contractor CLASSES
December 1 - 4 AND 30, 2026
Ready-Mix Concrete & Portland Cement: Testing, Placement and Performance

Date & Time
December 1, 2026 | 8am – Noon
CE Hours
4
Cost
$50 (Member)
$100 (Non-member)
Instructor
Shane Evans and Megan Dangel
Location
Security 1st Title, 4913 Oread West Drive
Description
This continuing education course examines the fundamentals of Portland cement and ready-mix concrete, including material properties, concrete testing, admixtures, placement, finishing, and environmental conditions affecting concrete performance. Participants will learn how cementitious materials, water content, aggregate properties, and admixtures influence concrete strength, workability, durability, and setting time.
The instructor will address slump, air content, temperature, and compressive strength testing. The course will examine hot- and cold-weather concreting practices, evaporation rates, curing requirements, finishing problems, and common concrete defects such as cracking, scaling, and surface deterioration.

Participants will evaluate how weather conditions, mix characteristics, placement practices, finishing methods, and curing procedures affect concrete performance.
2018 IRC Wood Wall Bracing
Date & Time
December 1, 2026 | 1pm - 5pm
CE Hours
4
Cost
$50 (Member)
$100 (Non-member)
Instructor
Neal Ezell
Location
Security 1st Title, 4913 Oread West Drive
Description
This course will explain how to determine and apply residential wall bracing requirements under the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), with emphasis on the applicable provisions of Section R602.10. Participants will learn how structural loads, wind-bracing principles, braced wall lines, and braced wall panels affect a home's structural performance and code compliance. Through worked examples and a Quick-Reference Guide summarizing key code requirements, tables, and calculation steps, attendees will practice selecting appropriate wall-bracing methods for residential projects while identifying which code provisions apply to typical central U.S. conditions.
Residential HVAC Installation Requirements in the 2018 IRC
Date & Time
December 2, 2026 | 8am - Noon
CE Hours
4
Cost
$50 (Member)
$100 (Non-member)
Instructor
Verlon Myers
Location
Security 1st Title, 4913 Oread West Drive
Description
This four-hour continuing education seminar is designed for HVAC technicians who install and service residential heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. The course will review applicable requirements in Chapters 13, 14, 16, 17, and 18 of the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC).

Topics will include clearances from combustible construction, fireblocking requirements, clothes dryer exhaust and fire hazards, return air duct systems, wall furnace venting, ignition source elevation, and the use of IRC tables and mechanical layout requirements.
The 2018 Residential Energy Code
Date & Time
December 2, 2026 | 1pm - 5pm
CE Hours
4
Cost
$50 (Member)
$100 (Non-member)
Instructor
Neal Ezell
Location
Security 1st Title, 4913 Oread West Drive
Description
The City of Lawrence and neighboring municipalities will continue using the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) rather than transitioning to the 2024 edition at this time. This course will examine how current code provisions in IRC Chapter 11 (Energy Efficiency), apply to residential construction. Participants will learn to identify compliant and cost-effective construction methods, evaluate energy-efficiency requirements, and make informed decisions regarding insulation, building envelope performance, and other energy-related construction practices. Future code requirements and national trends will also be discussed to help contractors anticipate potential changes and their impact on construction methods and project costs.
Plumbing Code Essentials: Materials, Supports, Excavation and Inspections
Date & Time
December 2, 2026 | 8am - Noon
CE Hours
4
Cost
$50 (Member)
$100 (Non-member)
Instructor
Bobby Doran
Location
ON-LINE
Description
This four-hour continuing education course examines the general requirements governing plumbing installations under the 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC), Chapter 3. Participants will study plumbing material requirements, pipe protection, trenching, excavation and backfill, structural safety, piping supports, and required testing and inspections.

