Understanding Construction Documents
This popular course provides an introductory understanding of how to read and interpret the various forms of construction documents for all areas of construction with an emphasis on architectural and structural trades. This course is best for those that have 1-3 years of experience with blueprint reading.
Understanding Construction Documents is now closed for the Spring ’25 semester. You can join the course mailing list below to be notified if/when space opens up:
Course Description
Attendees will practice analyzing drawings of the various trade disciplines and see how information is referenced throughout a set of construction documents. The course highlights the inter-relationship between the various disciplines, included in sets of construction documents (blueprints) from a simple duplex through a more complicated school addition. Finally, attendees will learn how inconsistencies are treated and resolved in construction documents.
course details
- This course is a five class series held once per week
- Dates: January 22 - February 19, 2025
- Days of the Week: Wednesdays
- Time: 4 - 7PM
- Registration Fee: $585
- Textbook Rental: $25
- Location: West Michigan Construction Institute
What you'll learn in Understanding Construction Documents
Course Curriculum
- Overview of Documents, Terminology, and Site Plans
- Foundations and Building Framing
- Building Enclosure and Partitioning
- Interior Finishing and Chasing the Details
- Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical Plans
- Specifications and Bid Manuals
Who Should Attend?
This course is structured for the tradesperson who is just entering the field, or for the person that is transitioning into a position that requires a good understanding of how construction documents are related to each other. The class will also demonstrate how the different disciplines correlate with other trades.
Based on course survey data, students who have beginner level experience in blueprint reading tend to benefit the most from this course.
