Course Catalogue.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Apply building code requirements and compliance alternatives to real-world repair scenarios
• Diagnose structural and envelope failures and determine appropriate repair strategies
• Evaluate repair risks and prevent common failures that lead to rework, damage, or liability
• Structure and manage repair contracts to control scope, cost, and project outcomes
• Navigate construction disputes using practical resolution strategies, including liens and ADR

Description

Residential building repair projects present a unique challenge: existing structures rarely behave as designed, building code application is not always straightforward, and repair decisions often carry significant risk if misapplied. Poorly executed repairs can lead to continued deterioration, safety concerns, and costly legal disputes.

This course addresses these challenges by focusing on assessing building envelope and structural issues, interpreting and applying code requirements in repair contexts, and making sound, defensible decisions under real-world constraints. Emphasis is placed on identifying failure mechanisms, selecting appropriate repair approaches, and avoiding common errors that lead to performance issues or non-compliance.

Through practical examples and structured guidance, this course develops the capability to evaluate complex repair scenarios, manage technical and contractual risk, and deliver repair solutions that perform as intended while meeting regulatory requirements.

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for:

• Engineers and engineering technologists working in building assessment, repair, or rehabilitation
• Architects, building science professionals, and inspectors involved in code compliance and envelope performance
• Project managers and contractors responsible for residential repair projects
• Professionals managing risk, quality, and regulatory compliance in building repair projects
• Owners and consultants involved in residential building assessment and remediation

Course Syllabus

Day I

Welcome, Introduction, Workshop Preview, Learning Outcomes, and Assessment Methods

Building Permits for Repairs

• Application of building code legislation
• Application of the regulations: the building code
• Alternatives to the building code and regulations applicable to building repair

Alternatives to the Building Code and Regulations

• Compliance alternatives
• Building material evaluation commission authorizations

What Parts of the Code Govern Your Building?

• What is a residential building
• What parts of the building code apply
• What are the building code differences and similarities between new construction and repair?
• Changes in the Building Code and its application to building repair

Code Part 9: Building Structures

• Application of the building code
• Foundation settlement, heaving, and leakage assessment, and repair
• Structural wood framing failure assessment and repair

Code Part 4 and Code Part 5: Building Structures

• Application of the building code
• Assessment, repair, and monitoring of structural concrete: results of a double-blind study

Day II

Code Part 9: Building Envelope

• Application of the building code
• Assessment and repair of brick veneer and windows
• Ice dams and pitched roof design

Multi-Unit Building Envelope: Masonry Veneer and Flashing

• Application of the building code
• Failure assessment and repair of brick failures
• Development of new clay brick materials standard for improved freeze-thaw durability
• Thermal expansion and contraction control

Multi-Unit Building Envelope: Exterior Insulation Finish Systems (EIFS)

• Examples: Failure assessment and repair of field; applied systems and panel systems
• Application of the building code failures: Has the building code failed us

Multi-Unit Window Systems: Time for a Change?

• Assessment and repair of condensation, air leakage, and water leakage
• Application of the building code
• Energy performance of windows
• Low and gas-filled insulating glass
• Framing design and location in the wall
• Retrofit options payback

Day III

Components of Repair Contracts

• Forms of contract
• Parties to a contract
• Payments and holdbacks
• Approvals and certificates for payment

Performance of the Contract

• When is a contract complete
• Who decides if a contract is complete
• What about deficiencies

The Construction Lien

• Application to building repairs
• Trust provisions
• Expiry, preservation, and perfection of liens
• Discharge of liens

Contract Disputes

• Avenues to resolution
• Construction liens and legal action
• Alternatives
• Arbitration and mediation agreements
• ADR process

Questions and Answers, Feedback on Achievement of Learning Outcomes