This proven, uniquely practical book provides a thorough guide to reading, understanding, and working with construction drawings. Now updated to reflect the 2012 International Building Code® and 2012 International Residential Code®, the Sixth Edition includes accurate, up-to-date information on current materials, practices, and standards to prepare you for career success in modern building trades. The book is designed from start to finish for real-world relevance, with topics organized based on actual construction processes, realistic construction drawings integrated into chapter content, hundreds of practical questions and activities, and full-size residential and commercial construction prints. A new feature highlights information on environmental considerations such as energy efficiency, sustainable materials, and "green" building practices, emphasizing the growing importance of these concepts in the modern construction industry.