CT 402 - Residential and Commercial Property Analysis

3 Credits
Outline Effective Date: Academic Year 2025/2026
Revised Date: Sep 3, 2025
Date Approved: Sep 3, 2025

Lecture Hours: 45

Course Description:
This is a first-level course designed for Appraisal and Assessment students who require a basic course in construction materials and theory. The course covers both interior and exterior materials with emphasis on residential, commercial and industrial construction, building codes and print reading. Also covered is an introduction to residential cost estimating and then a more in-depth study of commercial cost estimating techniques.

Rationale:
This is a required course for the Real Estate Appraisal and Assessment program. To place a value on a building or structure, knowledge of the building components (through field work and plan reading), costing techniques and procedures are necessary once students enter the workforce in their field of study.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None

Course Learning Outcomes:
A student who successfully completes the course will have reliably demonstrated the ability to

1.identify basic materials used in residential and commercial construction.

2.apply the National Building Code, as it pertains to residential construction.

3.explain the construction process from foundation to a completed unit of residential property.

4.explain the role of drafting as a graphic communication tool in the building industry.

5.demonstrate basic technical freehand sketching and computer aided drawing using APEX software.

6.read, interpret, and apply knowledge from architectural working drawings and specifications used in residential and commercial construction.

7.identify the various requirements/ restrictions of local, provincial, and national building authorities.

8.explain the basic principles and role of estimating in the building industry.

9.demonstrate the ability to accurately read, interpret, and apply knowledge from working drawings and specifications to prepare preliminary cost estimates of residential construction.

10.recognize the differences between building foundations/ support systems for residential and heavier types of structures.

11.explain the differences from residential styles in primary support and framing components and methods of assembly in larger, heavier construction components and methods.

12.recognize and classify a building type by its materials of construction and their method of incorporation or erection.

13.ascertain the quality of a commercial structure by reviewing specification sheets.

14.describe and explain the properties and suitability for specific applications of the more popular materials used in heavier buildings.

15.identify and differentiate between the various types of estimating techniques/methods.

16.demonstrate the basic estimating skills by utilizing the estimating process.

17.use Marshall & Swift Cost Approach Valuation Solutions and estimate residential and commercial projects by way of both the Calculator Method and the Segregated Cost Method.

Required Resource Materials:
CMHC. (Current Edition). Canadian Wood-Frame House Construction. CM.

CMHC. (Current Edition). Glossary Of Housing Terms. CM.

Optional Resource Materials:
Reference Text(s):

Marshall Valuation Service. Marshall & Swift. Los Angeles, CA.

National Building Code of Canada 2005. National Research Council of Canada. Ottawa, ON.

Residential Cost Handbook. Marshall & Swift. Los Angeles, CA.

Conduct of Course:
This course consists of lectures and labs in the course. The instructor provides instructional objectives and criteria for evaluation at the beginning of each topical unit.

Topics are introduced with a lecture and concluded with a combination of assignments, field trips, and class discussions.

Regular attendance is essential for success in any course. Absence for any reason does not relieve a student of the responsibility of completing course work and assignments to the satisfaction of the instructor. Poor attendance may result in the termination of a student from a course(s).

The instructor will recommend that the Registrar withdraw any student who does not meet the established attendance requirements. A failing grade of RW (Required to Withdraw) will appear on the student’s transcript.

In cases of repeated absences due to illness, the student may be requested to submit a medical certificate.

Instructors have the authority to require attendance at classes.

Content of Course:
Part I: Construction and Cost Estimating

Typical House Construction Process
Location and Excavation
Concrete Work
Footings, Foundations and Slabs
Lumber and Other Wood Products
Floor, Wall, Ceiling and Roof Framing
Roof Sheathing and Coverings
Wall Sheathing and Exterior Finishes
Windows, Doors, Exterior Trim, Millwork and Stairs
Thermal Insulation, Vapour Retarders, Air Barrier Systems and Ventation
Interior Wall, Ceiling Finishes and Floor Coverings
Interior Doors, Frames and Trim
Flashings, Eavestroughs, and Downspouts
Garages, Carports, Driveways and Sidewalks
Chimneys and Fireplaces

Part II: Plans, Specifications, and Building Codes

Role of Drafting in the Building Industry
Construction Document Relationship
Drafting Standards and Techniques
Technical Freehand Drawing and Sketching
Architectural Working Drawing Components
House Design and Analysis

Part III: Introduction to Residential Cost Estimating

Introduction to Estimating
Principles of Estimating
The Estimating Process
Cost Data Sources and Methods

Part IV: Introduction to Commercial Cost Estimating

Estimating Methods and Techniques
Materials, Terminology and Building Codes
Building Construction Types
Blueprint Reading, Specifications, and Codes
Cost Estimating Projects

Course Assessments:

Assignments	20%
Projects	35%
Unit Tests	45%
Total	100%

Official final grades will be available on My Lakeland. Grades posted in D2L should be considered interim grades.
“Lakeland College is committed to the highest academic standards. Students are expected to be familiar with Lakeland College policies and to abide by these policies. Violations of these policies are considered to be serious and may result in suspension or expulsion from the College.”

Course Pass Requirements:
A minimum grade of D (50%) (1.00) is required to pass this course.

Letter	F	D	D+	C-	C	C+	B-	B	B+	A-	A	A+
Percent Range	0-49	50-52	53-56	57-59	60-64	65-69	70-74	75-79	80-84	85-89	90-94	95-100
Points	0.00	1.00	1.30	1.70	2.00	2.30	2.70	3.00	3.30	3.70	4.00	4.00

Students must maintain a cumulative grade of C (GPA - Grade Point Average of 2.00) in order to qualify to graduate.

Every effort has been made to ensure that information in this course outline is accurate at the time of publication. Lakeland College reserves the right to change courses if it becomes necessary so that course content remains relevant.

In such cases, the instructor will give students clear and timely notice of changes.

No part of this course outline may be reproduced in any form or resold without written permission from Lakeland College.

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