Solar
Heat Pumps
Design and Installation
HVAC Design
Construction Drawings 101
About this course
Learn to read or create professional construction drawings. This is a foundational course to learn skills valuable within any construction company, but especially geared toward solar, heat pump, and energy storage projects.
Construction drawings serve as a universal language between architects, engineers, contractors, and builders. They communicate the design intent, dimensions, materials, and other specifications necessary for construction.
Detailed construction drawings allow for accurate cost estimation. Contractors can assess the materials, labor, and time required for the project, helping clients to budget effectively. They serve as a reference point for ensuring that the finished structure matches the original design.
Construction drawings also become valuable resources for troubleshooting and future maintenance. They provide insights into the building's structure, systems, and components, aiding in repairs or renovations down the line.
Construction drawings serve as a universal language between architects, engineers, contractors, and builders. They communicate the design intent, dimensions, materials, and other specifications necessary for construction.
Detailed construction drawings allow for accurate cost estimation. Contractors can assess the materials, labor, and time required for the project, helping clients to budget effectively. They serve as a reference point for ensuring that the finished structure matches the original design.
Construction drawings also become valuable resources for troubleshooting and future maintenance. They provide insights into the building's structure, systems, and components, aiding in repairs or renovations down the line.
Learning Objectives
- Apply Drawing Standards: Participants will understand and effectively apply national drafting standards to ensure clarity and compliance in construction drawings.
- Integrate Building Systems and Sustainable Design: Participants will learn to integrate building systems and sustainable design principles into construction drawings to enhance efficiency and environmental performance.
- Analyze Construction Drawing Challenges: Participants will develop problem-solving skills by analyzing and resolving real-world construction drawing challenges encountered in different project contexts
- Learn Construction Drawing Techniques: Participants will become proficient in various construction drawing techniques, both traditional and digital.
This course is included in this bundle
Course outline
8 modules
2 hours to complete
1:48 hours
of video lectures
Welcome • 2 assignments
Orientation Materials
Welcome • 2 assignments
Orientation Materials
This is a self-study on demand course. This course is self-paced, so you don’t need to be logged in at any specific time. You can get started immediately after you enroll and the course materials will remain in your account with minimum guaranteed access for 12 months (1 year) after enrollment.
- Welcome to Construction Drawings 101 (03:33 minutes)
- Construction drawings are used by millions of professionals
Module 1 • 4 assignments
Fundamentals of Construction Drawings
Module 1 • 4 assignments
Fundamentals of Construction Drawings
This section introduces participants to the fundamental role of construction drawings in translating design concepts into physical structures. Emphasizing the acquisition of practical skills and theoretical knowledge essential for creating professional-grade construction drawings. Participants will explore the foundational principles of construction drawings, focusing on clarity, accuracy, and adherence to industry standards. They will also be introduced to the diverse range of construction drawings, from architectural plans to electrical schematics, understanding their unique purposes and components.
- Intro Overview From Concept to Creation (02:44 minutes)
- Intro Overview From Concept to Creation: Drawing Board (08:34 minutes)
- Fundamentals of Construction Drawings (01:11 minutes)
- Fundamentals of Construction Drawings: Drawing Board (14:31 minutes)
Module 2 • 3 assignments
Drafting Tools and Techniques
Module 2 • 3 assignments
Drafting Tools and Techniques
This module delves into the tools and techniques used in construction drafting. It covers traditional tools like squares and compasses, as well as modern digital drafting software such as Revit, AutoCAD, and SketchUp. Participants will engage in hands-on demonstrations, from basic sketching to advanced 3D modeling techniques.
- Drafting Tools & Techniques (01:39 minutes)
- Drafting Tools & Techniques: Drawing Board (08:20 minutes)
- Software tools for creating simple construction drawings
Module 3 • 2 assignments
National Drafting and Drawing Standards
Module 3 • 2 assignments
National Drafting and Drawing Standards
Participants will receive an overview of national drafting standards and guidelines such as ANSI and AIA. Detailed explanations will be provided for standards concerning lines, layers, symbols, text, and other elements crucial for maintaining consistency, clarity, and professionalism in construction drawings. Emphasis will be placed on adherence to these standards for effective understanding, collaboration, and compliance.
