Amendments to the 2020 MN Residential Building Code

This course is an overview of the State of Minnesota amendments for the 2020 Residential Code. It will focus on administrative process and specific code sections throughout the International Residential Code (IRC) that have been amended by the State of Minnesota.

It will not address all of the IRC specific amendments nor any amendments related to electrical, HVAC, or plumbing.

Course Outline

• Code Adoption Effective Dates
• Code Adoption process
• Code Adoption References
• Mandatory Chapters
• Administrative Procedure Criteria
• Definitions
• Building Planning/Design Criteria
• Fire-Resistive Construction
• Sound Transmission
• Mechanical Ventilation
• Ceiling Height
• Garages and Carports
• Fire Sprinklers
• Emergency Escape & Rescue
• Means of Egress
• Guards and Window Fall Protection
• Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems
• Smoke Alarms/Carbon Monoxide Alarms
• Foundations and Retaining Walls
• Decks
• Interior Covering
• Weather-Resistive Barrier

Learner Objectives

• Identify the State of Minnesota amendments related to the design and construction of single-family homes, two-family homes and townhouses.
• Effectively understand the process and procedures related to code adoption in Minnesota.
• Recognize the connection between specific amendments and the provisions in the body of the code.
• Locate the specific requirements of these amendments and code provisions.

Testimonials

"I very much enjoyed Peter's knowledge and interpretation of the building codes. He is a great instructor, and gave great examples of the topics. Peter is a wealth of knowledge and is very grounded about the interpretation of the codes. I would definitely watch another of Peter's courses." Michael LaRock, Michael's HomeTown Carpentry and More

"Peter is a great teacher with lots of in field experience. He relates well to all parities involved." Michael Noding, Beautiful Kitchens and Baths, Inc.

"This course was by far the best way to stay informed and understand code changes and terms." John Berry, Handyman Services & Renovations

"First time I have used Contractor University. I required additional credits to renew my Building Official certification. Thank you for this excellent option." David Pederson

"Mr. Kulczyk seems very knowledgeable and involved in Minnesota building code administration and strives for clarity in code and use of reasonable judgement in its application. Taking this course helps to understand amendments to code specific to Minnesota and also gives a peek into how code is written and debated." Lucas Sing, Sing Construction LLC

"Peter was easy to watch and was concise."  Michael Oas, Higher Ground Construction Co.

"Peter is always great and clear. His concise answers and explanations were very helpful  I appreciate his being candid and his professional opinions on various topics." John McGowan, McGowan Design-Build Inc.

"It’s very helpful to have Peter Kulczyk go over the codes and explain their definitions." Paul Arbuckle, Arbuckle’s Concrete & Masonry Inc.

"Great course for understanding the code amendments from the perspective of an experienced building official." Emre Erenler, Home Generation

"A great learning experience!" Brian Crask

"Great insight on the code changes and what may need to be done to pass codes." Robert Gaydos, Solar Midwest, Inc./Solatube

"Taking this course was an easy choice. Peter did a great job." Chris Johnson, Prestige Midwest Construction LLC

"Good content nicely presented." Jeremiah Schunk, Jeremiah Schunk Construction LLC

"Excellent information on code amendments." Conrad Herrmann, The Caliber Group

"Lots of helpful info about the actual construction and code requirements relating to it in this course. Unless you design residential structures all day, every day and regularly consult various codes for those designs, you should take this course to help you stay current on them.  As a small business owner, it's easy to focus on the tasks at hand, like getting projects, will your order arrive on time, who is doing it, what color they want, and hard to keep the code and energy requirements in mind." Benjamin Katororsz, Construction Con Dios, LLC

"Peter made the course easy to understand." Nickolas Wiese, TLC Home Renovations, Inc.    

Quiz Info

In order to receive continuing education credit(s), you will need to take a 10-question quiz after each hour of the course. To pass each quiz, you will need to achieve a score of 70% or higher. If you are unsuccessful, you will have an opportunity to repeat the quiz. Once you have successfully completed the course, you can download your continuing education certificate(s) showing the credit(s) that you have earned.

Credit Info

This course has been approved for three hours of MN residential contractor, remodeler, and building official continuing education by the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry and includes the required Energy credit. 

If you are eligible to receive continuing education credits, your information will be electronically reported to the appropriate agency within 3 business days of course completion.

Access Info

Your online course is accessible 24/7. The course will be available to you for 180 days from the purchase date.

Questions and Comments

Questions and comments related to the curriculum for this course may be submitted to the instructor at education@housingfirstmn.org.