BLD 175 Residential Plan Review

Lecture Hours: 2
Lab Hours: 2
Credits: 3

Examines the techniques and processes of residential plan review. This class includes familiarization with plans and construction documents and the application of fire and life-safety code requirements. The student will learn to perform basic residential fire & life-safety, structural, and energy plan reviews based on the International Residential Code. The class will focus on professionalism and techniques for proper application of codes through the review process. Students will learn to provide complete professional plan reviews and plan review comments that are polite, concise, thorough, and correct. The class will focus on digital plan review tools, techniques, and procedures.

Prerequisite: BLD 142 with a grade of C or better; or consent of instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Learn and apply electronic plan review markup software, processes, and tools while completing a residential plan review.
Identify residential 1 & 2 family occupancies to determine building code compliance requirements.
Navigate construction drawings to locate documentation for code requirements.
Determine code compliance for the Building Planning section in Chapter 3 and energy.
Review structural elements and design criteria to determine compliance for roof framing, wall bracing, floor framing, foundations, and soils requirements of the IRC.
Practice effective written communication techniques in corrective notices.
Prepare for and take the ICC (R3) Residential Plans Examiner Certification Exam.

Content Outline

Learn and apply Bluebeam electronic plan review software and other plan review tools to review, mark-up plans, and document corrections.
Discuss administrative plan review functions, processes, and terminology.
Review site plans to include location on property and design criteria.
Review plans to accurately identify different 1 & 2 family dwelling occupancies, accessory structures, and distinguishing features.
Review plans for compliance with the Building Planning Section of Chapter 3 including ventilation, glazing, egress, sanitation, smoke alarms, fire rated construction, and moisture control.
Identify energy envelope requirements, including R-values, U-factors. Verify exterior wall assemblies, including vapor barrier, moisture barrier and Res-check forms.
Observe and accurately confirm code compliance in plans for the structural design of roof framing, wall bracing, headers, floor systems, foundations, and soils.
Confirm covering requirements for walls and roofs.
Complete an electronic plan review. Effectively communicate plan review code violations with Bluebeam and other mediums based upon actual construction drawings.
Prepare for and take the ICC (R3) Residential Plans Examiner Certification Exam.