Course Safety and US Requirements
Draft for review. This document has not yet been reviewed by a US attorney and is not legal advice. Details shown as “to be confirmed” will be completed before enrollment opens.
Read this before applying the course on a real job. The course was developed outside the United States. It teaches a practical method; it is not engineering, legal or permit advice, and it does not show you how to meet US building codes. [This notice is a general draft and must be reviewed by a US attorney and a US licensed engineer before enrollment opens.]
1. This is not a license or accredited qualification
TechniCollege is a private training provider. The course is not accredited, is not recognized by any state or federal agency, and does not lead to a qualification, certification or contractor license.
2. Licenses for building work
Many states (and some cities and counties) require a contractor or home improvement license to do construction work for others. Whether you need one usually depends on the type and value of the work. Check with your state contractor licensing board and your local building department before quoting. [No state-specific thresholds are given here; they must be checked for each state.]
3. Building permits, zoning and HOA rules
Whether a pergola needs a building permit depends on your local building code and zoning rules, for example its size and height, whether it has a solid roof, whether it is attached to the house, and how close it is to property lines. Homeowners associations (HOAs) may have their own approval rules. Ask the local building department before work starts.
4. Structural design, wind and snow
Structures must be designed for local conditions, including wind, snow and, in some areas, seismic loads. Requirements are set by the building code adopted in each state and local jurisdiction. A licensed engineer should confirm the design, member sizes, connections, fasteners and footings where required. Profiles and fasteners shown in the course are not from the US market: do not assume they meet US code requirements. [References to specific codes and standards to be confirmed by a US licensed engineer.]
5. Corrosion and environment
Coastal, industrial and pool environments can corrode metals and fasteners quickly, and mixing metals can cause galvanic corrosion. Ask your supplier for product data suitable for the site's exposure.
6. Work safety
- Follow the workplace safety rules that apply to you (for example, OSHA standards).
- Working at height, ladders and roof access are major hazards: plan fall prevention.
- Use power tools with the right guards and personal protective equipment (eye, hearing and hand protection).
- Before digging footings, call 811 to have underground utilities marked.
- Older homes may contain asbestos or lead paint: do not drill, cut or sand suspected materials.
- Keep clear of overhead power lines and use a licensed electrician for any electrical work, such as lighting or fans.
7. Your responsibility
You are responsible for how you apply what you learn. See section 10 of the Terms and Conditions.