For Homeowners, Investors, Remodelers, and More!
Residential Construction Mastery
Know Your Home From the Ground Up - Materials, Methods, Systems, and Terminology
To Truly Know and Care for Your Home You Need to Know the Materials, Systems, Components, and Terminology of Construction
“This knowledge has been invaluable as I’ve maintained and remodeled my homes over the years. I’ve saved many thousands of dollars and made better choices by understanding construction and how to communicate with contractors. This course is one of the best investments you can make!” — Brian Caine, Mayfield, OH
Whether you’re about to remodel your kitchen or build your dream home, understanding residential construction is key to achieving quality results and maximizing value. This course will give you a behind-the-scenes look at everything you need to know—from reading architectural drawings like a pro to evaluating the quality of construction materials. Plus, we’ll explore essential topics like foundation types, framing systems, building materials, energy-efficient building practices and much, much more!
We’ll teach you not just the “what” but the “why” behind the materials and techniques used. You’ll walk away from this course with the tools to make smarter decisions, spot quality work, and avoid the costly mistakes made by so many others without this knowledge.
So grab a cup of coffee and let’s get started building your residential construction knowledge, from the ground up!
Here's Just Some of What You'll Learn in Residential Construction Mastery
- Introduction to Architectural Drawings
- Understanding CAD and Its Advantages
- Steps in the Architectural Design Process
- Orthographic Projection Explained
- Types of Architectural Drawings
- Using an Architectural Scale Ruler
- The Golden Rule of Dimensioning
- Common Symbols in Architectural Drawings
- Site Design and Evaluation
- Impact of Home Site on Design and Value
- Typical Site Design Drawings
- Understanding Topographic Plans
- Site Development Plans and Elevations
- Building Site Evaluation Checklist
- Understanding Impact Fees
- Dynamics of Scheduling
- Inspections, Approvals, and Cash Flow
- Impact of Changes and Decisions
- Managing Job Site Activities
- Introduction to the Residential Construction Scheduling Flowchart
- Introducing the Remodeling Planning Checklist
- Survey, Stakeout, and Site Prep
- Clearing and Excavation
- Foundation and Sewers
- Residential Foundation Systems
- Common Foundation Materials
- Foundation Performance Considerations
- Structure and Terminology
- Understanding Roof Components
- Exploring Wall and Floor Structures
- Foundations and Load Distribution
- Dimensional Lumber Explained
- Structural Loads and Deflection
- Panel Materials
- Understanding Plywood
- The Evolution of Waferboard and OSB
- Alternative Framing Systems
- Modern Structural Components
- Foundation and Underground Plumbing
- Concrete Floor and Water Services
- Septic System and Framing
- Earthquake and Wind Resistance
- Floor Construction Materials and Details
- Double Layer vs Single Layer Floor Systems
- Advanced Floor Framing Techniques
- Roof Systems and Terminology
- Common Roof Shapes and Types
- Understanding Roof Pitches
- Truss Construction Explained
- Common Types of Roofing Materials
- Fundamentals of Stair Construction
- Pressure Treated Lumber
- Introduction to Factory-Built Housing
- Types of Factory-Built Housing
- Advantages of Factory-Built Housing
- Exploring Concrete as a Building Material
- Concrete Ingredients and Mixtures
- Concrete Reinforcement and Joints
- Ensuring Quality Concrete Work
- Exterior Siding and Finish Materials
- Blueprint Reading: Doors and Windows
- Interior and Exterior Door Types
- Window Frame and Sash Materials
- Window Performance Ratings
- Common Window Styles
- Fireplace Types and Terminology
- Fireplace Performance and Safety
- Energy Efficiency in Fireplaces
- Types of Factory-Built Fireplaces
- Mechanical Trades and Rough-Ins
- Electrical Symbols and Blueprint Reading
- Exploring Solar Energy Systems
- Heating Systems Overview
- Water Heating Systems
- Plumbing Blueprint Symbols
- Plumbing System Components
- Energy Efficient Construction Techniques
- Green Building Principles
- Interior Wall Surface Materials
- Cabinetry Types and Construction
- Countertop Materials and Details
- Exploring Flooring Materials
- Understanding Moldings and Trims
- Paints, Stains, and Finishes
- Types of Paints: Oil-Based vs. Water-Based
- Quality Considerations for Paint
- Building Codes and Inspections
- ... and Much More!
"This training was Outstanding! It was above and beyond what I have received in the past 20 years as a Realtor. It was practical, basic, yet complex, and a whole new world of terminology. It involves so many facets of home building that is so important when trying to communicate with home Inspectors, builders, and new home subdivision staff when negotiating for our clients. I’m so glad I decided to take this class. It just so happens that I am buying new construction at this very time. I was able to visit the construction site almost weekly and compare what was happening on the site to the chapters I was actually reading. Thank you so much Dennis and Teresa for this opportunity. You two are great!"
Charlee Jones
New Orleans, LAI just want to take a few minutes to thank you for the information contained in this certification program. After selling existing real estate for a number of years, I have been working with a team of agents selling only new construction for about a year. What fun this is becoming (and will be even more so) being comfortable answering buyer’s questions more intelligently than before. The sample forms and follow up suggestions have also been a great help. Had I known how much I would benefit from this and enjoy the information, I would had availed myself of this long ago. I use some portion of it everyday. Thanks again."
Debbie Ernst
Louisville, KYThis was a thorough walk-through of the building process. I have been deeply involved in custom home building for 40+ years, as an interior designer, selections specialist and a sales representative of new construction, and found it informative and a good education.
Ruth Lecy
Minnetonka, MNThis program was very comprehensive. I enjoyed it greatly. This is one of the first construction programs I have taken that was actually taught in a real world way by someone who truly understands and has been in the industry. The locals here trying to teach new construction classes better keep their day jobs. Yours is a real hands on program."
Scott Reinert
St. Cloud, MNI have been building homes and remodeling for years and this course was very helpful and a great review as well.
David Ellington
Clemmons, NCThank you Dennis for taking the time to put all this information together! It will be an invaluable resource for years to come!"
Ric Hendrix
Marana, AZ
Meet the World-Class Experts, Trainers, and Course Creators Behind YourHome.Academy
Gain powerful insider knowledge and strategies from experts with a lifetime of experience in the trenches of construction and remodeling and have trained almost 200,000 real estate, building, mortgage, and other housing industry professionals.