This seven-hour course will show students how to put together a customized, cost-effective marketing program that will work year after year. Even those building contractors who have already been in business for years will learn how to build strength in the marketing aspects of their company, including a cost-effective method of generating leads. Students will also learn how to incorporate successful marketing tactics simultaneously.
A 70% passing score on each assessment is required to move on to the next chapter. Students must answer 70% of the questions correctly in order to receive credit/certification for the course.
LESSON 1
- Business Laws
- Importance of Marketing
- Effective Marketing Programs
- Marketing Goals
- Analyze the Company
- Areas of Specialization
- Analyze the Client
- Analyze the Competition
LESSON 2
- Creating a Marketing Message
- Costs of a Marketing Program
- Marketing Team
LESSON 3
- Public Perception
- Company Name
- Company Logo
LESSON 4
- Printed Marketing Materials
- Truck Signage
- Office
LESSON 5
- Best Sources of Business
- Repeat Clients
- Social Media Referrals
- Developing a Contact Database
- Creating a Referral Program
- Testimonials
- Client Gifts
LESSON 6
- Communication
- Newsletters
- Tax Incentives
LESSON 7
- Prospective Clients
- Job Site Signs
- Job Site Mailings
- Canvassing
- Telemarketing
LESSON 8
- Client Warming Parties
- Remodeled Home Tours
- Special Events
- Educational Seminars
- Charitable Events
- Networking
- Co-op Marketing Funds
LESSON 9
- Websites
- Backup
- Promotion
- Other Great Sites
LESSON 10
- Universe Marketing
- Home Shows
- Award Program Entries
- Publicity
- Showrooms
- Yellow Pages
- Radio Talk Show/YouTube Channel
LESSON 11
- Marketing Tactics and Budget
- Annual Calendar
- Tracking Your Success
LESSON 12
- Vehicle Requirements
- Abbreviations and Definitions
- Vehicle Inspections
LESSON 13
- Driver Requirements
- Types of Commercial Drivers Licenses
- CDL Endorsements
- Hours of Service for Drivers
- Hazardous Materials
- Materials of Trade
CONTRACTS, LIABILITIES AND RISK MANAGEMENT
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This seven-hour course explains the principles of contract law and the important elements of a home building and remodeling contract. The difference between various contracts used in the residential construction industry is also described. Requirements and types of insurance are also covered in this course, as well as the details of Workers Compensation.
A 70% passing score on each assessment is required to move on to the next chapter. Students must answer 70% of the questions correctly in order to receive credit/certification for the course.
LESSON 1
- Business Laws
- Contracts
LESSON 2
- Contract Documents
- Positions of Contractors
- Types of Contracts
LESSON 3
- Awarding a Contract
- Request for Proposal
LESSON 4
- Pre-Proposal Meeting
LESSON 5
- Fundamentals of Contract Law
- Written and Oral Contracts
LESSON 6
- Capacity to Enter a Contract
- Offer and Acceptance
- Contract Conditions
LESSON 7
- Consideration
- Agents
- Reasonable Person
LESSON 8
- Contract Defenses
- Changing Situations
LESSON 9
- Time Limits for Legal Action
- Types of Contracts
LESSON 10
- Home Solicitation Act
LESSON 11
- Gift Promotion Act
- Truth in Lending Act
- Home Improvement Finance Act
- Maximum House Size
- Owner-Built Resident Transfer Act
LESSON 12
- Insurance
- Builders Risk Insurance
- Property Insurance on Contractors’ Property
- Public Liability Insurance
- Comprehensive General Liability
- Professional Liability
- Liability Insurance on Employees
LESSON 13
- Contract Surety Bond
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance
CONSTRUCTION SAFETY
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This seven-hour course is a review of the safety codes required for residential construction. Students will be able to understand and describe the basic components of a construction safety program. They will recognize the hazards inherent at a construction job site and describe ways to prevent those hazards. Finally, they will learn the responsibilities of both the employer and the employee in observing established safety practices.
A 70% passing score on each assessment is required to move on to the next chapter. Students must answer 70% of the questions correctly in order to receive credit/certification for the course.
