What is a Certified Craftsman and why should I care?
You have no doubt heard of ASE certified technicians
or GM advertising ‘Mr. Goodwrench’.
These are two examples of certification and training that help the automotive industry stand out from the crowd. When you have your car worked on, you want to make sure it is done correctly with a qualified mechanic.
Similar to these, Handyman Matters has chosen to work with Xactware. Xactware has developed many educational and estimating tools for the construction and insurance trades. Their Xactamate estimating software is a leader in the insurance repair industry.
Xactware provides a 212 topic training and certification program specifically for the residential and light construction industries. It is known as ILX Construction Training.
Every one of Handyman Matters of Wichita employees, must complete this 40 hour training program within 45 days of being hired. This goes for the craftsmen and also the office staff that schedules your projects.
The training provides a consistent baseline of education across the many disciplines of construction. Click here to see the ILX Training Course Outline.
Handyman Matters of Wichita is establishing a benchmark that is changing the face of the handyman industry. We are the only handyman service in Wichita that has 100% of its employees ILX Certified in construction training. We hope others follow our lead because each of our customers deserves only the best.
The information below are the topics covered in the Certified Craftsman course:
ILX Training Course Outline
Block 1 – Basic Tools
Unit 1: How to Read a Plan
Lesson 1: Views
Elevation
Floor Plan
Plot Plan
Section
Detail
Lesson 2: Basic Symbols
Walls
Windows
Door
Water Closet
Tub
Shower
Outlet
Switch
Light Fixture
Cabinetry
Shortened Line
Section View
Lesson 3: Dimensions
Architect’s Scale
Engineer’s Scale
Unit 2: Measurement Basics
Lesson 1: Basic Tools
Measuring Tape
Lesson 2: Mathematical Conventions
Order of Operations
Rounding Decimals
Converting Inches to Decimalized
Feet
Unit 3: Basic Construction Math
Lesson 1: One-dimensional Calculations
Each
Linear Feet
Lesson 2: Basic 2-dimensional Calculations
Area of a Rectangle in Square Feet
Square Feet to Square Yard
Conversions
Lesson 3: Other 2-dimensional Calculations
Parallelogram
Trapezoid
Triangle
Circle
Lesson 4: Three-dimensional Calculations
Cubic Yards
Board Feet
Unit 4: Other Important Calculations
Lesson 1: Pythagorean Theorem
Using the Pythagorean Theorem
Lesson 2: Other Construction Calculations
Calculating Squares
Calculating Waste
Rounding Quantities
Block 2 – How Parts Fit
Unit 1: Structure Components And
Functions
Lesson 1: Basic Structure Parts
Soil
Footing
Foundation
Floor System
Walls (Bearing and Non-Bearing)
Roof
Structural Parts
Non-Structural Parts
Unit 2: Full Basement Home
Lesson 1: Soil Considerations
Load Bearing Capacity
Footing Minimum Depth
Footing Maximum Depth
Excavation
Lesson 2: Reinforced Concrete
Making Concrete
Concrete Plasticity
Hydration
Admixtures
Rebar
Lesson 3: Concrete Footings
Footing and Rebar Location
Pouring Footings
Finishing Footings
