Blueprint to Build – A Complete Guide to Construction Drawings

Construction starts with a vision and Understanding Construction Drawings for Housing and Small Buildings 5th Edition gives you the knowledge to bring that vision to life.

This essential guide, updated to align with the latest National Building Code of Canada 2020 (NBC), teaches you how to read, interpret, and apply construction drawings with precision and confidence. Whether you’re learning to be a tradesperson, estimator, site superintendent, or project manager, this interactive textbook helps learners see construction through multiple lenses, bridging the gap between blueprints and real-world structures. With clear explanations, practical applications, and expert insights, it’s your first step toward building smarter, faster, and better.

What’s New in the 5th Edition?

•        NBC 2020 Building Code Updates – Includes new rules on stairs, sound transmission, and more.
•        New Home Designs – A modern plan alongside classic examples.
•        Expanded Site Plans – A deeper look at analyzing and deconstructing drawings. 
•        More Assignments & Quizzes – Reinforce learning with refreshed exercises.
•        Step-by-Step Guide – Follow the full homebuilding process from permits to finishes.
•        Latest Industry Trends – Covers AI, BIM, and other emerging tools.
•        Energy Efficiency Updates – Overview of Canada’s most common rating programs and the building envelope.
•        Full-Color Photos – Improved visuals for clearer understanding.

Understanding Construction Drawings for Housing and Small Buildings, 5th Edition is the definitive resource for anyone looking to build a strong foundation in the construction and renovation sector.

Chapter 1: Construction and Construction Drawings: An Overview

Chapter 2: Measurement Systems, Scales, and Line Types

Chapter 3: Elevation and Floor-Plan Drawings

Chapter 4: Abbreviations, Hatchings, Symbols, Construction Notes, and Detail Drawings

Chapter 5: Reading Site Plans, Zoning, The Permit Process, and Building Code Enforcement

Chapter 6: Footings, Foundations, Dampproofing, and Waterproofing

Chapter 7: Methods of Residential Construction and Floor Framing

Chapter 8: Wall Framing

Chapter 9: Roof Framing

Chapter 10: Exterior Finishes: Walls, Roofs, and Concrete Slabs

Chapter 11: Mechanical and Electrical Subtrades

Chapter 12: The Building Envelope

Chapter 13: Interior Finishes, Kitchens, and Stairs

Chapter 14: Specifications and Contracts

Chapter 15: An Introduction to Drawings and Details for Renovation and Multiple-unit Buildings

Chapter 16: Introduction to Print Reading of Small Buildings For the Institutional, Commercial, Industrial (ICI) Sectors

Appendix A: Assignment Answers

Appendix B: Squaring a Corner Using the Pythagorean Formula

Appendix C: Calculating Headroom for an Existing Stairwell Opening

Glossary

Index

Tom Stephenson is a full-time professor at George Brown College. He has a diverse background in teaching, having taught in the disciplines of Building Science, Construction Management and Construction Business Management, Architecture, Carpentry, and Brick and Stone Masonry. Tom innovated and developed the Building Renovation Technician and Technology programs, and teaches in the Construction Engineering Technology program and the Architectural Technology and Civil diploma programs, as well as in the Bachelor of Applied Technology, Construction Management Degree program at George Brown.

Tom has worked with senior leaders in industry, such as Mattamy Homes in developing their in-house employee training program, and he currently consults with many construction businesses, including EllisDon Construction, BIRD Construction, Maple Reinders Construction, Fitzrovia, Tridel, Iron Maple, and Tucker HiRise, assisting them in the development and delivery of their in-house project management training programs. Prior to teaching, Tom owned, managed, and operated a mid-sized general contracting company.

Tom holds two degrees, a Bachelor of Administrative Studies and a Master of Business Administration, and holds two certificates of qualification: General Carpenter, and Brick and Stone Mason. Tom is a project management professional (PMP) and holds a Certificate of Management in Lean Construction. . He has been an active member at the local, provincial, and national levels of the Canadian Home Building Association. He also teaches Project Management for the Toronto Construction Association, the Mechanical Contractors Association, and the Labourers’ International Union of North America. Tom is the 2014 recipient of the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE) College Sector Educator Award, and the 2020 Chancellor's Award of Excellence from the Construction Institute of Canada. 

You can click on the Sample Chapter below for a preview.

Chapter 06