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Noble Desktop

Blueprint Reading & Construction Estimating Course (Self-Paced)

via Noble Desktop

Overview

Construction documents and cost estimates go hand in hand — and this course shows you how to handle both with confidence. Using Bluebeam, you'll analyze drawings and budgets together, learning to translate what's on the plans into real project costs.

Whether you're new to construction or sharpening existing skills, you'll leave with a practical foundation in documentation and cost management. You won't just read blueprints; instead, you'll work through plans, elevations, and sections to pull material quantities and total project costs. With document analysis and budgeting practiced side by side, you'll be ready to plan projects accurately and make confident estimating decisions in the field.

Syllabus

Blueprint Reading Course - Residential Construction (Self-Paced)

  • Understand the inter-relationship between drawings included in a full set of construction documents.
  • Analyze how scale is presented and applied across different drawing types.
  • Evaluate the similarities and consistencies found across blueprint sets submitted for building permits.
  • Recognize the importance of consistent information presentation across all types of construction documents.
  • Welcome to the Course 1m 43s
  • Symbols 8m 7s
  • Doors and Windows 5m 17s
  • Dimensions Part 1 3m 22s
  • Dimensions Part 2 5m 58s
  • Standard Views 3m 22s
  • Construction Document Set Organization 4m 13s
  • Stairs 7m
  • Paper Size 3m 23s
  • Scale 5m 46s
  • Title Sheet 10m 14s
  • Floor Plan Part 1 6m 28s
  • Floor Plan Part 2 5m 11s
  • Floor Plan Part 3 4m 1s
  • Interior Elevations Door and Window Schedules 6m 5s
  • Building Sections and Roof Plan 3m 42s
  • Building Elevations 3m 47s
  • Wall Sections 5m 53s
  • Details and Hardscape 3m 40s
  • Structural Drawings Part 1 4m 46s
  • Structural Drawings Part 2 4m 36s
  • Structural Drawings Part 3 4m 12s
  • Structural Drawings Part 4 3m 50s
  • Mechanical Drawings 3m 51s
  • Electrical Drawings 5m 49s
  • Plumbing Drawings Fixtures 2m 39s
  • Plumbing Drawings Domestic Water and Gas Lines 2m 34s
  • Plumbing Drawings Isometrics 2m 47s
  • Plumbing Drawings Waste Lines 3m 51s
  • TS1 Title Sheet Part 1 6m 19s
  • Title Sheet Part 2 1m 55s
  • TS1 Title Sheet Part 3 5m 37s
  • TS1 Title Sheet Part 4 4m 20s
  • TS2, TS3 and T24 Sheets 4m 24s
  • Architectural Site Plans AS1 and AS2 3m 54s
  • Architectural Site Plans AS2 2m 6s
  • Floor Plans Overview 1m 59s
  • Floor Plans Level 1 Part 1 2m 57s
  • Floor Plans Level 1 Part 2 4m 1s
  • Floor Plans Sections 2m 39s
  • Floor Plans Level 2 3m 3s
  • Floor Plans Scale 2m 53s
  • Floor Plans Level 2 Part 2 3m 12s
  • Floor Plans The Deck 2m 38s
  • Floor Plans Level 3 2m 59s
  • Building Sections Part 1 4m 15s
  • Building Sections Part 2 3m 35s
  • Building Sections Part 3 1m 15s
  • Building Elevations 3m 57s
  • Interior Elevations Part 1 2m 56s
  • Interior Elevations Part 2 2m 10s
  • Roof Plan 3m 28s
  • Details Part 1 3m 3s
  • Details Part 2 4m 3s
  • Details Part 3 3m 27s
  • Door and Window Schedule 2m 10s
  • Electrical Drawings 2m 3s
  • Instructor Thoughts 2m 17s

Blueprint Reading Course - Commercial Construction (Self-Paced)

  • 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 it easier to understand the project.

Intro to Construction Estimating Course (Self-Paced)

  • 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.

