AutoCAD Essentials
for Contractors
Learn exactly what you need to create professional shop drawings and submittal packages. No fluff, just practical CAD skills for contractors.
This Course Includes:
- ✓AutoCAD Template FilesPre-configured for roofing shop drawings
- ✓Sample Shop DrawingsReal submittal packages to learn from
- ✓Detail LibraryCommon roofing details ready to use
- ✓Alternative Tools GuideFree options: DraftSight, LibreCAD, Fusion 360
- ✓Submittal Package ExamplesComplete packages used on real projects
- ✓Professional CertificateAdd to LinkedIn and resume
Losing Bids Due to Missing Shop Drawings?
Paying expensive drafting services $500-2,000 per submittal package
Waiting weeks for shop drawings, delaying project starts
Losing commercial bids because you can't provide required submittals
Intimidated by AutoCAD and thinking it's only for architects
Unable to make quick revisions when submittal reviews come back
Hand-sketching details that look unprofessional
Create Professional Shop Drawings In-House
Save thousands per year by creating your own shop drawings
Complete submittal packages in days, not weeks
Win commercial projects that require professional submittals
Learn only what contractors need - no architectural design fluff
Make revisions instantly when reviews come back
Present professional, engineered-quality drawings to GCs and architects
Why Shop Drawings Matter in Commercial Work
Required by GCs
Most commercial projects require shop drawings as part of the submittal process. Without them, you can't get approval to start work.
Save Thousands
Drafting services charge $500-2,000 per submittal. Creating your own shop drawings pays for this course after just 1-2 projects.
Speed & Control
Control your timeline and make revisions instantly. No more waiting weeks for external drafters to make simple changes.
Complete Course Curriculum
6 focused modules teaching only what contractors need - no architectural design theory
AutoCAD Basics for Contractors
90 minutes
- •AutoCAD interface and workspace setup
- •Understanding the difference between model space and paper space
- •Essential commands: Line, Circle, Rectangle, Polyline
- •Zoom, Pan, and navigation shortcuts
- •Layers and layer management
- •Object snaps and precision drawing
- •Basic editing: Move, Copy, Rotate, Scale
Reading CAD Drawings
75 minutes
- •Understanding CAD file formats (DWG, DXF, PDF)
- •Opening and viewing architectural drawings
- •Reading title blocks and drawing information
- •Using layers to isolate information
- •Measuring from existing CAD files
- •Identifying dimensions and annotations
- •Extracting information for shop drawings
Creating Professional Shop Drawings
120 minutes
- •Setting up shop drawing templates
- •Creating plan views of roofing systems
- •Drawing roof edges, penetrations, and details
- •Adding dimensions and annotations
- •Creating professional title blocks
- •Organizing drawings by sheet number
- •Export to PDF for submittal packages
Sheet Metal & Roofing Details
100 minutes
- •Creating edge metal details (coping, gravel stop, fascia)
- •Roof drain and scupper details
- •Penetration flashing details (pipes, vents, conduits)
- •Expansion joint and control joint details
- •Parapet wall cap details
- •Using blocks and detail libraries
- •Modifying standard details for your projects
Submittal Package Creation
85 minutes
- •Understanding submittal requirements in specs
- •Organizing multi-sheet drawing sets
- •Creating cover sheets and drawing indexes
- •Coordinating shop drawings with product data
- •PDF export settings for professional quality
- •Naming conventions and file organization
- •Resubmittal process and revision tracking
Alternative Tools & Cost Savings
60 minutes
- •DraftSight - Free AutoCAD alternative overview
- •LibreCAD - Open-source CAD software
- •Autodesk Fusion 360 - Free for small businesses
- •Comparing features and limitations
- •When to invest in full AutoCAD
- •Subscription vs. perpetual license options
- •Maximizing ROI on CAD software investment
Who This Course Is For
Commercial Contractors
Bidding commercial projects that require shop drawings and submittal packages. Tired of paying expensive drafting fees.
Project Managers
Need to create or review shop drawings, make revisions quickly, and manage the submittal process efficiently.
Small Business Owners
Want to bring submittal creation in-house to save money, control timelines, and win bigger commercial projects.