LESSON 1
- Introduction
- Recordkeeping and Reporting
- Worker Rights and Responsibilities
- Employer Rights and Responsibilities
- Sources of Assistance
LESSON 2
- Protecting Employees From Workplace Hazards
- Employer Responsibilities
- Head Protection
- Eye Protection
- Hearing Protection
- Foot Protection
- Hand Protection
- Body Protection
LESSON 3
- Fall Protection
- Written Fall Protection Plan
- Excavations
- Wall Openings
- Good Work Practices
LESSON 4
- Stairways and Ladders
- Stairs
- Ladders
LESSON 5
- Scaffolds
- Scaffold Construction
- Types of Scaffolds
LESSON 6
- Excavation Hazards
- Protective Systems
- Materials and Equipment
- Hazards
LESSON 7
- Electricity
- How Electricity Works
- Electrical Injuries
- Electrical Hazards
- Temporary Lighting
- Electrical Safety
LESSON 8
- Hazard Communication
- Minimizing Hazards
- Hazardous Chemicals
- Training
LESSON 9
- Tool Safety
- Hand Tool Hazards
- Power Tool Hazards
- Guarding
- Pneumatic Tools
- Liquid Fuel Tools
- Powder Actuated Tools
LESSON 10
- Materials Handling, Storage, Use and Disposal
- Storing Materials
- Disposal of Waste Materials
BUILDING GREEN
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This seven hour course will bring attention to methods of green building that allow homes to have less impact on the environment while providing a great economic benefit to the homeowner. Students will learn the importance of incorporating energy-efficiency into their building projects.
A 70% passing score on each assessment is required to move on to the next chapter. Students must answer 70% of the questions correctly in order to receive credit/certification for the course.
LESSON 1
- Resource and Energy Efficient Buildings
- Heat Transfer
- Air Infiltration
- Diagnostic Testing: Thermal Imaging
- Blower Door Tests
LESSON 2
- Residential Energy Codes
- Compliance Methods
- Design Phase
- Indoor Air Quality
- Useful Websites
LESSON 3
- Advanced Framing Techniques
- Insulated Headers
- Raised Heel Trusses
- Baffles
- Double 2 x 4 Walls
- Prefabricated Walls
LESSON 4
- Frost Protected Shallow Foundations
- Airsealing
- Airtight Drywall Approach
- Structural Insulated Panels
- Insulating Concrete Forms
LESSON 5
- Insulation
- Batt
- Cellulose
LESSON 6
- Spray Foam Insulation
- Insulated Sheathing
LESSON 7
- Radiant Barriers
- Windows
- Solar Heat Gain
- Visible Transmission
- Air Infiltration Rate
LESSON 8
- Lighting
- Incandescent
- CFL
- LED
- Insulating and Sealing Ductwork
- Duct Design
LESSON 9
- HVAC
- High Efficiency Appliances—Energy Star
- Energy Recovery Ventilators
- Sealed Combustion Appliances
- Water Heaters
- Air Conditioning
LESSON 10
- Geothermal Systems
- Solar Heating
LESSON 11
- Wind Turbines
- Uses
- Types
- Electricity Generation
LESSON 12
- Waste Management
- Marketing and Sales
- Energy Performance
- Solar Photovoltaic Prodoucts
- Fuel Cells
RESIDENTIAL CODE REVIEW
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This seven-hour course is a review of the codes required for residential construction. This course focuses on the 2015 Michigan Residential Code book and the latest changes. The 2015 MRC is a comprehensive stand-alone residential code that establishes minimum requirements for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses, with the purpose of safeguarding the health and safety of the public.
A 70% passing score on each assessment is required to move on to the next chapter. Students must answer 70% of the questions correctly in order to receive credit/certification for the course.
CODE BOOK BASICS
- Introduction
- Adoption
- Marginal Markings
- Navigation
CHAPTERS 1 AND 2
- Scope and Application
- Administration and Enforcement
- Definitions
CHAPTER 3 BUILDING PLANNING
- Design Criteria
- Minimum Requirements
- Glazing
- Egress
- Fire, Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
- Decay
- Flood Resistant Construction
CHAPTERS 4-11
- Foundations
- Floors
- Wall Construction/Covering
- Roof Ceiling Construction
- Roof Assemblies
- Chimneys and Fireplaces
- Energy Efficiency
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This seven-hour course focuses on the primary responsibilities of a project manager: managing project costs and time while completing the project to the expected degree of quality. This requires close attention to detail before beginning actual construction, as well as during the project. Taking proactive measures will help the project manager determine possible obstacles before they occur. This course will analyze all three primary areas. The student will learn how to implement proven methods to manage most effectively.
A 70% passing score on each assessment is required to move on to the next chapter. Students must answer 70% of the questions correctly in order to receive credit/certification for the course.
