Education & Events

Price: Member: Free / Non-Member $50

Location: Online via Zoom.

1 CE credit for General and Adjuster licenses

Construction Basics: Interior Finishes builds on the previous courses on structure, roofing, and exterior finishes to offer an overview of interior finishing in residential construction. It looks at the various building code requirements to ensure safety within a house beginning with garage interiors, before moving onto stairwells and handrails. It looks at how non-compliant designs can affect insurance claims and restoration work. Fireplaces are discussed, including code requirements for hearth size, chimney liners, and the risks of pyrolysis—a key cause of house fires due to heat degradation of wood

The presentation then covers wall finishes, contrasting lath & plaster with drywall, and outlines restoration challenges. Interior doors are reviewed by type and material, followed by millwork such as baseboards, crown moulding, and casing. The course also examines flooring types—wood, laminate, vinyl, tile—and their vulnerability to water damage.

Finally, cabinetry is addressed, including materials, restoration concerns, and water damage risks. The session concludes with an overview of the restoration process, from emergency mitigation to repair, emphasizing how interior finishes impact underwriting and claims.

Topics covered:

• Garage Finishes
• Stairwells and Handrails
• Fireplaces
• Wall Finishes
• Millwork
• Flooring
• Cabinetry
• The Restoration Process

After finishing participants will be able to:

• Provide property and casualty insurance professionals with an increased understanding of common materials and practices used in interior finishing, applicable to both the underwriting and claims processes
• Understand the basics of interior finishes, including building code requirements, millwork, cabinetry, wall and floor finishes.
• Clarify terminology and concepts relevant to interior finishing.
• Explain how various interior finishes can impact insurance underwriting and claims.

This course is recommended for those in the industry involved in claims, claims support, underwriting, sales or customer service roles, and is designed to be an introductory level course

Brokers will gain a deeper understanding of the materials and practices used in finishing the interior of a home, covering such topics as code requirements, millwork, cabinetry, wall and floor finishes. This knowledge will inform their interactions with underwriters as well as with clients throughout the sales process and in claims support, when needed.

Instructor/Facilitator | Brian Bessey

Brian Bessey knows restoration from about every angle. He started in the industry as a carpenter and technician and served as a project manager before moving into business development and general management. This first-hand knowledge of the practices, technology and state of the industry informs the continuing education courses he has now taught to thousands of insurance professionals. Brian now serves as the Director of National Accounts at ServiceMaster Restore of Canada to support their 73 locations across Canada, including seven locations in Alberta.