New estimators sometimes wonder “How do I read blueprints efficiently?”

Here are some resources that can help you understand the art of reading blueprints like a pro:

Books

The de-factor reference for learning how to read blueprint is and has been “Blueprint Reading: Construction Drawings for the Building Trade”. You can get it from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0071549862

Another great read (also available on Amazon) is Hammer's Blueprint Reading Basics: https://www.amazon.com/Hammers-Blueprint-Reading-Basics-Charles/dp/0831136146

Online Training

Here are some awesome online resources:

https://vdci.edu/course-bundles/blueprint-reading-fundamentals/

https://www.archtoolbox.com/design-document/construction-documentation/

Videos

And if you’re a “gotta watch how it’s done” sort of person, here are some great YouTube videos on the subject:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSuP4YkaJ40&t=865s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3v3ik3kmks