Instruction will address how IPC provisions apply to material selection, protection of piping and plumbing components, excavation and backfill methods, hanger and support placement, and the protection of structural members during plumbing installation. Participants will evaluate field conditions and determine appropriate installation methods, support requirements, protective measures, and testing procedures to achieve code compliance and avoid common inspection deficiencies.
Water Pipe Sizing: Balancing Flow, Pressure and Performance
Date & Time
December 2 | 1pm - 3pm
CE Hours
2
Cost
$25 (Member)
$50 (Non-member)
Instructor
Bobby Doran
Location
ON-LINE
Description
This two-hour continuing education course examines the principles of sizing potable water distribution piping to provide adequate flow and pressure at plumbing fixtures and appliances. Participants will study the relationship between water demand, available pressure, pipe diameter, developed pipe length, friction loss, fittings, and material characteristics.
The instructor will address the application of the 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC) requirements and sizing methods to copper and PEX water distribution systems. Participants will compare friction loss in different piping materials and fittings, evaluate how pipe sizing affects system performance, and apply code-based sizing procedures to determine appropriate pipe diameters for water supply systems.
Drain, Waste and Vent: Designing for Proper Drainage and Venting
Date & Time
December 2 | 3pm - 5pm
CE Hours
2
Cost
$25 (Member)
$50 (Non-member)
Instructor
Bobby Doran
Location
ON-LINE
Description
This course examines the design, sizing and installation of residential and commercial drainage, waste and vent (DWV) systems. Participants will study the requirements governing building sewers, building drains, horizontal drainage branches, stacks, drainage pipe slopes, cleanouts and venting configurations.
Instructor will address how code provisions govern drainage pipe sizing, fixture unit loading, fitting selection, pipe layout and vent placement to ensure proper wastewater flow and protect fixture trap seals. Participants will evaluate typical DWV layouts, identify common installation and inspection deficiencies, and determine appropriate pipe sizes, slopes, connections and vent arrangements based on applicable code requirements.
2018 IRC Electrical Code Updates
Date & Time
December 3, 2026 | 8am - Noon
CE Hours
4
Cost
$50 (Member)
$100 (Non-member)
Instructor
Verlon Myers
Location
Security 1st Title, 4913 Oread West Drive
Description
This four-hour seminar will examine key electrical requirements in the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), focusing on provisions that directly affect every day residential electrical work. Participants will learn how to interpret and apply applicable code requirements for outlet box fill, grounding and bonding, and other common electrical installations. Through practical examples, attendees will evaluate code-compliant installation methods, determine appropriate solutions for common job-site situations, and make informed decisions that support safe, efficient, and code-compliant residential electrical work.
NEC 2023 Code Changes
Date & Time
December 3, 2026 | 1pm - 5pm
CE Hours
4
Cost
$50 (Member)
$100 (Non-member)
Instructors
Verlon Myers
Location
Security 1st Title, 4913 Oread West Drive
Description
This four-hour seminar will review significant changes and key requirements in the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC), Chapters 1–7, with an emphasis on provisions that affect everyday electrical installations. Participants will learn how to interpret and apply code requirements related to general electrical provisions, wiring and protection, wiring methods and materials, equipment for general use, special occupancies, special equipment, and special conditions. Through practical examples, attendees will evaluate common job-site situations, determine appropriate conductor and overcurrent protection requirements, select compliant wiring methods and equipment, and make informed installation decisions that promote safety and code compliance.
Residential Plan Review, Inspections, and Electronic Permitting
Date & Time
December 4, 2026 | 8am - Noon
CE Hours
4
Cost
$50 (Member)
$100 (Non-member)
Instructors
Brian Jimenez and Building Safety Staff
Location
Security 1st Title, 4913 Oread West Drive
Description
This four-hour course will examine common deficiencies in one- and two-family residential permit applications, construction documents, and building inspections, with an emphasis on applying applicable building code requirements and navigating the City of Lawrence’s Enterprise Permitting and Licensing (EPL) system. Participants will learn to identify documentation errors, recognize common code compliance issues, and understand the steps required to move a residential project from application submittal through permit closeout. Through practical examples, attendees will evaluate application and inspection issues, troubleshoot common permitting challenges, and determine appropriate actions to resolve deficiencies, respond to plan review comments, request inspections, address failed inspections, and complete the permitting process efficiently.
Code Changes in Action: 2024 I-Codes & 2023 NEC
Date & Time
December 4, 2026 | 1 - 5pm
CE Hours
4
Cost
$50 (Member)
$100 (Non-member)
Instructors
Brian Jimenez and Building Safety Staff
Location
Security 1st Title, 4913 Oread West Drive
Description
This course will highlight the most significant revisions to the 2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC), 2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2024 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), and 2023 NFPA 70 National Electrical Code (NEC), with emphasis on practical application in plan review, field inspections, and code enforcement.
The 2024 I-Codes discussed in this course apply to commercial buildings, multifamily residential buildings, and other projects governed by the applicable International Codes.
Participants will learn to identify significant code changes, interpret applicable provisions, and evaluate how revised requirements affect system design, material and equipment selection, installation methods, and inspection decisions. Through practical examples, attendees will determine which code provisions apply to specific projects, identify compliance issues, and make informed decisions regarding installations.
What Contractors Need to Know about Chimneys, Flues, and Wood and Gas-burning Appliances
Date & Time
December 30, 2026 | 8am – Noon
CE Hours
4
Cost
$50 (Member)
$100 (Non-member)
Instructors
Marge Padgitt and Gene Padgitt
Location
Security 1st Title, 4913 Oread West Drive
Description
Learn about codes, clearances, installation and construction of masonry and prefabricated chimneys, and all their components. Find out why a small mistake can be a serious hazard. See photos of the results of poor installation and maintenance. Find out what the best options are for new construction, historic restoration, and appliance change outs when it comes to heating or decorative appliances such as gas burning inserts, Direct-Vent fireplaces, and freestanding stoves, and wood-burning inserts, fireplaces, freestanding stoves, and masonry heaters.
IRC Chapter 3 – Building Planning
Date & Time
December 30, 2026 | 1 - 5pm
CE Hours
4
Cost
$50 (Member)
$100 (Non-member)
Instructor
Neal Ezell
Location
Security 1st Title, 4913 Oread West Drive
Description
Chapter 3 of the International Residential Code (IRC) influences nearly every aspect of the design and construction of dwellings and impacts nearly every building trade. From environmental conditions and structural requirements to fire safety and solar panels. The presentation will include many photos and diagrams to illustrate the code and the instructor will offer insights into the reasoning behind these requirements.
