BC Road Builders

Participants will learn how to read a set construction blueprints and specifications. Using both residential and commercial samples of blueprints, participants will gain experience and practical knowledge for their day-to-day work in construction companies. This course is ideal for those who have little or no background in blueprint reading. At the end of the course participants will be able to: 

• Have an elementary knowledge of blueprint reading as it relates to building construction projects. 

• Understand in general terms the design process and the role of design professionals. 

• Understand how Building Codes and Bylaws impact blueprints. 

• Understand specifications and the contractual hierarchy. 

• Be able to find trade information using blueprints. 

• Be able to answer basic construction questions related to the layout and installation of materials. 

• Be able to identify elementary problems or short comings of the blueprints you are using.  

• Be familiar with architectural, civil, electrical, and mechanical drawings, and how they fit together. 

• Understand and be able to use architectural & engineering scales. 

• Understand how to convert engineering dimensions to architectural. 

• Know what a floor plan, section and elevation are. 

• Understand symbols, notation, abbreviations, and material schedules. 

• Be able to work with the drawings to obtain basic information on dimension, finishes, details, area calculations, and the ability to do simple material take offs. 

• Be familiar with both commercial and residential blueprints. 

Topics to be covered: 

• Blueprint reading basics. 

• Design process and the role of design professionals. 

• Building Codes, bylaws and building permits. 

• Find trade information using blueprints. 

• Layout basics. 

• Architectural, civil, electrical, and mechanical drawings, and how they fit together. 

• Architectural & engineering scales. 

• Floor plans, sections, and elevations. 

• Symbols, notation, abbreviations, and material schedules. 

• Dimension, finishes, details, area calculations, and material take offs. 

• Understanding specifications. 

• Commercial and residential blueprints. 

Duration:  One full day (8 hours) of in classroom lessons with instructors.