Blueprint Reading & Construction Estimating Course (Self-Paced)

This is an online blueprint reading class for residential construction projects. Learn from a licensed architect about drawing types, scale and about the relationships between drawings.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the inter-relationship between the drawings included in a set of Construction Documents (blueprints).
• Analyze different drawings and see how scale is presented throughout a set of Construction Documents.
• Evaluate the similarities between all sets of blueprint construction documents submitted for building permits.
• Recognize the need for consistency in presenting information in all types of Construction Document in this online blueprint reading course.

So what is blueprint reading and why is it necessary in the construction 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 blueprint reading class is 100% online and references a real-world project. VDCI encourages strong online engagement, participation in group discussion forums, and connecting with your instructor and classmates. Join us in the VDCI Student Lounge, where our current students and alumni share information about the industry and help one another.

This is an online blueprint reading course for commercial projects. Learn from a licensed architect how to read blueprint drawings for a mixed-use commercial project that includes hotel, retail and parking.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the inter-relationship between the drawings included in a set of Construction Documents (blueprints) for a Mixed-Use Commercial project.
• Analyze different drawings and see how information is referenced throughout a set of Construction Documents.
• Evaluate the similarities between all sets of construction documents submitted for building permits.
• Recognize the need for consistency in presenting information in all types of Construction Documents.
• Gain experience understanding how 3D model presentations within a set of construction documents make the construction documents easier to understand the project.

So what is blueprint reading and why is it necessary in the construction 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.”

This online construction estimator course is taught by a professional construction estimator. You will learn about the types of estimates and how an estimate is organized. The components and sub-components of an estimate will be addressed – you will learn how to become an estimator.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the inter-relationship between the construction drawings and a quantity-takeoff cost estimate.
• Analyze the components of a construction cost estimate and learn how a quantity-takeoff cost estimate is created.
• Master an understanding of quantity surveying, estimating takeoffs and pricing estimated quantities.
• Recognize the need for thoroughness and attention to detail when preparing construction cost estimates.

In this construction estimator course, you will learn the purposes for construction estimating, the estimating tools used, and the skills required for construction estimating. The course discusses quantity takeoffs and teaches you how to determine prices based on estimated quantities. The course wraps up by discussing cost estimate proposals and what is included and excluded when creating an estimate.

This online construction estimating course is designed to help trades professionals, journey people, drafters, designers and architectural and engineering interns. By the conclusion of this class, participants will be able to understand and apply the inter-connectivity between the construction documents and the information created in the construction cost estimate. You will learn how to become an estimator and you will receive a course certificate upon completion.