- National Drafting Standards (02:17 minutes)
- National Drafting Standards: Drawing Board (05:23 minutes)
Module 4 • 2 assignments
Drawing Essentials
Module 4 • 2 assignments
Drawing Essentials
This module unravels the intricacies of construction drawings, including floor plans, elevations, sections, and details. Participants will explore architectural drafting conventions such as scale, notation, and symbol usage, essential for effectively communicating design intent.
- Drawing Essentials (02:26 minutes)
- Drawing Essentials: Drawing Board (13:00 minutes)
Module 5 • 5 assignments
Systems Integration, Green Building and Sustainable Design
Module 5 • 5 assignments
Systems Integration, Green Building and Sustainable Design
Integration of building systems such as electrical, Solar PV, HVAC, and plumbing elements will be covered in this module. Strategies for harmonizing these systems within construction drawings to ensure seamless coordination and functionality in the built environment will be discussed. Participants will also learn about sustainable design practices, incorporating renewable energy systems, passive design strategies, and environmentally friendly materials into construction drawings.
- Systems Integration, Green Building and Sustainable Design (01:08 minutes)
- Systems Integration: Drawing Board, Commercial Project Coordination (13:44 minutes)
- Systems Integration: Drawing Board, MEP Coordination (03:18 minutes)
- Systems Integration: Drawing Board, Green Building Solar Projects (04:27 minutes)
- Systems Integration: Drawing Board, Green Building Electrification Projects (05:30 minutes)
Module 6 • 6 assignments
Real-World Applications and Case Studies
Module 6 • 6 assignments
Real-World Applications and Case Studies
This module examines real-world challenges encountered in construction drawing projects, emphasizing adaptability and problem-solving skills. Discussions on professional ethics, integrity, and accountability in construction drawing practice, including considerations of safety, sustainability, and regulatory compliance, will be incorporated. Guidance for professional growth and advancement in the field, from entry-level draftsperson to seasoned architectural designer or construction manager, will also be provided.
- Where to find sample drawings
- Real World Example - Reviewing a Plan Set (08:39 minutes)
- Real World Applications (01:15 minutes)
- Real World Applications: Drawing Board (05:25 minutes)
- Wrap-Up Construction Drawings 101 (01:07 minutes)
- How do solar professionals use construction drawings?
Conclusion • 7 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
Conclusion • 7 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials for 12 months (1 year), so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. After your year of access expires you can optionally extend access with a HeatSpring Membership. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!
- SketchUp - Free drafting software
- AutoCAD - Powerful drafting software for professionals (Free Trial)
- Notebooks for creating hand sketches
- 1 Year of Access to Course Materials
- Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
- Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
- Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate
Author
Gwendolen St. Sauveur
Founder, CEO | Architectural & Mechanical HVAC Design Consultant, BTF Net Zero Designs
Gwendolen St.Sauveur EI LEED GA, is currently the CEO of BTF Net Zero Designs. Over her career Gwen has worn the various hats of Mechanical Engineer, MEP Designer, Architectural Designer, Construction Coordinator & Estimator. For a decade she was a mechanical engineer gaining hands-on experience through a dizzying array of commercial projects across New England. She...
Frequently asked questions
Full FAQHow does this course work?
You can begin this online course instantly upon enrollment. This 6 module course is delivered entirely online. This is a self-study, self-paced course and you can set your own schedule to complete the materials. You can begin the lecture videos and other course materials as soon as you enroll. After successfully completing the course, you will be able to generate a certificate of completion.
How long do I have access to the materials?
Students get unlimited access to the course materials as soon as they enroll and for one year (365 days) after enrollment. Rewatch videos and review assignments as many times as you want. View updates the instructor makes to the course as the industry advances. Return to your course anytime with online access from anywhere in the world. After the one year of access expires, access can be extended by joining as a HeatSpring member. A single membership extends access to course materials for all past enrollments.
Is there a certificate of completion?
Yes, when you complete this course you are eligible for a certificate of completion from HeatSpring. You can download your certificate as soon as you have completed all of the course requirements. Students can easily share their verified certificates on their LinkedIn profiles using our LinkedIn integration.
Can I register multiple people?
Yes please visit our [HeatSpring for Teams](/for_teams) page to get a group discount.