Book on Reading/Understanding Blueprints? - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

JPlous · 12-07-2008, 02:32 AM

Hey all,

I'm new here. I will be starting a job in early 09 as a project manager for a developer. I'm really excited and a bit nervous.

I have done single family homes before, but this will be my first multi-unit building.

I'm trying to brush up on my terminology and such with books as I've been out of construction type work for a few years now.

I'm mostly looking for a book to help me understand how to read blueprints properly again.

Any great suggestions??

Thanks,

I'm sorry if this is posted in the wrong section!

**Cole** · 12-07-2008, 03:59 AM

You were hired on without being able to read a set of prints accurately?

Deadhead Derek · 12-07-2008, 04:13 AM

wow. glad I have spent my adult life working to perfect my craft so that the economy can push me to the edge of not making it, Just as long as some dude who has been "out of construction" for a few years can come around and ask for help for a job that anyone here could do in their sleep. wow....

**framerman** · 12-07-2008, 08:02 AM

step #1, they're called construction documents. And unless they printed them off the old ammonia machine they're more than likely not blue. Just call them prints or plans.

JPlous · 12-07-2008, 11:04 AM

Thanks for the warm welcome there...

Its not a matter of not being able to read them, its a matter of continuing to learn more about different symbols and such that I havent had see before. Its the first time I get to be a project manager, and I dont want to mess it up. Is there something wrong with that??

WarriorWithWood · 12-07-2008, 11:13 AM

Try this
Print reading

JPlous · 12-07-2008, 11:17 AM

Thank you, thats one of them that I was looking at actually.

But to reiterate my point, its because times are so tough right now that I'm nervous and just dont want to screw anything up on this job.

Thank you,

WarriorWithWood · 12-07-2008, 11:24 AM

There's another book that I used many years ago that actually came with example set's of plans. It was very informative, but I can't seem to find it.

Here it is.
http://www.amazon.com/Print-Reading-...ref=pd_sim_b_3

**Cole** · 12-07-2008, 11:38 AM

If you have any questions as to what symbols mean, feel free to ask away.

JPlous · 12-07-2008, 11:43 AM

Thanks guys I appreciate the help!

The job doesnt start for a few months, and I'm brushing up on everything. I'm just a perfectionist and want to continuously learn!

**Cole** · 12-07-2008, 11:52 AM

Thats great to hear, what I would do if I was you would be to sit down and go back to old threads here that interest you and read, read and so some more reading.

Bodger · 12-07-2008, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JPlous

Thanks for the warm welcome there...

..Like I always say about this site, it's just like the opening line of that Tom Petty song:
"It's just the normal noises in here"...

It reminds me of how I learned to frame. Kind of got my butt kicked around on the job site a bit by the seasoned pros, but learned a trade that has served me well.
Welcome to the site.
Just my opinion, but what I found most useful when learning to read and understand plans was to first have a complete and total grasp of the terminology and symbols and abbreviations.

**framerman** · 12-07-2008, 02:46 PM

No offense meant mate. You said you wanted to learn. Is it only on your terms? It's difficult to decipher peoples attitudes off the internet.

Kaiser · 12-08-2008, 08:44 AM

IMO the best way to learn how to read prints is to dive in to the prints you have.

I have always tried to get my foremen to learn more about Prints.

The first thing I tell them is everything you need to know is in these pages. (of course this requires a good Architect)

Start on the cover page and read every note on every page.
This will help tremendously when you need to go to the prints for info.

Any good set of prints will have a Symbols ledgend. When you come across a symbol or Abbreviation you don't know refer the the legend.

Good Luck

Deadhead Derek · 12-08-2008, 09:36 AM

I want to apologize for my tone in the previous post. I find in construction these days that the person most qualified to create a structure to stand the test of time is the last one considered for the job. Let me say , power to you for wanting to learn. in that alone you are ahead of 75% of the populace. I do have concerns for you in that the adapting, overcoming and interpreting code that will arise as the structure goes off the resevation, is the part that only years can prepare you for. Not that the Arch made ANY mistakes, but a previous post stated that you should read the plans and every single note. could not agree more. I would take it one further, and say Highlight each note per page, so that you know you have read them.
Best of luck to you.

