across the nation and is structured to become the definitive text on the subject. Blueprint Readingis a
unique book dealing with virtually all of the topics needed to understand construction drawings and enter
the building profession.
The author is a licensed architect and general contractor with more than 30 years of experience in all
aspects of design and construction. While no single handbook can provide everything you need to know
regarding blueprint reading and interpretation, I feel that this book provides the best introduction and in-
formation source on the subject available at this time. It expounds a standard procedure and methodol-
ogy developed over years of field experience that has proven effective.
Sam A. A. Kubba, Ph.D.
Figure I.1 Some of the many building systems in which blueprints are used to implement a building project.
xx Introduction