Construction Plan Reading & Specifications

Online

From the conceptual drawings through final construction, the ability to analyze and interpret construction plans and identify compliance with laws and regulations is a key foundational skill for construction managers. Designed for estimators, design professionals, project managers and other construction professionals, or those trying to break into the construction industry, you will learn the fundamentals of how to accurately read a set of construction plans. Topics covered in this course include how construction plans are organized under the Uniform Drawing System; how to interpret plans and specifications set forth by the architect/designer; and how to apply this knowledge to the actual construction process, from conceptual drawings through final construction. By the end of this course, you will be able to understand complex project plans and apply this knowledge to the construction process.

Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate ability to read complex construction plans and design specifications.
  • Analyze complex plans, identify specifications and scope of use, and organize construction assembly details.
  • Illustrate how construction plans are organized under the Uniform Drawing System with emphasis on showing the 8 Specification Modules set forth by the Construction Specifications Institute.
  • Demonstrate building code compliance by accessing information from plans and specifications.
  • Integrate select application of plan reading, specifications, and assemblies by various shareholders and agencies

Skills You Will Gain

  • Construction Drawing analysis
  • Reading prints
  • Application of plans and specifications
  • Construction compliance codes
Academic Units
3
Section Number
251CNM111
Instruction Method
Online class

Section Notes

This is an online course with class materials that can be accessed throughout the week. The course is structured to move from one week to the next.

Students can expect to spend about 8 hours each week on lectures, discussions and homework assignments.

Students will receive an email with login information to access the course one business day before the first day of class.

If you anticipate needing any Disability Accommodations, please contact our Student Services representative PRIOR to enrolling in this course. The accommodations must be organized before starting the program. Please contact Tina Ehrke at (530) 757-8727 if you would like to register for a course and you have disability-related needs or concerns. https://cpe.ucdavis.edu/student-services/disabilities

Textbook information will be updated on this course page under Section Course Materials at least one month before the start of the course.

This course uses Procore software. The overlay function in this software is only available on mobile devices (iOS or Android tablets or smartphones). Please check that you have the technical requirements to use this function in Procore.

This course is a prerequisite to the Estimating, Preconstruction and Bidding course.

Certificate students: Students must earn a grade of C or higher (not a C minus) in order for this course to count towards the requirements for the Construction Management Certificate. Courses applied towards the Construction Management Certificate must be completed within five years.

Enrollment Policies

Drop requests (withdraw with a refund) will be approved, less a $30 processing fee, if the requested by the refund deadline on 7/15/2025. Refunds and/or enrollment transfers will not be approved after this deadline. Click here to view complete enrollment policy information including details on withdrawals and transfers.

Students have the first week of class to enroll with the understanding that students who enroll after the first day of class are expected to reach out to their instructors to make sure they receive all content and are on track with the course.

Technical Requirements

All elements of this class will be conducted online. Students must have a computer with access to the internet and an email account in order to complete this course.  Students must be able to download and upload files from and to the online classroom. To ensure your success in this course, please review our technical requirements page.

Section Course Materials

Print Reading for Construction: Residential and Commercial

ISBN
9781649259851
Mandatory
Students may buy materials from any online source, provided that they obtain the specified edition. Materials purchased directly from the publisher are available in print or digital options.
Edition
8th
Author
Walter C. Brown and Daniel P. Dorfmueller
Publisher
Goodheart-Willcox
Copyright
2023

Discounts

Early Enroll Discount

Enroll 14 days before the course start date to save $50 on the course fee.

Info Session Discount

Attendees of UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education Information Sessions may be eligible for $100 discount on a class by entering the Coupon Code provided at the Information Session.  Contact UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education Student Services office, at (800) 752-0881, if you have questions about this discount.

Builders' Exchange of Stockton

Members can receive 10% discount on the course fee by entering the Coupon Code.  If you don’t have your association discount code, contact UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education Student Services at (800) 752-0881.

BIA

Members can receive 10% discount on the course fee by entering the Coupon Code.  If you don’t have your association discount code, contact UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education at (800) 752-0881.

SRBX

Members can receive 10% discount on the course fee by entering the Coupon Code.  If you don’t have your association discount code, contact UC Davis Extension Student Services at (800) 752-0881.