Lesson 4: Concrete Foundations
Forms and Rebar Placement
Pouring Foundations
Anchor Bolts and Holdowns
Lesson 5: Basement Floor Slab
Work Under the Slab
Shovel Footings
Pouring and Finishing the Slab
Potential Problems
Lesson 6: Controlling Ground Water
Dampproofing
Perimeter Drain
Backfill and Grading
Lesson 7: Drying-In the Structure
Main Floor System
Walls
Roof
Lesson 8: Completing the Structure
Rough-in Work
Interior Finish Work
Completing the Exterior
Unit 3: Other Types of Structures
Lesson 1: Crawl Space Home
Depth Considerations
Columns and Footings
Lesson 2: Post and Beam Construction
Foundation System
Special Considerations
Lesson 3: Flood Plane Home
Foundation System
Footings and Columns
Lesson 4: Pier and Grade Beam Construction
Pier and Grade Beams
Lesson 5: Block Home
Footings and Foundation
Floor Slab
Materials Used
Walls and Reinforcement
Finishing Walls In and Out
Lesson 6: Monolithic Pour Home
Construction Concepts
Construction Methods
Block 3 – Idea Through Wall Framing
Unit 1: Getting Started
Lesson 1: Roles of Professionals
Architect
Engineer
Designer
Drafter
Developer
Contractors
Building Inspectors
Lesson 2: Steps Before Construction Begins
Selecting Plans
Obtaining a Permit
Inspection Overview
Lesson 3: Preparing the Hole
Hole Location
Hole Depth
Excavation
Unit 2: Basic Framing Terms
Lesson 1: Lumber Terminology
Rough Cut
Surfacing
Drying
Grain
Moisture/Insect Resistance
Lesson 2: Framed Wall Parts Terminology
Studs & Plates
Wall Ties
Door/Window Framing
Lesson 3: Framing to Foundation Connection
Foundation Sill Plate
Sill Plate Attachment
Lesson 4: Framed Wall Construction
Plate Placement
Stud Length
Crowning
Wall Placement
Top Plates
Lesson 5: Main Floor Support
System
Joist Placement
Band Joist
Horizontal Joist Support
Vertical Joist Support
Lesson 6: Main Floor System Connectors
Headers and Joists for Stairs
Shearing
Nails
Metal Hangers
Lesson 7: Beam Terminology
Use of Beams
Glue-Lam Beams
Dimensional Wood Beams
L-V-L Beams
Box Beam
Steel Beam
Lesson 8: Beam Support
Metal Columns
Wood Columns
Floor Support
Lesson 9: Sheathing Terminology
Sheathing
Sheathing Materials
Exposure to Moisture
Lesson 10: Sheathing Installation
Floor Sheathing
Fasteners and Glue
Bending
Alignment on Joists
Lesson 11: Floor Joist Options
I Joists
Floor Trusses
Lesson 12: Stair System Basics
Stringers, Risers and Treads
Landing and Top Riser
Stair Assembly
Lesson 13: Main Floor Walls
Window/Door Location
Stud Location
Squaring the Wall
Wall Sheathing
Wall Bracing before Lifting
Placing the Walls
Lesson 14: Other Wall Framing
Considerations
Metal Studs
Metal/Wood Comparison
Framed to Square
Block 4 – Roof Framing
Unit 1: Roof Types and Parts
Lesson 1: Roof Styles
Gable Roof
Hip Roof
Gambrel Roof
Clerestory Roof
Shed Roof
Flat Root
Mansard Roof
Butterfly Roof
Lesson 2: Roof Parts
Peak, Rake, Eave, and Overhang
Deck, Intersections, and Dormer
Chimney Cricket
Lesson 3: Roof Framing Parts
Ridge Board
Hip and Valley Rafters
Common Rafter
Jack Rafter
Cripple Rafter
Fascia and Soffit
Collar Tie
Bird’s Mouth and Rafter Tail
Unit 2: Roof Rafter Support System
Lesson 1: Making the Common Rafter
