We offer a variety of courses for homebuilders, tradespeople, or those just interested in learning more about design. Dates are determined based on class enrollment. Sign up now and let us know your preferred availability – days and times. Once we have enrollment confirmed for 6 or more individuals in a specific course, we will determine dates.
Understanding Blueprints
Two 4 hour sessions – afternoons (1-5 p.m.)
Next course – TBA
Call or email to register
$250 + GST
This eight hour class covers the basic content of residential working drawings. It includes several different types of drawings to help students become familiar with all aspects of blueprint reading. Upon completion of this class, students will have a good understanding of house plans and be able to:
- Identify the information included in title blocks, cover sheets and schedules
- Realize the liability and contractual obligations arising from working with blueprints
- Differentiate between items shown in section and in elevation and the importance of the ‘cut plane’
- Calculate vertical and horizontal dimensions in both imperial and metric
- Recognize building terms, abbreviations and symbols common to the building industry
- Comprehend the information included on site plans, including grades, slope and setbacks.
Construction Math
Two 2 hour sessions – evenings (7-9 p.m.)
$150 + GST
If you struggle with going back and forth between imperial and metric or adding and subtracting decimals and fractions, this is the course for you. It is also a good prerequisite to the Blueprint Reading Course. In this course we will cover:
- Why 1.5’ is not the same as 1’ 5”
- What is the big difference between imperial and metric measurements
- How to read a tape measure quickly and efficiently
- How to calculate length, perimeter, area and volume
- Geometry made simple
- Fractions made simpler
- Metric calculator and scale included in cost
Cracking the Code
One full-day session (9 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.)
$250 + GST (Lunch on your own)
With recent updates and stricter regulations, the process of getting a building permit has become more complicated. This class will help you to find your way through the red tape and make the building permit process easier for tradespeople, homebuilders and homeowners. Upon completion you will have an understanding of:
- NBC structure and objectives – how the code is laid out
- Definitions and NBC terminology
- An overview of Part 3
- A detailed review of Part 9 including span tables
- Classification of building occupancies
Finding Your Style
Weekend Workshop – Friday evening (7-9 p.m.) & Saturday (9 a.m.- 5 p.m.)
$300 + GST (Lunch included)
Is the thought of renovating or building causing you to feel overwhelmed? Are you not sure what you like or even what your options are? This weekend workshop will help you to discover your personal style and what works best for you and your family. Learn the differences between traditional and contemporary styles. Discover secrets to making open floor plans work better. You will have an opportunity to prioritize your wish list and coordinate it to your budget. Leave this workshop feeling empowered to take on your renovation/building project.
The Basics of Home Design
Weekend Workshop – Friday evening (7-9 p.m.) & Saturday (9 a.m.- 5 p.m.)
$300 + GST (Lunch included)
Have you had a dream home in your mind for years, but don’t know how to go about getting it onto paper? This interactive weekend workshop will give you key pointers on everything you need to know to make your dream a reality. You will learn the fundamentals of design, including the basics of construction, architectural styles and drafting. Then the fun begins! In an informal design charrette, we will work with you to form and organize your ideas into a floor plan and exterior elevations. Finally…..you will be able to see your ideas in black and white!