LESSON 1
- Necessary Steps for Developing a Project Budget
- Primary Objectives of a Project Manager
- Benefits of Cost Management
- Creating a List of Projected Costs for a Project
- Understanding a Fixed Price Agreement
LESSON 2
- Steps in Developing a Project Budget
- Describing What Costs Fall into Project and Company Overhead Categories
- Contingency Costs
- Correctly Calculating Profit Margin
LESSON 3
- Difference Between Wage and Profit for Your Company
- Negotiating and Documenting Schedule of Payments
- Change Orders
LESSON 4
- Job Cost Accounting
- Primary Functions of Procurement
- Understanding and Calculating Common Supplier Discounts
LESSON 5
- Costs for Usage of Small and Large Equipment on Projects
- Employee Bonus System
- Price per Square Foot
LESSON 6
- Cost Overruns
- Advantages of Computers in Cost Accounting
- Calculating Profit Margins When Cost Overruns Occur
LESSON 7
- Different Types of Construction Loans
- Title Requirements for Loans
- Understanding Loan-to-Value Ratios
LESSON 8
- Loan Applications
- Process and Steps of Construction Loans
- Commingling of Funds
LESSON 9
- Elements of Creating a Project Schedule
- Selecting Subcontractors
- Estimating Contingency Time
- Relationships with Subcontractors
LESSON 10
- Critical Path
- Project Data
- Advantages of Using Computers for Time Management
LESSON 11
- Importance of Quality Control
- Finding Subcontractors
- Bid Specifications
LESSON 12
- Knowledge of Tasks
- Log Books
- Dos and Don’ts of a Project Manager
- Certified Installers
LESSON 13
- Soil Erosion
- Contractor Responsibilities Associated with Erosion Control
MI Business and Law Exam Prep Course
Syllabus
This course will prepare students for the Business and Law portion of the exam and is based on the reference materials and industry standards outlined in the PSI Candidate Bulletin. Be sure to review the Bulletin; it provides important information about the test.
When studying for the exam, we recommend you either print out or reference the following materials outlined by PSI as well as reviewing the Business of Building portion of the 60-Hour Pre-Licensure Course. You can also find helpful information at the LARA Website Builders’ page.
OCCUPATIONAL CODE (EXCERPT)
MICHIGAN ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
MICHIGAN ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
CONSTRUCTION LIEN ACT
MICHIGAN OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ACT
Regulatory and Statutory Requirements
LICENSING PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS
- Application
- Renewal
- Display
- Suspensions and Revocations
- Company License
REGULATIONS GOVERNING CONDUCT AND PENALTIES
- Place of Business
- Advertising, Sales Agreements
- Financial Statements
COMPAINTS
INVESTIGATIONS
HEARINGS
INDEPENDENT ARBITRATION
PERMITTING AND INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS
CIVIL RIGHTS
- Elliott-Larson Civil Rights Act
FAIR HOUSING AND AMERICAN DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)
- Michigan Barrier Free Design
- Sales
- Office Facility
- Hiring
- Employee Practices
EPA REGULATIONS FOR HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
- Asbestos
- Lead
- Radon
SALESPERSONS
TYPES OF BUSINESS ORGANIZATION
- Proprietorships
- Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
- Corporations
- Partnerships
ESTIMATING
- Estimating Pertaining to Residential Building
CONTRACTS
- Requirements
- Definition
- Types
- Terminology
- Binding
- Addenda
- Change Orders
- Warranties
- Financing Requirements
- Breach
PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
- Quality Assurance
- Materials/Logistics
- Cost Management
- Subcontractors
- Inspections
- Scheduling
- Draws and Progress Payments
- Retainage
- Customer Service
ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE
- Payroll
- Tax Obligations (Federal, State, Unemployment)
- Costs and Expenses
- Sales and Accounts Receivable
- Cash Flow
- Balance Sheets
- Income Statements
- Ratios
INSURANCE, BONDS AND LIENS
- Insurance
- Liability
- Workers’ Compensation
- Vehicle
- Property
- Property Damage
- Title
- Employee (social security, unemployment, disability, benefits)
- Business
- Accident
- Builders’ Risk
- Bonds
- Liens Placement (Construction Lien Act)
PERSONNEL
- Employee Safety and Administration (recordkeeping, MIOSHA, penalties)
- Federal and State Labor Laws
- Employee Benefits (retirement, health, vacation)
Business Math
Practice Tests
MI Trades Exam Prep Course
Syllabus
This course will prepare students for the Practice/Trades portion of the exam and is based on the reference materials and industry standards outlined in the PSI Candidate Bulletin. Be sure to review the Bulletin; it provides important information about the test.
When studying for the exam, we recommend you reference the materials outlined by PSI as well as reviewing the Overview of Building Trades portion of the 60-Hour Pre-Licensure Course.