Rise/Run/Span
Slope/Pitch
Cutting Common Rafters
Pattern
Lesson 2: Rafter Support and Reinforcement
Stabilizing Rafters
Rafter Size
Mid-Rafter Support
Lesson 3: Making Hips and Valleys
Rafter Placement
Hip Rafter Length
Jack and Valley Rafters
Unit 3: Post and Beam Roof Support
System
Lesson 1: Post and Beam System
Examples
Purlins
Metal Buildings
Unit 4: Roof Truss Support System
Lesson 1: Facts About Trusses
Basic Parts of Trusses
Loads
Truss Centers and Span
Slope and Type of Truss
Lesson 2: Truss Types
Flat Truss
Gable Truss
Gambrel Truss
Scissor Truss
Mono Truss
Bowstring Truss
Lesson 3: Truss Dynamics
Forces
Gussets
Causes of Failure
Gusset Size at Critical Points
Gusset
Placement
Lesson
4: Installing Gable Trusses
Gable End Trusses
Placing Trusses
Cat Walk
Unit 5: Building the Roof on the Support
System
Lesson 1: Installing Rough Fascia and Fly
Rafters
Rough Fascia & Fly Rafter Examples
Installing the Rough Fascia
Installing the Fly Rafter
Combines Truss and Rafter Roof
Systems
Lesson 2: Roof System Ventilation
Blocking/Insulation Stop
Need for Ventilation
Improperly Ventilated Roof
Lesson 3: Positioning Trusses for Sheathing
Truss Layout Position
Truss Movement
Truss Bracing
Lesson 4: Installing the Sheathing
Spaced Sheathing
Purlins
Sheathing Placement
Nailing of Sheathing
Lesson 5: Backing
Backing Examples
Ceiling Joist or Rafter as Backing
Truss System as Backing
Lesson 6: Fire Blocking
Walls
Floor Systems
Basement Framed Walls
Stairways
Dropped Ceilings
Block 5 – Exterior Finishes
Unit 1: Concrete Work
Lesson 1: Supporting Exterior Concrete
Fracturing Due to Settling
Haunch
Tube Formed Columns
Footing and Foundation Walls
Lesson 2: Strengthening Exterior Concrete
Concrete Strength
Wire Reinforcement
Synthetic Fibers
Concrete Surface Strength
Lesson 3: Common Flatwork and Related
Finishes
Broom Finish
Trowl Pattern Finishes
Exposed Aggregate
Epoxy Finish
Concrete Stamp
Pavers
Unit 2: Decks
Lesson 1: Exterior Decks
Deck Support
Deck Materials
Unit 3: Windows and Overhead Doors
Lesson 1: Window Parts
Sizes
Placing the Window
Flashing
Jambs and Sill
Stop
Stool and Apron
Pane, Sash, and Lights
Muntin, Grid, and Mullion
Lesson 2: Window Materials
Thermal Break
Frame Materials
Glass Types
Tinting and Low E
Lesson 3: Types of Windows
Windows that Slide Open
Other Windows that Open
Fixed Windows
Bay and Bow Windows
Storm Windows
Lesson 4: Overhead Garage Doors
Single Piece and Sectional Doors
Materials and Patterns
Door Features
Unit 4: Masonry and Stucco
Lesson 1: Brick Patterns and Bonds
Vapor Barrier
Brick Bonds
Brick Courses
Mortar Joints
Lesson 2: Structural Masonry
Exteriors
Block Types
Wythe
Fired and Unfired Brick
Lesson 3: Nonstructural Brick Veneer
Story Pole
Anchoring
Lintels
Quoins
Lesson 4: Stone Veneers
Cultured Stone
Installing Natural
Mortar and Grout
Installing Cultured Stone
Cleaning Veneer
Lesson 5: Stucco
Installing Common Stucco
Three Stucco Layers
Synthetic Stucco
Installing Synthetic Stucco
Unit 5: Siding
Lesson 1: Common Siding Materials and
Joints
Siding
Butt Joint
Overlap Joint
Tongue and Groove Joint
Rabbet Joint
Corner Joints
Miter Joint
