T h e     I n s t i t u t e     f o r     B u i l d i n g     T e c h n o l o g y      A n d     S a f e t y

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (MDHCD) Residential Building Code Training

Clients

Widely considered America’s leading housing finance and community development agency, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (MDHCD) works to ensure available housing at all income levels, and encourages strong neighborhoods and viable communities. The Department funds or insures loans for purchase and construction of housing for low-income families; helps low- and moderate-income families buy or rehabilitate houses; and aids nonprofit organizations with grants or loans to house the elderly, the developmentally disabled, and the homeless. The Department also distributes Federal rent subsidies to low-income families; oversees construction, including prefabricated buildings and mobile homes, to ensure that it meets building code standards; and offers weatherization and energy conservation aid to qualified groups and households. To revitalize commercial districts and blighted areas, plan growth and develop resources, and provide housing for citizens not served by the private sector, the Department funnels Federal and State funds to communities and supports community action and regional development agencies.

Challenge

MDHCD had a need to provide high quality building code training specific to the needs of the Maryland Residential Building Code, and specific to the home rules adopted by their localities.

IBTS Solutions

  • IBTS developed a Residential Building Code Training Program specific to Maryland State Codes.
  • IBTS consulted MDHCD in developing its training program, in order to ensure that all MDHCD needs were met.
  • IBTS adjusted the training program to address the local conditions, various building types, and wind zone requirements of that region.
  • IBTS provided highly qualified instructors with more than 20 years of experience.
  • IBTS provided highly interactive classroom style instruction with workbooks, walk-through practical examples, and situational analyses that learners could apply to work on-site.
  • IBTS maintained a low learner-instructor ratio of 40 to 1, to ensure plenty of one-on-one time.
  • IBTS provided training materials for staff to take away and use for future reference.

Benefits

  • MDHCD obtained highly qualified staff.
  • Staff was specialized to conduct residential building code compliance specific to the region.
  • Participants walked away with practical training they could apply to the field immediately.
  • MDHCD improved the quality of housing available to low- and moderate-income families by providing highly trained staff.
  • MDHCD improved the quality of its commercial and community revitalization projects by providing highly trained staff.