Blueprint Reading Guides: How to Read a Blueprint

Building projects require blueprints, and some people find these challenging to read and understand.

08:11 17 October 2022

Building projects require blueprints, and some people find these challenging to read and understand. Blueprints are drawn up to plan the construction of a new home or business and can be used to design a deck or an underground bunker. 

 

Blueprints are used in many industries, and almost every construction crew member and manager use them daily. Surprisingly, blueprints are even used by demolitionists when they plan to tear down buildings and other structures. This guide is meant to help readers better understand how to read and understand blueprints. For further information, check out these free courses for beginners. 

 

What Are Blueprints?

Before delving into reading them, it is essential to understand what they are and their purpose. Blueprints are considered construction drawings. These drawings show how a building will be designed. Blueprints detail everything about the construction project, including the materials, features, and placement of appliances. 

 

Even if a person is not an architect or construction worker, knowing how to read blueprints is a beneficial skill. Keeping the blueprints of a building or construction project on hand is wise for future additions and modifications. Blueprints are also vital for securing building permits and making sure a construction project meets all building codes. 

 

Understanding the Basics of Blueprints

It is essential to know that blueprints are drawn in a 1/4-inch scale. Each quarter inch on a blueprint represents one foot of space in the building. Below, readers will find the five key elements of any blueprint so they can begin to understand how these building drawings correspond with the way buildings are constructed. 

 

The most common blueprint sizes for new home construction are 18 X 24 inches or 24 X 36 inches, though blueprint sizes vary considerably according to the scale of the project. In addition to the construction drawing, blueprint sheets will include the following information. 

 

The Title Block

The title block is usually found at the top of the blueprint. This section contains the following information. 

 

• The company's logo and contact information
• The client's name
• The architect's name
• The name of the project
• The site addresses
• The site location
• The drawing titles
• The date of the drawing
• The number of pages in the blueprint
• Approvals
• Scale

 

The title block can be located in the corner of the blueprint or in a narrow band across the drawing. No matter its location, the title block contains vital information about the construction project and its scope. 

 

The Revision Block

Revision blocks list any changes that have been made to the construction drawing. The date of the change and the name of the person authorizing the change are listed as well. 

 

The Grid System

Blueprint sheets often include a grid system. The grid contains numbers on one side and letters on the other. Grids make it much easier for users to pinpoint a precise location on a blueprint. 

 

Notes & Legends

The notes and legends section offers a guide to help users understand the symbols and abbreviations used in the blueprint. This section of the blueprint makes reading it much easier. Architects may include a wide array of notes on the project, including notes that apply to the entire project or ones that only apply to that particular sheet.

 

Legends are critical for all blueprint users, no matter their experience level. Although there are some standard symbols used in architecture, some firms use custom symbols, which is why this section of the blueprint is so essential. 

 

Drawing

The main bulk of the center of the blueprint is the drawing plan for the construction project. This detailed drawing helps everyone involved in the project stay on the same page and ensures the project is built to exact specifications. 

 

Reading a Blueprint Becomes Easier

With the information above, time, and practice, individuals find it easier to read blueprints correctly. Because each project is different, it is especially critical to pay careful attention to the notes and legend sections. These give critical information and insight into reading the blueprint and understanding the scope of the construction project. 

 

While reading blueprints seems intimidating at first, it is not overly difficult. Taking the time to learn about each component of a blueprint and what it entails will go a long way toward the successful interpretation of these critical construction documents.