Lesson 2: Sheet Siding
Fastening Sheet Siding
Horizontal Butt Joint
Unfinned Windows
Sheet Siding Textures
Lesson 3: Horizontal Siding
Lap Siding
Fastening and Joints
Rabeted Taper Siding
Shiplap Siding
Lesson 4: Vertical Siding
Board and Batten
Board on Board
Fastening Vertical Siding
Lesson 5: Interlocking Siding
Metal and Vinyl Siding
Expansion and Contraction
Metal Channel
Unit 6: Soffit, Fascia, and Gutters
Lesson 1: Soffit and Fascia
Metal Installation
Wood Installation
Frieze Board
Cornice
Lesson 2: Gutters and Downspouts
Materials Used
Installation
Aluminum Gutters
Unit 7: Fences
Lesson 1: Fencing
Masonry
Vinyl
Chain Link
Wrought Iron
Wood
Gates
Unit 8: Paint
Lesson 1: Exterior Painting
Surface Preparation
Primer Coat
Brushes and Rollers
Sprayers
Masking and Painting Techniques
Block 6 – Roofing
Unit 1: Common Roofing Materials
Lesson 1: Asphalt Based Roofing Materials
Shingles and Membranes
Asphalt Saturated Products
Fiberglass vs. Organic Mat
Composition Shingles
Lesson 2: Composition Shingle Production
Surface Granules
Release Film/Sealant Strip
Splices in Production
Unit 2: Flat Roof Systems
Lesson 1: Membrane Roof System
Roof Flashing
Flat Roof Slope
Roof Drain
Parapet Wall Joint
Scupper Roof Drains
Lesson 2: Multi-ply Membrane Roof System
Built-up Roof
Built-up Roof Plies
Lesson 3: Multi-ply Membrane Roof
Installation
Base Sheet
Hot Tar
Surface Finishes
Determining Plies
Common Problems
Lesson 4: Single Membrane Roof Systems
Joining Different Materials
Modified Bitumen Roof System
Modified Bitumen Installation
Surface Finish
Lesson 5: Elastomeric Roof System
Materials
Installation
Roof Deck Preparation
Seams
Problems and Maintenance
Unit 3: Sloped Roof Characteristics
Lesson 1: Roof Shingles
How They Work
Roofing Felt
Rubberized Asphalt Membrane
Problems
Lesson 2: Roof Flashing
Purpose
Step and L Flashing
Counterflashing
Valley and Pipe Flashing
Drip Edge
Lesson 3: Sloped Roof Considerations
Steepness
Height
Accessibility
Unit 4: Composition Shingles
Lesson 1: Identification
Organic vs Fiberglass
Tabs
Laminated
Interlocking
Lesson 2: Cost Factors
Style
Warranty
Labor
Lesson 3: Non-interlocking Installation
Courses
Attachment
Valley Flashing
Lesson 4: Interlocking Installation
Courses
Attachment
Valley Flashing
Unit 5: Wood Roofs
Lesson 1: Shake and Wood Shingle
Identification
Wood Shake Production
Types
Thickness
Wood Shingle Production
Recognizing Grades
Grade Categories
Lesson 2: Prep for Installation
Exposure and Quantities
Patterns and Cost
Decking
Lesson 3: Installation
Courses
Shake Felt
Valleys
Unit 6: Tile Roofs
Lesson 1: Tile Shingle Production
Shape
Clay Tile
Concrete Tile
Lesson 2: Tile Shingle Cost Factors
Material
Color
Shipping
Roof Complexity and Access
Roof Framing
Grades
Lesson 3: Tile Shingle Installation
Deck and Valley Preparation
Furring Strips
Barrel Tile Placement
S and Flat Tile Placement
Attachment
Wet-set
Other Fastening Methods
Unit 7: Metal Roofs
Lesson 1: Metal Roof Products
Materials
Finishes
Lesson 2: Metal Roof Installation
Panels
Seams
Self Tapping Screws
Corrugated Panels
Standing Seam
Metal Gauge
Unit 8: Other Shingle Types
