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A Blueprint…Why Do I Need One?

Today I would like to talk to you about a blueprint. Hold on, I know that you are thinking “why do I need a blueprint. I am not a construction worker.” Just keep an open mind, and let me explain. I am a project manager for an electrical contracting firm. In my work I look at blueprints every single day. Let’s say, for example, you want to build a building that will be twenty five stories tall. The first thing you need to know is where are you going to build it. You will need land. The next thing you need to know is whether the city will let you build a twenty five story building on that property.

 

Now let’s say that the city has approved the building to be built on the property that you selected. You now have to go to an Architect to design the building. You meet with the Architect and tell him what you want the building to look like, and what it’s function will be. The Architect will then meet with several different engineering firms to help with the design. You will have mechanical engineers that design the plumbing, heating and air conditioning. You will have a civil engineer that designs the underground utilities and the contour of the land to insure proper water drainage. You will have a structural engineer to make sure that the steel and concrete will hold the building up, and make sure it will survive strong weather conditions. There will be an electrical engineer to design the power for the building to make sure it is safe for the occupants. There will be others as well, but you get the idea.

The Foundation…

Any time you build a building, you always start with the foundation. If you do not have a good, solid foundation, you cannot expect you building to stand. During this process, the electricians install conduits underground for the building electrical service and other things. The plumbers install pipes underground for the water and sewers. Basically all trades install things underground before you install the first floor.

Next comes one of the most critical parts. The beams and footings. These hold up the building steel. The steel is the skeleton of the building. It must be strong and solid. Now that you have a solid foundation, you can start to assemble all of the pieces to build the building.

The Structure…

Buildings are built in many different ways, however; they are built the same. I know that sounds contradictory, but it really is not. You start with a foundation, a structure, an exterior and an interior. All of the pieces tie in with the structure. That is why it works.

How Do You Know What To Do?

A Blueprint...Why Do I Need One?

One of the questions I get asked most is “how do you know what to do everyday?” Each and every trade starts the same way. The foundation, the structure, the exterior, and the interior. We all have to coordinate our work with each other daily. We all work from a blueprint. We have to have a basic understanding of how to read each others blueprints.

What If I Gave You A Blueprint..

If I gave you an electrical blueprint, do you think you could read it? My guess is probably not. However, if I spent some time with you and taught you a little about it, you could probably have a basic understanding of it.

Coming soon, BCB…(a blueprint for you!)

To your success,

Roy

millerjrrl@hotmail.com
 

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