Blueprint Reading Basics (Residential Construction)

The Blueprint Reading Basics course offers a comprehensive overview of key topics essential for reading and understanding architectural plans.

What is blueprint reading and why is it necessary in the instruction industry? Many people in the construction industry can benefit professionally by learning how to read a set of blueprints, also known as construction documents (CDs). “Blueprint” is the historic name for construction documents. Contractors build the design and follow the drawings included in the set of “blueprints.”

The course focuses on various symbols commonly used in plans, including those for doors, windows, and elevation callouts. It examines the different types of doors and windows typically found in architectural designs and provides insights into how dimensions are represented in drawings, including special considerations for windows and curved walls.

Additionally, the course introduces standard views in architectural drawings, such as floor plans, elevations, and sections. It explains the typical organization of construction documents, offering a detailed overview of stairs, including stair direction and break lines. The course also covers various paper sizes used in architectural printing, such as ANSI and ARCH formats.

Finally, the course discusses the concept of scale, detailing scale ratios and scale factors, and emphasizing their importance in accurately reading and interpreting blueprints.