Const-108 - Introduction to Construction Inspections and Codes - Claudenice Braga-McCalister

Introduction

Hello and welcome to CONST 108: Introduction to Construction Inspection & Codes!

My name is Claudenice Braga-McCalister, and you may call me Professor McCalister. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and bring professional experience in project management and construction safety. I have taught at College of the Canyons since 2018, covering subjects such as construction fundamentals, blueprint reading, building codes, planning and scheduling, estimating, and construction inspections.

Building codes influence nearly every stage of a construction project, from design and permitting to inspections and final approval. But successful inspection involves more than locating a code section. Inspectors and construction professionals must understand how to interpret requirements, evaluate field conditions, document their findings, communicate deficiencies, and support quality and public safety.

In this course, you will explore the responsibilities and authority of building inspectors, the regulatory and inspection processes, quality assurance and quality control, and the California codes and standards that govern construction. You will learn how codes are applied to plans, construction activities, building systems, accessibility, life safety, energy efficiency, and other project requirements.

This is a fully online and asynchronous course, which means there are no required in-person or real-time class meetings. However, the course is not self-paced. You will need to participate consistently, follow the schedule established for your section, and complete the required activities by their posted deadlines.

You do not need previous inspection experience to succeed. Come prepared to investigate requirements, analyze construction situations, ask questions, and begin thinking like an inspector. I look forward to supporting you throughout the course.

Course Description

This course introduces the function, responsibilities, authority, and technical requirements of quality assurance of construction projects using California’s building codes as a basis.

At the end of this course, you will be able to apply knowledge of codes, regulations, and standards to a construction project.

What This Means to You

In this course, you will develop a practical understanding of how construction quality and code compliance are regulated and enforced in California. You will examine how inspectors, building officials, designers, contractors, and regulatory agencies use building codes and standards to protect public health, safety, and welfare.

You will explore quality assurance and quality control, the duties and responsibilities of building inspectors, professional ethics, legal authority, career development, regulatory processes, permit requirements, plan review, inspection procedures, documentation, communication, and code enforcement.

The course introduces the California Building Code, Residential Code, Fire Code, accessibility requirements, energy requirements, green building standards, referenced standards, and codes addressing electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems. You will also consider the influence of local codes, zoning requirements, and emerging practices.

Rather than focusing only on memorizing code provisions, this course emphasizes how codes are located, interpreted, applied, documented, and communicated in professional construction and inspection settings.

By the end of the course, you will be better prepared to analyze construction documents and field conditions, recognize potential compliance concerns, understand how regulatory requirements affect construction decisions, and communicate inspection-related information professionally.

What to Expect in this Course

This is a fully online and asynchronous course. There are no required in-person or real-time lectures. Course materials, instructional videos, assignments, discussions, quizzes, exams, code-research activities, and other learning experiences are delivered through Canvas.

Although you may complete your work at different times, this course is not self-paced. Modules, assignments, and assessments follow the schedule established for your section. You are expected to review Canvas regularly, read announcements, follow module instructions, and submit your work by the posted deadlines.

Typical modules may include assigned readings, links to electronic building codes and standards, supplemental resources, instructional videos, code-navigation activities, practical scenarios, graded assignments, discussions or reflections, quizzes, and a module checklist. You will also complete online exams and may complete applied activities that require you to evaluate construction documents, inspection findings, or field conditions using applicable code requirements.

You should plan to dedicate several hours each week to reviewing instructional materials, navigating code resources, researching requirements, completing assignments, participating in discussions, and preparing for assessments. Code research can require additional time, particularly while you are learning how different codes and standards are organized. Shorter and accelerated sections cover the same course content in less time and therefore require a substantially greater weekly commitment.

Regular access to a desktop or laptop computer and a reliable internet connection is strongly recommended. You will use electronic building codes and other online regulatory resources, which may be difficult to navigate on a smartphone or small tablet. You will also need a current web browser, a PDF reader, and Microsoft Word or compatible word-processing software.

A webcam and microphone are not required for routine participation but may be needed for optional meetings, collaborative activities, individual support, or an academic integrity review.

Types of Assessments

Assessments may include online research activities, building-code navigation exercises, homework assignments, discussion boards and peer responses, short written reflections, inspection and compliance scenarios, construction-document analysis, practice quizzes, graded quizzes, online exams, and applied projects.

Practice activities may be ungraded and are provided to help you learn how codes and standards are organized, check your understanding, and prepare for graded assessments. Exams evaluate your understanding of inspection principles, regulatory processes, quality assurance, and code requirements. Applied assignments require you to locate relevant provisions, analyze construction situations, identify potential compliance issues, and communicate your conclusions using appropriate terminology.

All required work must be completed and submitted through Canvas according to the instructions and deadlines established for your section.

Textbook Information

No textbook purchase is required for this course.

Required readings, instructional materials, and links to electronic versions of applicable building codes, regulations, and standards will be provided through Canvas.

You are responsible for using the code editions and resources identified in the course materials. Because code requirements and online resources may change, always follow the instructions and links provided in Canvas rather than relying only on a general internet search.

Other Relevant Course Information

Active and consistent participation is essential for success in an online course. Simply logging into Canvas does not count as attendance or participation. You demonstrate academic participation by submitting assignments, completing code research and inspection activities, contributing to required discussions, taking quizzes and exams, and engaging with other required course activities.

Learning to use building codes requires regular practice. Codes are extensive technical documents, and the answer to a question may involve definitions, exceptions, referenced sections, tables, related standards, or local requirements. Allow sufficient time to locate information, read provisions in context, and verify that you are using the correct code and edition.

Carefully review all assignment instructions and identify the required code or standard before beginning your work. When supporting an answer with a code provision, provide the requested code name, edition, chapter, section, table, or other reference. Avoid relying solely on unofficial summaries or general internet searches when the applicable code language is available.

Before submitting an assignment, verify that you have uploaded the correct file and that it opens properly. A blank, corrupted, incorrect, or unrelated file does not constitute a valid submission.

Professional communication is an important part of inspection and code enforcement. In discussions and applied activities, you are expected to communicate respectfully, explain your reasoning clearly, distinguish code requirements from personal preferences, and support your conclusions with appropriate course resources.

Your interest in learning is one of the most important components of success in this course. A growth mindset will help you view challenges as opportunities to develop your knowledge and skills. Consistent effort, effective time management, and dedication to meeting assignment and exam deadlines are also essential. The video Developing a Growth Mindset with Carol Dweck - YouTube provides additional guidance on developing this approach to learning.

It is also important to identify your academic and professional goals. The video Setting SMART Goals - How To Properly Set a Goal (animated) - YouTube introduces a helpful method for creating goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. When you understand what you want to accomplish and where you would like to go, I can better support you in reaching those goals.

Students on the official waitlist will be considered for enrollment as seats become available. Students who are not on the waitlist may be considered only if space remains after eligible waitlisted students have been served. Enrollment is not guaranteed and depends on seat availability.

Before the course begins, I will send an email with additional information to students who are officially enrolled. Please monitor your COC email and Canvas announcements regularly so you do not miss important course information.

I will be here to answer questions, provide guidance, and support your progress. I hope to see you in this course and look forward to helping you work toward your goals!

Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

• CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
• CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 08/04/2026 Sub#: 1592 Sub ID: 156967