Lesson 1: Slate Shingles
Grain
Color
Cuts
Lesson 2: Fiber and Cement
Shingles
Appearance
Characteristics
Unit 9: Other Roof Topics
Lesson 1: Ventilation
Effects of Improper Ventilation
Vapor Barrier
Air Flow
Vent
Block 7 – Finishing the Interior
Unit 1: Electrical
Lesson 1: Electricity to the Home
Generation of Electricity
Distribution to the Home
House Connection
Lesson 2: Wiring Concepts and Terms
Breaker Panel/Fuse Box
Grounding
120 Volt and 240 Volt
Wire Gauge
Knob and Tube Wiring
Cluster Wiring
Conduit
Lesson 3: House Wiring
Electrical Circuits
Rough Electrical
Finish Electrical
Wire Connections
Low Voltage Wiring
Unit 2: Plumbing
Lesson 1: Culinary Water Supplies
Pump Systems
Irrigation Water
Water Piping
Copper Water Pipe
PB Water Supply Pipe
Problems with PB Pipe
Lesson 2: Manifold PB Systems
Advantages
Special Precautions
Lesson 3: Special Plumbing Issues
Hydraulic Shock
Freeze Less Hose Bibbs
Appliances with Plumbing Attached
Lesson 4: Water Softeners & Water Heaters
Water Softeners
T & P Valves
Supply through Manifold Systems
Water Heaters
Lesson 5: Sewer Connections & Septic Tank
Systems
The Sewer Lateral
Septic Tanks and Drain Fields
Positioning the Septic Tank & Drain
Field
Septic Tank Strength
Common Problems
Lesson 6: Drain & Waste Collection Systems
Plumbing Stack
Venting
Drain and Soilage Pipes
Traps
Lesson 7: Installing Plumbing Fixtures
Installing a Rimmed Sink
Installing a Rimless Sink
Placing
the Water Closet
Tub and Shower Materials
Tub and Shower Rough Plumbing
Installing the Shower Pan
Unit 3: HVAC
Lesson 1: Basic Heating Concepts
The Thermostat
Heat Systems
Forced Air Systems
Forced Air Furnaces
Lesson 2: How Heat is Created & Transferred
Producing Heat & Venting Gases
Heat Exchangers
“Pulse” Furnaces
Combustion Air for Furnaces
Lesson 3: Central Air Conditioning and Heat
Pumps
Air Conditioning
Heat Pumps
Lesson 4: Miscellaneous HVAC
Evaporative Coolers
Humidifiers
Electrostatic Filters
Kitchen and Bath Ventilation
Lesson 5: Masonry Fireplaces
Installing a Masonry Fireplace
The Hearth, Firebox and Mantel
Inside the Masonry Fireplaces
The Fireplace Flue
Lesson 6: Factory Built Fireplaces
Clearance for Factory Built
Fireplaces
Parts of the Factory Built Fireplace
Fireplace Flue Pipe
Installing Factory Built Fireplaces
Block 8 – Finishing the Interior
Unit 1: Insulation
Lesson 1: Insulation
Types of Insulation
Batt Insulation
Blown-In Insulation
Injected and Poured-In Insulation
Insulation Fire Rating
Insulation Board
Unit 2: Wall and Ceiling Finishes
Lesson 1: Drywall
Properties of Drywall Board
Hanging Drywall
Drywall Joints and Corners
Drywall Board Tapered and Square
Edges
Drywall Mud and Tape
Drywall Texture
Drywall Fire Resistance
Lesson 2: Plaster
Lath
Plaster Finishes
Lesson 3: Tile Ceilings
Glue-Up Tile
Suspended Tile
Lesson 4: Wall Paneling
Wall Paneling
Unit 3: Doors and Trim
Lesson 1: Doors
Door Sizes and Expense
Door Swing
Door Slab Surfaces
Inside the Door Slab
Other Parts of the Door
Pre-Hung Doors
Hanging the Door
Casing the Door
Hanging Exterior Doors
Door Hardware
Lesson 2:Trim
Baseboard
Specialty Base and Casing
Trim Joints
