Technical Drawings & Construction/Development Software
If you're trying to break into development, is it helpful when a candidate already knows or understands how to read technical drawings like blueprints for architecture, landscape, electrical, plumbing, etc.?
What about software like: BlueBeam, Revit/Revu, Primavera or AutoCAD? Would knowing even a little bit be helpful? I've seen some classes online and thought about taking it as something to add to my skillset.
I've been working on the lend side and asset management, so my skill set does not touch much on development or construction.
Yes, you need to be able to read construction drawings. I wouldn't worry too much about AutoCAD and Revit. Those are expensive software packages with steep learning curves, and intended for architects and engineers who produce construction docs. As a developer you only need to be able to read the drawings, in pdf form or in paper, and mark them up. Focus less on learning programs than on understanding the actual contents of the drawings.
Above is right. No MD in development knows how to truly navigate CAD/Revit/etc. Know how to interpret the drawings (legends/keys/sections/elevations/etc.) and you will be fine. Bluebeam is just a tool to enable team coordination on comments to drawings...doesn't actually change the drawings, just how they are marked up and shared.
Are there any good resources anyone would recommend specific to construction drawings to give ones self a "crash course" on how to read and interpret them?
OP here. I originally started this thread because I saw udemy had a huge section on these topics, and some of the courses for it were only $10. The construction section is pretty extensive there, I'm sure you could find something that could fit, or even just Youtube.
Here's one for example
Ahh, this was super helpful for me and forget about Udemy. I'll have to take a look for some more. Thanks for this.
Bluebeam is fantastic for marking up drawings and other PDFs, but it's not exactly complicated software. You can learn what you need to know in an hour and google the rest.
Reading drawings is a key tool, but at no point will you ever be creating drawings, so there's no need to learn Revit or CAD.
Remember, as a developer, you are conducting the orchestra. You don't need to know how to play the trumpet - you need to know how the trumpet should sound when it is played, when it should be played, and typically how much the trumpet costs compared to budget.
All you need is bluebeam to read and annotate on drawings. I use it every day. Very helpful tool. I can even block out high level site plans when we are sizing up a potential deal before engaging with an architect for a real site plan. Scale on google earth and it gets you close enough to underwrite a high level YOC.
I think using Revit helps because you can navigate a 3D model. Not a necessity but makes you better at doing your job. Cutting sections, blowing up details, and messing around with walls make it easier to make decisions as opposed to asking the archi to take a week to change a wall.
Bluebeam is great for markups and overlays. You can create your own tool chest for common red marks (doors, furnitures, fixtures, cross sections). It also makes reviewing plans electronically easier (clicking on a detail bubble takes you to the detail). Bluebeam studio is also good for coordination.
I use CAD myself (engineering background) to do quick layouts to show prospective tenants. This saves way more time and money.
I think few developers understand how powerful these tools are and how to use it to make your job efficient. Out of the 3 I’d say learn Bluebeam and its shortcuts. Join the Bluebeam User Group in your area on LinkedIn and find webinars. Again, not a necessity, but it’s an extremely useful skill.
Definitely don't need to know the underlying software, but already understanding how to read the drawings is definitely a huge asset. Not to say it's necessary to make a lateral at a junior level (you can pick it up on the job), but it gives you a leg up.
Lots of resources online to get the basics down.
And what is your position?
Knowledge of programs will never hurt, especially when it comes to creating projects.
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