31410301Introduction to Construction
Course Information
Description
This course provides instruction in the fundamentals of floor, wall, ceiling and roof framing. A variety of building methods are discussed in the context of current understanding of how buildings work and why they fail.
Total Credits
5
Course Competencies
  1. Select lumber appropriate to application.
    Assessment Strategies
    Projects, exam
    Criteria
    Explain how trees are harvested and milled into lumber
    Identify woods commonly used in construction
    Identify common defects in lumber
    Select the appropriate lumber for projects
    Visually evaluate lumber defects

  2. Interpret building plans.
    Assessment Strategies
    Building projects using plans, exam
    Criteria
    Identify blueprint symbols
    Interpret schedules and notes from the plan
    Determine measurements from the plan
    Identify features based on line weights and line types

  3. Build a product from given plans.
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration, build a sawhorse
    Criteria
    You follow proper safety procedures
    Sawhorse is of the correct dimensions.
    Sawhorse is made of specified and structurally sound lumber
    Sawhorse sits with all four feet on a flat floor
    Sawhorse fasteners are countersunk
    Sawhorse is made of cleanly cut lumber
    Sawhorse edges are eased

  4. Explain house framing methods.
    Assessment Strategies
    Exam
    Criteria
    Identify different framing methods
    Explain on-center spacing
    Explain the effects of loads and forces on homes
    Compare the pros and cons of each method

  5. Install a girder or beam and posting.
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration, exam
    Criteria
    You follow proper safety procedures
    Girder, beam and posting are cut to the correct length
    Girder, beam and posting are installed in correct location
    Girder, beam and posting are nailed as per applicable codes and specifications

  6. Install mudsills.
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration, exam
    Criteria
    You follow proper safety procedures
    Mudsills are installed as per plans and applicable codes
    Mudsill is correctly located, square and level

  7. Construct a floor frame.
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration, exam
    Criteria
    Identify members of a floor frame
    You follow proper safety procedures
    Rim boards and floor joists are installed as per plans and applicable codes
    Frame floor openings are built per plans and applicable codes
    Floor sheathing is installed as per plans and applicable codes

  8. Frame exterior walls with window and door openings.
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration, exam
    Criteria
    Identify framing members in an exterior wall
    You follow proper safety procedures
    Exterior walls are constructed as per plans and applicable codes
    Wall is square
    Wall is in correct place
    Wall is plumb
    Wall is properly braced

  9. Sheath building.
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration, exam
    Criteria
    Explain the structural role of exterior sheathing
    Describe how to install exterior sheathing
    You follow proper safety procedures
    Exterior sheathing is installed as per plans, applicable codes and instructor directions

  10. Frame interior partitions.
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration, exam
    Criteria
    Explain how to lay out interior walls
    Follow proper safety procedures
    Interior walls are framed as per plans and applicable codes
    Interior walls are located in the correct positions
    Interior walls are square
    Interior walls are plumb

  11. Frame roofs.
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration, exam
    Criteria
    You follow proper safety procedures
    Interpret roof plans
    Cut and install roof rafters per plans and applicable codes
    Fly rafters, lookouts, subfascia are installed so roof is ready for finishing

  12. Install roof trusses and bracing.
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration, exam
    Criteria
    Explain the pros and cons of constructing roofs with trusses
    Explain the movement of forces in a roof truss
    You follow proper safety procedures
    Interpret truss plans
    Roof trusses are installed as per truss plans, building plans, and applicable codes
    Roof trusses are braced as per truss plans and applicable building codes

  13. Install roof sheathing.
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration, exam
    Criteria
    Explain the structural role of roof sheathing
    Describe how to install roof sheathing
    You follow proper safety procedures
    Roof sheathing is installed as per plans, applicable codes and instructor directions
    Roof is protected from rain