Precautions for Stain Grade Trim
Specialty Trim and Joints
Chair Rails, Wainscots, and Crown
Moldings
Unit 4: Painting and Wallpaper
Lesson 1:Interior Painting
Paint Sheen or Gloss
Preparation for Paint
The Primer Coat
The Finish Coat
Lesson 2: Wallpaper
Types of Rolled Wall Covering
Preparation for Wallpaper
Removing Wallpaper
Installing Wallpaper
Wallpaper Cost
Wallpaper Rolls, Waste, & Borders
Block 9 – Cabinets, Floor Coverings and
Other Final Finishes
Unit 1: Cabinets & Countertops
Lesson 1: Assessing Cabinets
Five Criteria
Joints
Hardware
Construction
Style
Material
Lesson 2: Recognizing Wood
Wood Veneers
Recognizing Wood Grains
Veneer Lay
Eight Basic Wood Grains
Lesson 3: Judging Cabinets
Using the Five Criteria
Lesson 4: Installing Cabinets
Cabinet Construction
Cabinet Installation
Lesson 5: Countertops
Countertop Materials
Plastic Laminate Countertops
Solid Plastic Countertops
Tile, Wood, and Stone Countertops
Unit 2: Floor Covering
Lesson 1: Carpet Quality
Carpet Materials
Judging Carpet Quality
Lesson 2: Carpet Pad and Carpet Installation
Carpet Pad
Carpet Installation
Lesson 3: Tile
Types of Tile
Tile Installation
Lesson 4: Vinyl
Vinyl Quality
Types of Underlayment
Underlayment Installation
Vinyl Installation
Common Problems
Lesson 5: Wood
Wood Quality and Expense
Wood Styles
Direction
Wood Installation
Common Problems
Lesson 6: Other Floor Finishes
Stone Floors
Brick, Pavers, and Terrazzo
Unit 3: Finish Hardware
Lesson 1: Finish Hardware
Finish Hardware
Unit 4: Finish HVAC and Electrical
Lesson 1: Finish HVAC and Electrical
Finish HVAC & Electrical Installation
Quality and Cost of Light Fixtures
Unit 5: Finishing the Rooms
Lesson 1: Bathrooms
Cost of Tubs, Sinks and Faucets
Showers and Tub Surrounds
Tub and Shower Doors
Water Closets
Mirrors and Medicine Cabinets
GFCI Outlets
Lesson 2: Kitchens
Appliances
Kitchen Sinks
Refrigerator Plumbing
Lesson 3: Laundry Rooms
Laundry Room Plans
Laundry Sinks
Fold-Out Ironing Boards
Lesson 4: Stairs
Finish Treads and Risers
Balustrades and Hand Rails
Spiral And Pre-Manufactured Stairs
Installing Carpet on Stairs
Block 10 – How to Inspect
Unit 1: Investigating a Loss
Lesson 1: The Six Points of Estimation
The Six Points
Perspective
Organization
Identification
Number
Technique
Supporting Events
Lesson 2: Diagramming
An Effective Diagram
Rectangular Rooms with Flat
Ceilings
Other Room Shapes
Roofs and Exterior
Lesson 3: Safety Issues and Damage Clues
Electrical Safety
Structural Compromise
Other Safety Issues
Unit 2: Common Losses and Repair Issues
Lesson 1: Fire Damage
Four Fire Factors
Sources of Heat, Fuel, & Oxygen
Smoke Damage & Hidden Damage
Charring
Repairability and Supporting Events
Lesson 2: Common Repair Issues
Removing Sources of Odor
Cleaning
Sealing
Natural Breaks
Lesson 3: Other Repair Issues
Odor Control
Deciding Whether to Clean or
Replace
Lesson 4: Water Damage
Water Extraction & Dehydration
The Effects of Moisture
Lesson 5: Vehicle Collision & Earthquake
Damage
Footing & Foundation System
Damage
Framing Damage
Surface Finish Damage
Lesson 6: High Wind Losses
Structural Damage
Roofing Damage
Emergency Board-up