Bio Teaching Evaluations Learning Service Research Publications Vitae Blog

Kirk Bingenheimer's Publications

Sharing Kirk's Books and Research Publications

Books

"Rethinking Construction Education: Artificial Intelligence, Assessment, and the Shift to Judgement-Centered Learning"

Published by Kirk Bingenheimer on January 5, 2026 via Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing

Rethinking Construction Education examines how artificial intelligence has exposed a long-standing challenge in construction education: the growing misalignment between what is assessed and what actually matters in professional practice.

As AI tools make it easy to generate polished schedules, estimates, and written explanations, traditional artifact-based assessment no longer provides reliable evidence of understanding. This book argues that construction education must return to what has always defined the profession—judgment. Decisions about sequencing, coordination, risk, and constructability cannot be automated, and neither can their evaluation.

Grounded in construction practice and teaching experience, this book reframes academic integrity as a design problem rather than an enforcement problem. Written for construction educators and faculty in applied disciplines, it offers a durable framework for judgment-centered learning and assessment in an AI-enabled educational landscape.

Kirk Bingenheimer is a construction educator and industry professional with nearly thirty years of experience in residential construction and preconstruction operations. His background spans field supervision, trade partner coordination, purchasing, and preconstruction planning, including senior procurement and consulting roles supporting regional and national homebuilders. His industry experience informs a practical, decision-centered perspective on how construction is taught and evaluated.

As an educator, Kirk focuses on experiential learning, judgment-based assessment, and the responsible integration of emerging technologies into construction education. His work centers on aligning academic assessment with professional reasoning, particularly as artificial intelligence reshapes traditional measures of learning. Rethinking Construction Education reflects his commitment to preparing students not simply to produce construction artifacts, but to develop the judgment required for responsible practice.


"Solving for Shelter: How Builders, Educators, and Communities Can Deliver Housing That Works"

Published by Kirk Bingenheimer on July 31, 2025 via Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing

A builder’s field guide to the affordable housing crisis—and what it will take to fix it.

The U.S. housing crisis isn’t just a problem of policy or supply. It’s a systems failure—one that leaves builders boxed out, trades underused, and families without access to homes they can afford. Solving for Shelter takes readers behind the headlines and into the real-world challenges that make affordability so hard to deliver—and shows how collaboration across builders, educators, nonprofits, and communities can change the equation.

Kirk Bingenheimer is a construction educator and industry professional with nearly thirty years of experience in residential construction and preconstruction operations. His background spans field supervision, trade partner coordination, purchasing, and preconstruction planning, including senior procurement and consulting roles supporting regional and national homebuilders. His industry experience informs a practical, decision-centered perspective on how construction is taught and evaluated.

As an educator, Kirk focuses on experiential learning, judgment-based assessment, and the responsible integration of emerging technologies into construction education. His work centers on aligning academic assessment with professional reasoning, particularly as artificial intelligence reshapes traditional measures of learning. Rethinking Construction Education reflects his commitment to preparing students not simply to produce construction artifacts, but to develop the judgment required for responsible practice.


"Home Inspections 101: What Buyers, Sellers and Agents Should Know"

Published by Kirk Bingenheimer on August 17, 2015 via Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing

In 2009, Kirk Bingenheimer launched his own home inspection business with a simple mission: to provide thorough, professional evaluations of residential properties. Through dedication, persistence, and a commitment to quality service, he expanded his operation to conduct over 400 home inspections annually within just three years. Along the way, he gained firsthand experience in the realities of starting and growing a profitable home inspection business—learning not only how to perform inspections, but how to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship in a competitive marketplace.

This book was written with that practical experience in mind. It is designed to serve as both a guide and a reference for anyone interested in understanding the full scope of a professional home inspection. Each chapter aligns with the industry’s established Standards of Practice, breaking down the major components of a residential property and explaining what inspectors look for—and why it matters. The intent is to demystify the inspection process for homebuyers, real estate professionals, and aspiring inspectors alike.

To enhance its practical value, the book includes real-life examples drawn from hundreds of actual inspections. These stories illustrate the kinds of issues that surface most frequently and provide context for interpreting inspection findings. At the end of each section, readers will also find a helpful checklist summarizing common defects and maintenance concerns. Whether you are preparing to buy a home, pursuing a career in inspection, or simply want to be better informed, this book offers both insight and actionable information.

"Launch, Grow and Make Money!: Become a Home Inspector"

Published by Kirk Bingenheimer on September 21, 2014 via Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing

Before launching his home inspection business, Kirk Bingenheimer served as a professor at Clemson University and spent fifteen years in the production home building industry. In 2009, amid the housing downturn, he started a home inspection company in Charleston, South Carolina. Just two weeks before launching, his CPA asked how he planned to attract clients—an honest question he couldn’t yet answer. That moment sparked his journey into marketing and business development.

While confident in his technical inspection skills, Kirk quickly realized he had much to learn about operating and promoting a professional service business. Through perseverance and lessons learned, his company was performing over 400 inspections annually by its third year.

With a proven business model in place, Kirk is now sharing his insights into successful home inspection marketing and operations. This book offers practical guidance across four sections: what to consider before starting, how to launch effectively, strategies to grow the business, and systems for long-term profitability.

Research

"Economic Impact of Prevailing Wage Regulations"

Published by Kirk Bingenheimer on December, 1994 in the Associated Schools of Construction Journal

Estimates from the General Accounting Office and other sources suggest that the Davis-Bacon Act has a detrimental effect on the United States economy. Motivated by these findings, this researcher conducted a focused investigation into whether similar prevailing wage regulations at the state level also yield negative economic outcomes. State-level laws mirroring the federal Davis-Bacon Act are often referred to as "Little Davis-Bacon Acts." This study centers on one such law: the New Jersey State Prevailing Wage Act.

To evaluate the impact of the New Jersey statute, the researcher employed a combination of data collection methods, including surveys, telephone interviews, and formal correspondence. Secondary data was obtained through a comprehensive review of existing literature on prevailing wage legislation. The research findings indicate that New Jersey could potentially reduce its annual government expenditures by approximately $276 million if the prevailing wage law were repealed.