Residential Building Program

If you’re an individual who likes the challenge of building and renovation projects or has always taken a certain degree of pride in your woodworking or carpentry ability, maybe now is the time to channel your interests into a career. There’s no better place to begin than with the academic and training experience you can receive through the Residential Building Program at Lansing Community College. In it, you will learn the essentials needed to construct single-family and multiple-family housing complexes such as apartment and condominiums. Generally, program graduates begin on a framing crew and move up to framing crew leader. The next step would be to become a superintendent or construction manager. Many go on to own a building business while others get involved in the supply side of the construction industry.

The employment picture for carpenters is excellent. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, well-trained carpenters can expect an especially favorable employment forecast through 2010 due to the demand for new housing and commercial and industrial operations. Renovation of existing structures will also fuel the need for carpentry professionals. Generally, wages for carpenters can range from $10 to more than $26 an hour.

To train for these careers, begin with us. LCC’s Residential Building Program is a highly-respected program that will provide you with strong carpentry skills, skills employers expect their construction workers to possess. Construction techniques, blueprint reading, framing, cost estimating and building codes are just some of the topics covered in the program. Instruction is based on established practices commonly used in residential construction coupled with practical, hands-on application for students in our framing lab. We also offer basic woodworking classes. The popular Builder’s License Review course is also available for individuals who want to prepare to take the state exam to gain licensure.

Our faculty members are dedicated, professionals committed to helping you achieve academic and professional success. Each member of our teaching staff brings to the classroom a curriculum filled with the best in trade practices and practical applications to enhance your learning experience. Many have achieved success outside of the classroom as builders and/or company owners, allowing them to add a level of real-world relevance to your learning experience.

Courses are offered throughout the year. Many are offered evenings as well as days to accommodate your schedule. Spring semester begins in January, summer semester begins in June and fall classes begin in August.

We want you in our classroom next semester. If you need direction on how to begin at LCC, let us know what’s on your mind and what you need to get started. We’ve got a place waiting for you in the classroom that can lead you to a great career start. For more information about our Residential Building Program, contact us online.

Residential Building Program
2007 Advisory Board 

Career Facts
Residential Building Program

What is a residential builder?
Residential builders build houses, apartments and condominiums. All aspects of construction, including sub trades, construction materials and general business, are part of residential builders' knowledge.

What types of skills are required?
A residential builder must have basic math skills, apply construction methods and techniques, and know the proper use of construction materials. A residential builder must also have significant knowledge of blueprint reading, estimating, code requirements, and small business administration and management.

Where are they employed?
Graduates of this program begin on a framing crew or interior trim crew and move up to crew leader. The next step is to become a superintendent or construction manager. Eventually, they may begin their own building business. The graduates may also get involved in the supply side of the construction business. To obtain a Residential Builder's License or a Maintenance and Alteration Contractor's License, you must pass an exam administered by PSI Examination Services. After passing the exam, application for the license to the State of Michigan must be made. No work experience is necessary, but the state has different requirements depending on how the business organization is established.

What degrees are available?
An associate in applied science degree and a certificate of achievement are available in Residential Building.  Graduates may also go on to a four-year institution to get a bachelor's degree in Construction Management.

What is the average salary?
Average hourly wages for residential builders range from $13.50 to $19.37 per hour.