# Construction Course Online

100% online with live support and industry-recognized certificate

Canonical URL: <https://vdci.edu/courses/construction-fundamentals-course>

## Overview

This course gives you a solid, practical understanding of how buildings actually come together, making it a strong fit for anyone working in or moving toward construction, engineering, architecture, or real estate development. You’ll learn the materials, systems, and terminology used across the industry while gaining insight into how teams collaborate at every stage of a project, from early site work all the way through final turnover.

You’ll dive into site preparation, including soil conditions, utilities, earthwork, foundations, heavy equipment, cranes, and structural systems with load considerations. The course also covers building envelopes and interiors, such as moisture control, roofing, cladding, windows, wall systems, finishes, flooring, and ceilings. On top of that, you’ll explore MEP systems, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, fire protection, elevators, commissioning, and post-occupancy turnover, giving you a well-rounded view of how all building systems work together in real projects.

## What you'll learn

- Construction teams, soil types, heavy equipment, site preparation, utilities, earthwork, and foundation installation in construction activities.
- The cranes used on-site, designing a building structure, the structural systems & how building load is analyzed and factored into the design.
- The building envelope, integrity maintenance, moisture control, temperature regulation, cold-formed steel studs, cladding, roofing, and window systems.
- Exploring wall types, interior partitions, drywall, finishes, paint, flooring, ceilings, casework, and specialty installation in construction.
- Thermal comfort, indoor air quality, mechanical systems, HVAC controls, plumbing, electrical distribution, and emergency power systems.
- Fire suppression, alarm systems, elevators, MEP systems, commissioning, and post-occupancy in construction and building turnover.

## Curriculum
1. **Site Utilities & Foundation Construction Course Online**
2. **Building Structure Course Online**
3. **Building Enclosure Course Online**
4. **Interiors & Finish Work Course Online**
5. **Fundamentals of MEP for Buildings Course Online**
6. **Building Construction Fire Protection Course Online**
7. **Commercial Blueprint Reading Course Online**
8. **Residential Blueprint Reading Course Online**
9. **Intro to Construction Estimating Course Online**
10. **Construction Materials Course Online**

## Instructors

### David Sellers — Instructor

David, the Chief Academic Officer, has a Bachelor of Architecture Degree from Penn State University and an MBA from Point Loma Nazarene University. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects. He has been teaching Autodesk programs for over 10 years and enjoys working and teaching in the architectural industry. In addition to working with the Autodesk suite, he has significant experience in 3D modeling, the Adobe Creative Suite, Bluebeam Revu, and SketchUp. David enjoys spending his free time with his wife, biking, hanging out with his kids, and listening to audiobooks by the fire. 

**Credentials:**

- Licensed Architect
- Autodesk Certified Instructor (ACI SILVER – Certified \> 5 Years)
- Autodesk Certified Professional: AutoCAD, Revit, Fusion 360
- Adobe Visual Design Specialist
- SketchUp Certified 3D Warehouse Content Developer

### Luis Hernandez — Instructor

Luis has a Bachelor of Architecture Degree from the University of Southern California and over 10 years of professional AEC industry experience. He has made extensive use of AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit and Photoshop in his work, and is happiest when helping others achieve success. He’s an avid traveler who has run 10 marathons and enjoys reading, yoga, camping, volunteering and attending music festivals all over the world.

### David Nguyen — Instructor

David is the AEC Software Specialist at VDCI, with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management and an Associate’s degree of science in Drafting and General Design from ITT Technical Institute. A San Diego native with over 12 years working in the Design Industry and construction industry, David brings his construction and design expertise to help all students achieve their goals in the field. Outside of his professional life, David loves attending concerts, festivals, playing his guitar and restoring and repairing all types of vehicles.

**Credentials:**

- OSHA 30 hr. Construction Safety Certified
- Construction Software: SketchUp, Bluebeam Revu, Autodesk Suite (AutoCAD, Fusion, REVIT)
- Mechanical Software: PTC CREO Parametric, Solidworks, MasterCAM

### Ed Wenz — Instructor

Ed started Wenz Consulting after 35 years as a professional construction estimator. He continues to work on various projects while also dedicating time to teaching and training through Wenz Consulting and VDCI. Ed has over 10 years of experience in Sage Estimating Development and Digital Takeoff Systems and has an extensive background in Construction Software and Communications Technology. Ed enjoys spending his free time with his wife and grandchildren in San Diego.

**Credentials:**

- Sage Estimating Certified Instructor
- Construction Cost Estimating

### Matt F. — Instructor

Matt F. is a well-rounded construction professional with a diverse background of construction industry experience. Matt has strong experience working on major commercial and residential construction projects, overseeing projects from pre-construction through to closeout. He also has a deep knowledge of the construction technology space, having hands-on experience with many of the major players in the construction technology landscape. Matt loves sharing his industry knowledge with others and continuing to learn about the newest trends in construction technology.

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $1499

Payment options: pay-as-you-go installments.