Site Engineering
SURVEYING
- Reference points
- Monuments
- Flood Plains
- Wetlands
- Benchmarks
SEPTIC REQUIREMENTS
WELL REQUIREMENTS
PLOT PLAN
- Building lines
- Setbacks
- Easements
- Restrictions
- Utilities
ELEVATIONS
- Transit level
- Topographical
SURVEY PLANS AND SYMBOLS
Plans, Specifications and Estimating
GREEN BUILDING MATERIALS AND METHODS
- Resource Conservation
- Construction Techniques
- Design
- Advanced Framing
- Insulated Headers
- Raised Heel Trusses
- Double 2 x 4 Walls
- Frost Protected Shallow Foundations
- Air Sealing
- Building Wraps
- Airtight Drywall
- SIPs and ICFs
COSTS AND LABOR ESTIMATING
- Material
- Quantity Take-Off
- Conceptual Estimates
- Square Foot
- Lump Sum or Fixed Price
- Unit Price
- Job Cost Recording
- Equipment
- Depreciation
- Documentation Procedures
- Permits and inspections
PLAN READING
- Types of plans (floor, framing, truss, foundation)
- Symbols and legends
- Scales and dimensions
- Views, sections and details
- Schedules
Excavation/Sitework
DEMOLITION
- Protection procedures
- Equipment
- Trenching methods and techniques
SOIL
- Testing
- Types
- Compaction
- Erosion
- Sedimentation control
MISS DIG
GRADING
- Backfill
- Dewatering
Footings and Foundations
INSTALLATION
- Site Requirements
- Materials
- Moisture barriers
- Damp proofing
CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS
FOOTINGS
- Types
- Dimensions
FOUNDATION WALLS
- Concrete
- Wood
ANCHORING
Concrete
PORTLAND CEMENT
- Aggregates, Admixtures, Accelerators
- Slump
- Compressive Strength
- Prepare to pour
FLATWORK
- Driveways
- Sidewalks
- Floors
FORMWORK
- Foundation Walls
- Finishing
- Forms
- Joints
- Quality
- Reinforcement
- Problems
Carpentry
BRACING AND BRIDGING
TABLES
SOLE, TOP PLATE, RIM JOISTS
NOTCHING AND BORING
FLOOR FRAMING
- Joists
- Trusses
WALL FRAMING
- Exterior
- Load bearing
- Partitions
ROOF FRAMING
- Rafters
- Decking
- Valleys, crickets, saddles
OPENINGS
- Vents, windows, doors, attic access
STAIRS
- Landings
- Rise and run
- Width
- Clearances
DECKS
- Fasteners
- Height
- Rails
- Materials
FINISH CARPENTRY
- Flooring
- Cabinetry
- Trim/molding
MI BARRIER FREE DESIGN
Masonry
MORTAR AND GROUT
- Types
- Placement
- Joints
BRICK
- Walls
- Veneer
- Types
- Fireplace
STONE
- Manufactured
- Natural
CONCRETE BLOCK
DETAILS
- Sills and lintels
- Piers and pilasters
- Patterns
- Arches
REINFORCEMENT
FLASHING
FIREPLACE AND CHIMNEY CONSTRUCTION
Roofing
COVERING MATERIALS
- Asphalt shingles
- Wood shingles and shakes
- Metal
- Tile
- Bitumens
VALLEYS
- Flashing
VENTILATION
REROOFING
- Code requirements
Insulation
TYPES
- Blanket, batt, blown-in, sprayed-on, foil faced
- Sound
Ventilation
ATTIC
FOUNDATION
BATHROOM
Windows, Doors and Skylights
BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENTS
- Energy code
SAFETY GLAZING
- Code requirements
EGRESS/ESCAPE
- Dimensions
- Code
INSTALLATION
WATER INTRUSION
- Flashing
- Caulking
DOORS
- Interior and exterior
SKYLIGHTS
Siding Installation
ELEMENTS
TYPES
Interior and Exterior Finishes
METHODS AND MATERIALS
- Application methods
- Drywall
- Painting
- Tile
Specialties
POOL SYSTEMS AND BARRIERS
- Requirements
SMOKE/CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS
Safety and Employee Protection
PERSONNEL TRAINING
JOBSITE SAFETY
- Materials
- Hoists
- Hazardous materials
- Waste disposal
- Excavation
- Ladders and scaffolds
- Fall protection
- Barricades and signs
- Tools
CONSTRUCTION MATH VIDEO TUTORIAL
Practice Tests
Social Media Marketing for Construction Trades
Course Description
Learn the ins and outs of social media marketing from experts that work in both social media and the construction industry. Use these tools and tricks to upgrade your personal and professional profiles, drive leads, and increase business.
Course instructors will be available by email or telephone between 8am and 6pm Eastern Standard Time. They will assist you with questions regarding course content.
If you have any questions, please call us at 1-800-727-7104 or send an email to info@onlinecti.com. Email responses will usually be returned promptly, but guaranteed within one business day.
Student policies and procedures are always available by going to our website and scrolling to the bottom of the page (See Attendance, Privacy and Refund Policy).