Max Nomad · 12-08-2008, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaiser

IMO the best way to learn how to read prints is to dive in to the prints you have.

I have always tried to get my foremen to learn more about Prints.

The first thing I tell them is everything you need to know is in these pages. (of course this requires a good Architect)

Start on the cover page and read every note on every page.
This will help tremendously when you need to go to the prints for info.

Any good set of prints will have a Symbols ledgend. When you come across a symbol or Abbreviation you don't know refer the the legend.

Good Luck

I have to agree. Nothing quite like being forced to dive in and do it.

I paid an architect friend of mine about $120 dollars and several shots of Rumplemints to help do the takeoffs on the first commercial job I ever bid on and teach me the process as I helped. I'll still add one of these books into my library (still have to train some of my guys) but that trial-by-fire definitely stuck with me.

SethHoldren · 12-08-2008, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deadhead Derek

I want to apologize for my tone in the previous post. I find in construction these days that the person most qualified to create a structure to stand the test of time is the last one considered for the job. Let me say , power to you for wanting to learn. in that alone you are ahead of 75% of the populace. I do have concerns for you in that the adapting, overcoming and interpreting code that will arise as the structure goes off the resevation, is the part that only years can prepare you for. Not that the Arch made ANY mistakes, but a previous post stated that you should read the plans and every single note. could not agree more. I would take it one further, and say Highlight each note per page, so that you know you have read them.
Best of luck to you.

You bring up an excellent point.

Attitude trumps everything else in my book.

I was in a position very early in my construction career where I was constantly interviewing guys twice my age or more.

If a guy stared across the table at me like he wanted to spit on my punk a** right then and there, how was I supposed to be able to welcome him into our company? Regardless of his skill level...even if I wanted to?

Many of the fine older human beings that I interviewed granted me respect without anything more from me than the look in my eye and my handshake. That's "good attitude" in action.

Look, some of my mentors have been grumpy old coots. I love that type of guy, as far as someone to learn from and follow when no harm can be done by it.

But why spend all your time and energy getting furious and being a slave to your temper?

Attitude is easier for some of us to control than others...but we all have control, right?

It might sound cheesy, but I'll take a guy with a good attitude who wants to learn over someone who hates me before he even knows me. Wouldn't you?

Good luck getting good at reading plans. It's great advice above: take the time to simply read them thoroughly and completely from front to back, and you'll be way ahead of the curve.

dirt diggler · 12-08-2008, 02:02 PM

I agree (with Seth). But i also understand how Deadhead feels - and honestly that was my first reaction too.

But then I got to thinking.

"Wow - someone that actually wants to learn ..."

like a damn Twilight Zone episode.

I'll certainly take this over someone who "claims" they already know how to read the plans

Magnettica · 12-08-2008, 02:43 PM

Here's a book I used in school a few years ago. It definitely helped. http://www.amazon.com/Print-Reading-.../dp/1566373557

I think the most important part of reading prints is really getting in there and reading them, and understanding how to read all of the other trades prints helps as well. Knowing the scale of the print, materials, plan north, property lines, symbols, etc. As for you being a project manager you'll need to know how to read them as well as knowing how to coordinate the different trades. For instance, making sure your window/ door contractor orders his materials in advance as to not hold up the job later on. Remember, not all contractors were created equally.

good luck!

WarriorWithWood · 12-08-2008, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deadhead Derek

I would take it one further, and say Highlight each note per page, so that you know you have read them.

I still use multi-color highlighters to this day. Anything that is out of the "norm" gets yellow. it works like a charm for me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magnettica

I think the most important part of reading prints is really getting in there and reading them, and understanding how to read all of the other trades prints helps as well. Knowing the scale of the print, materials, plan north, property lines, symbols, etc.

That was the original reason for getting the book I suggested oh so long ago. Reading the prints for my particular aspect wasn't difficult for me at the time, but plumbing, electric, etc I never had to deal with so I bought the book to learn. It has helped me immensely over the years and I would enthusiastically suggest it to any the younger guys reading this post who only focus on their trade.