Construction Estimating with Bluebeam Course (Self-Paced)

  • Develop a strong foundation in digital estimating, including takeoffs, quantities, and bid preparation using Bluebeam Revu
  • Use measurement, markup, and dynamic fill tools to calculate quantities across common building systems such as walls, windows, flooring, and roofing
  • Organize estimating data with tool chests, layers, spaces, and custom columns, then export clean, editable quantity reports
  • Apply skills to real construction drawings through structured exercises that reflect professional estimating workflows

Construction Materials Course (Self-Paced)

  • Understand the properties and applications of core construction materials, including concrete, steel, and wood
  • Explore sustainable and innovative materials used in modern construction
  • Learn how to evaluate and select materials based on project requirements
  • Apply material knowledge to both residential and commercial construction scenarios
  • Assess material performance, durability, and cost considerations
  • Identify industry trends and best practices in material selection and use

MEP Blueprint Reading (Self-Paced)

  • Build a solid foundation in reading and understanding MEP blueprints
  • Recognize and evaluate key elements within HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems
  • Apply blueprint reading skills to real-world construction scenarios
  • Accurately interpret symbols, scales, and detailed technical drawings
  • Strengthen your ability to collaborate with design and construction teams using MEP documents
  • Review practical strategies for resolving common blueprint interpretation challenges

Structural Blueprint Reading (Self-Paced)

  • Interpret structural blueprints and understand how they guide construction projects
  • Read and apply General Notes and Inspection Requirements within structural drawings
  • Identify and evaluate foundation plans, footings, and slab-on-grade details
  • Recognize common symbols and abbreviations for concrete, rebar, and structural steel
  • Review steel beams, joists, metal decking, and related structural assemblies
  • Analyze structural details and sections, including weld symbols, bolt schedules, and rebar placement

AI Construction Estimating with Togal.AI Course (Self-Paced)

  • Set up projects, organize drawings, calibrate scales, and move through the Togal.AI workspace with confidence
  • Run automated AI takeoffs in seconds and refine them through classifications, material assignments, Smart Search, and Togal.CHAT
  • Put advanced selection, merge, and modifier tools to work for accurate, client-ready quantities
  • Carry out interior floor plan workflows covering partitions, corridors, party walls, and finish schedules through a hybrid AI and manual approach
  • Take on exterior elevations, exterior finishes, and roof takeoffs using custom formulas, keyboard shortcuts, and the subtract tool for openings
  • Specialize in MEP takeoff across electrical, mechanical, and plumbing drawings, including fixture counts, legend decoding, and conduit and lightning protection
  • Build reusable classification libraries and coordinate multi-trade scopes across a live commercial project
  • Wrap up a full lobby takeoff capstone and export polished Excel and PDF deliverables ready for bid submission
  • Togal.AI Overview 17m 22s
  • Platform Navigation 10m 33s
  • Project Setup 14m 3s
  • AI Takeoff Basics 15m 57s
  • Takeoff Review 16m 14s
  • Assign Materials 9m 55s
  • Chat & Search 7m 12s
  • Classification Workflow 8m 4s
  • Advanced Selection 16m 8s
  • Modifier Tools 1m 37s
  • Combine & Merge 3m 43s
  • Merge Lines Tool 1m 14s
  • Rotation & Tools 2m 28s
  • Manual Tools Overview 3m 3s
  • Floor Plan Workflow 21m 42s
  • Partition Types 14m 29s
  • Exterior Partitions 3m 18s
  • Manual Partitions 5m 57s
  • Exterior Takeoffs 11m 25s
  • Exterior Finishes 5m 14s
  • Keyboard Shortcuts 7m 53s
  • Subtract Tool 2m 48s
  • Count Optimization 11m 7s
  • Advanced Search Tools 12m 30s
  • Roof & Formulas 6m 35s
  • Electrical Overview 13m 18s
  • Electrical Counts 9m 7s
  • MEP Takeoffs 6m 32s
  • Lobby Takeoff Setup 19m 40s
  • Finish Assignments 14m 23s
  • Area Splitting 7m 10s
  • Wall Takeoffs 9m 43s
  • Partitions & Ceilings 10m 24s
  • Export & Deliverables 10m 15s

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