By the End of This Course, You'll Be Able To:
Navigate AutoCAD confidently and use essential drawing commands
Read and extract information from architectural CAD drawings
Create professional shop drawings for roofing systems
Develop detailed sheet metal and flashing details
Organize complete submittal packages ready for GC approval
Use free CAD alternatives if budget is limited
Make quick revisions when submittal reviews come back
Save thousands annually by creating shop drawings in-house
Software Options
Recommended Option:
AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT
- •Subscription: $220/month (AutoCAD) or $55/month (AutoCAD LT)
- •Free Trial: 30-day trial available (enough to complete most of this course)
- •Note: AutoCAD LT is sufficient for shop drawings - you don't need full AutoCAD
Free Alternatives (Covered in Course):
- ✓DraftSight - Very similar to AutoCAD, free version available
- ✓LibreCAD - Completely free, open-source (limited features)
- ✓Fusion 360 - Free for small businesses (under $100k revenue)
ROI Note: If you're currently paying $500-2,000 per submittal package, even full AutoCAD ($220/month) pays for itself after your first project. Most contractors save $5,000-15,000 annually by creating shop drawings in-house.
What Students Are Saying
Real results from contractors who learned CAD skills
"After 15 years of outsourcing shop drawings, I finally learned to do them myself. Saved over $8,000 in the first 6 months. The AutoCAD and SketchUp courses together helped me create submittals that impressed GCs and won bigger projects."
"We were waiting 2-3 weeks for shop drawings from external drafters. Now I create them in-house in 2-3 days. The speed advantage alone has helped us start projects faster and keep GCs happy."
"I was intimidated by CAD software and thought it was only for architects. This course made it approachable and taught exactly what contractors need. Now I can create professional shop drawings and make quick revisions."
"Started with the free trial of AutoCAD and completed the course. By the time the trial ended, I had already created 3 submittal packages for active projects. Paid for AutoCAD subscription and this course within a month."
"The detail library alone is worth the price. Pre-made flashing and edge metal details save me hours on every project. I just modify them for our specific job conditions."
"Learning AutoCAD opened up commercial opportunities we were passing on before. GCs now see us as a professional outfit that can handle complex projects with full submittal packages."
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior CAD experience?
No! This course is designed for complete beginners. We start with the absolute basics and build up to creating professional shop drawings. If you can use a computer, you can learn this.
Do I need to buy AutoCAD to take this course?
Not immediately. AutoCAD offers a 30-day free trial which gives you time to learn and decide. The course also covers free alternatives like DraftSight and LibreCAD that work for most contractors.
How long will it take to complete the course?
The course contains 8+ hours of video content. Most students complete it in 2-3 weeks, practicing 3-5 hours per week. You have lifetime access, so learn at your own pace.
Is AutoCAD LT sufficient, or do I need full AutoCAD?
AutoCAD LT ($55/month) is perfect for shop drawings and submittal creation. You don't need full AutoCAD ($220/month) unless you're doing 3D modeling or advanced customization. We cover both in the course.
Will this work for other trades besides roofing?
Absolutely! While examples focus on roofing, the CAD skills apply to any construction trade - sheet metal, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, structural steel, etc. Shop drawing principles are universal.
How much money will I save by creating my own shop drawings?
Most drafting services charge $500-2,000 per submittal package. If you do 5-10 submittals per year, you'll save $2,500-20,000 annually. This course pays for itself after your first 1-2 projects.
What's included with my purchase?
You get lifetime access to all 6 modules (8+ hours), AutoCAD template files, sample shop drawings, a detail library with common roofing details, alternative tools guide, submittal package examples, and a certificate of completion. Plus all future updates.
Is there a money-back guarantee?
Yes! We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you're not satisfied for any reason, just email us for a full refund.
Will I get a certificate?
Yes! Upon completion of all modules, you'll receive a professional certificate of completion that you can add to your LinkedIn profile and resume.
Ready to Create Professional Shop Drawings?
Save thousands annually and control your submittal timeline
AutoCAD Essentials for Contractors - Complete Course
One-time payment • Lifetime access • All updates included
Course Content:
- ✓6 focused modules
- ✓8+ hours of video training
- ✓Real submittal walkthroughs
- ✓Certificate of completion
Bonus Materials:
- +AutoCAD template files
- +Sample shop drawings
- +Roofing detail library
- +Free alternatives guide
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