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How to Read Blueprints

Learn how to understand, navigate, and use residential blueprints from professional builder Jordan Smith.

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  • Access to course material for 30 days.
  • Train with a Pro

  • Spanish Subtitles Available

  • Mobile Access

  • 9 In-depth Lessons

  • Certificate of Completion

  • Practical Resources

Lesson Plan

9 Video Lessons · 2H 9M

  • 1. Course Overview

    A blueprint is the fundamental plan for the construction of any structure. In this lesson, Jordan provides a basic overview of the class, outlining the objectives and skills mastered in this online course.

  • 2. Scales & Measurement

    Using a simple plan for the shed in his backyard as a guide, Jordan shares how to use an architect's ruler to make reading scales easy.

  • 3. Title Sheets & Site Plans

    A title sheet gives you information about the property, a building's location on that property, the team involved in the project, and how to navigate the whole set of residential blueprints.

  • 4. Floor Plans

    Part of the architectural drawings within your set of residential blueprints, the floor plans provide a bird's eye view of the interior plan for a house.

  • 5. Elevations & Sectional Views

    Elevations and sections are two-dimensional views of the vertical interior and exterior surfaces of a house.

  • 6. Details & Schedules

    Rounding out the architectural drawings within your set of residential blueprints, details are just what they sound like: specific looks at detailed components of the building. Schedules are tables that help you accurately order and use doors, windows, and more.

  • 7. Structural Drawings

    Structural drawings show how the design for a building can maintain the structural integrity of the home in normal and hazardous weather conditions. Jordan shows you how to understand the key components of a house's structure from the perspective of a builder and an engineer.

  • 8. Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing (MEP)

    No modern home is complete without the systems that make it function: HVAC (mechanical), electrical, and plumbing. As a builder or framer, it’s important to know where those systems will be routed so you can leave space for them to be laid in. Learn how.

  • 9. Putting It All Together

    Learn how to put what you've learned to practice by reading a title page and navigating a complete set of residential blueprints.

Who it's for: This course is for those beginning in the trades, or anyone who wants to brush up on reading blueprints.

Key Topics

  • How to use architect’s ruler

  • How to read site and floor plans

  • How to read elevations and sections

  • How to read details and schedules

  • How to read structural drawings

  • How to read mep drawings

4.9 Out of
5 stars

Overall rating of 154 students

Become Job Ready

This course will increase your knowledge for jobs like:

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Carpenter

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Apprentice Carpenter

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Construction Laborer

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Carpenter's Assistant

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Carpenter Helper

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Remodeler

For more information on these roles, visit our career page.

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Team Pricing
> 6 seats
Save $5 per seat
$70 per seat

Common Questions

  • What is MT Copeland?

    MT Copeland helps you further your career in the building industry with expert-led online education that will make you a better, smarter tradesperson.

    Our training courses give you a foundation in construction fundamentals and trade skills with real-world applications and best practices to help you grow on the job.

  • What do courses include?

    Online courses include professionally produced videos taught by leaders in the trades and supplementary learning material such as quizzes, assessments and downloadable materials to help you acquire new skills. Watch anywhere, always at your own pace. We keep lesson videos short so they’re easy to watch after work or on your lunch break. You can finish a course in one sitting, or space it out over a week or two.

  • Can you learn with MT Copeland outside of the u.s.?

    Yes! You can take MT Copeland courses from anywhere in the world. Our courses are online, so if you have access to the Internet, you can watch our training videos. Courses are taught in English, with English captions and Spanish subtitles available.

  • Where did the name MT Copeland come from?

    MT Copeland was named after a legendary educator who promoted the idea that training in a specific trade paired with a knowledge of general business principles opens up a whole new world of career possibilities. We believe in the same powerful combination of skills and knowledge.

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