How-To: Reading Construction Blueprints [Architectural #1 - Doors, Windows, Layout]

Reading plans is a tough task, many carpenters can build a house but can't read a set of plans front to back to know how that house gets built. In this series, I explain different things in a set of plans to show you how to properly read and understand concrete, rough framing and siding when it comes to building plans.

Introduction: 0:00 - 1:02
Why We Use These: 1:03 - 2:15
Floor Plan Keynotes: 2:16 - 4:12
Framers Info: 4:13 - 5:58
Floor Plan Legend: 5:59 - 8:38
Building Layout: 8:39 - 10:18
Door & Window Layout: 10:19 - 20:39
New Tool: 20:40 - 20:58
Laying Out: 20:59 - 24:35
Roof Plan Review: 24:36 - 25:16
Roof Keynotes: 25:17 - 25:50
Overhangs & Pitches: 25:51 - 28:17
Exterior Elevations: 28:18 - 29:31
Episode Review: 29:32 - 31:06
Closing Out: 31:07 - 33:08

Architectural Floor Plans, Structural Floor Plans, Roof Plans, Window & Door Schedules, Title Sheets and more. We cover everything in this series in hopes of elevating the industry and building more competent carpenters.

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#construction #blueprint #framing

[MattBangsWood]

As this is the first video in the series, it'll be a few days before we have other uploads in the playlist. Don't worry if you can't find the rest, they're coming!

Skip around to find what you want to watch..

Introduction: 0:00 - 1:02
Why We Use These: 1:03 - 2:15
Floor Plan Keynotes: 2:16 - 4:12
Framers Info: 4:13 - 5:58
Floor Plan Legend: 5:59 - 8:38
Building Layout: 8:39 - 10:18
Door & Window Layout: 10:19 - 20:39
New Tool: 20:40 - 20:58
Laying Out: 20:59 - 24:35
Roof Plan Review: 24:36 - 25:16
Roof Keynotes: 25:17 - 25:50
Overhangs & Pitches: 25:51 - 28:17
Exterior Elevations: 28:18 - 29:31
Episode Review: 29:32 - 31:06
Closing Out: 31:07 - 33:08

[MattBangsWood]

I'm not a public speaker, I don't teach classes on plan reading 12 months out of the year. What you're watching is a carpenter trying to keep his brain on track while talking about plan reading. Once you've done something for so many years, it's hard to remember what is "basic" and what isn't. If the door and window layout went over people's heads, let me know. I'd like to improve these videos as much as possible.

I will say, nobody has a series out like this. I'm determined to put out the best plan reading series online, and hopefully, educate the next generation for years to come.

[ethanmiller]

This is so great, I just moved to California after five years of doing carpentry in Australia, I can read plans there but I've been so overwhelmed with the differences here, this has already been a huge benefit, thank you!

[jordanehahn]

Matt...I can't believe you provided this for free on YT!! I took a $350 course from General Motors on Blueprint reading as part of their apprenticeship program ($1400 total program cost) and I've already learned more 20min into this video than i did on their 8-week online class. Thank you! And suck it GM

[JustinColburn]

This first video is already very detailed especially when I don’t do framing as a career and only know the basics. Watching this actually helps and educate me where I would easily struggle. Can’t thank you enough for sharing your knowledge and wisdom! I’ve been watching your content for years man, keep it going!

[archerpro]

I'm a GC in Houston. I can say we have a lot of bad installers. Videos like this can help installers deliver a better product. Thank you for a great video.

[cmm]

Matt, Thank You, sincerely, for taking the time and effort to put this series together. This is an amazing resource. Thank You!

[chipdouglas]

As a truss designer i love the "thats not for us" approach when reading plans.

[Leebob]

Fantasic breakdown, Matt.
You set a wonderful example..👍

[tomroe]

To this day I can remembering the 1st set of plans to read and do layout. The things I missed was crazy. But what a lesson I learned

[coreymenning]

Matt, thank you for all you do for our industry! What you do is inspiring to my students and I! Your content is also very helpful to use in class as a reference as well. Thank you again, Matt! Keep up the great work!

[roevelarde]

I'm already did the test. I'm not from USA, but I've been learning about the wood framing. ❤❤

[DoubleDoubleWithOnions]

Great stuff Matt. I've got a big project here at home starting next month. I'll be watching every minute of your videos.

[mark]

Thank you a lot I appreciate you man for all you make my work a little easier 👍👊

[ErionQ]

Matt really quick, overhangs would come into play per cbc, and zoning depending on how close you are to the building other than that 100% spot on.

[slidethru]

Thanks. It is our duty to teach to the younger generation.

[xXiiBet]

Love this video man. I'm from Australia we use metric, even tho this is in foot and inches I've gained such good understanding to plans after watching this.

[godson]

Great video Matt, very informative and it reinforced my thoughts on reading blueprints.

[BigMikeR]

I'll give this a full watch later. Thanks Matt.

The #1 Difference between an Architect and an Engineer is that their drawings will always have different measurements from not communicating. Always double check critical dimensions.

[michaelmisilo]

Cant wait for the upcoming videos Matt! This is good stuff!