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Welcome Dodge Plans & Specs Users

Congratulations — you now have access to the McGraw-Hill Construction Network, CONNECTING you to the world’s largest online database of construction information and industry professionals. Among the many benefits that you’ll enjoy are email Alerts for tracked projects and companies, and availability of Plans and Specifications online.

Use the Tools and Resources on this page to learn more about your service upgrade and to fully leverage your connection to the MHC Network.

MHC Training on Demand

Top Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
  • How do I log in to the Network?

    Go to network.construction.com

      If you are uncertain as to whether or not your id/license is set up:
      • If you are at the Sign In page, enter the same login information you use to access Dodge Plans and you will need to update your license information.

      Once inside the application, here’s how to update your license:

        1. Click on the  Admin  tab
        2. Click on Update License
        3. Enter your license
      If you do not have your password:

          1. Enter your email address and click on Forgot Password
          2. An email link to reset your password will be sent to you (via the email address that you registered with)
          3. If further assistance is required, call 1-800-393-6343
          4. Once you receive your password and you are inside the application you will need to update your license (see above)

      If you were never registered in the Dodge Plans & Specs application or the Network, you will need to register:

          1. Click on Register now and fill out all the required information.
          2. Follow each step until you see until you see GET STARTED.
          3. Click on GET STARTED and update your license (see above)

  • Will my MHC Network service cost more than my current Dodge Plans & Specs service?

    Your MHC Network rate will stay the same for the remainder of your contract year, unless you choose to upgrade. The cost of your service may go up due to the annual rate increase process.

  • How do I search for Projects in the Network?

    Click the  Projects  tab and Select your search criteria (Geography, Action Stage, Project Type, Keyword, etc.). Click the Search button.

    more on performing a project search »

  • How do I search for Companies in the Network?

    Click the  Companies  tab.

    There are 3 ways in which you can find companies in the Network:

    • Search for a specific company by their name
    • Search for companies based on their location
    • Search for companies based on their type

    Enter your company criteria. Click the Search button. The Network will list the matching companies and locate the projects that each is actively working on.

    more on performing a company search »

  • How do I receive email alerts whenever my Tracked projects or companies have been updated?

    If you are viewing projects or companies on a search results page:

    • Check the boxes of the project(s) or company(s), then select a Tracking folder from the Track dropdown. (Note: If you need to create a new folder, click Create a new folder and type in the folder name.)
    • Click the Alert button

    If you are viewing a project or company from a details page:

    • Select a Tracking folder from the Track dropdown. (Note: If you need to create a new folder, click Create a new folder and type in the folder name.)
    • Click the Alert button

    You will receive an email each morning listing these projects or companies whenever updated reports are issued by our Reporters.

    more on setting up email alerts on tracked projects »

  • How can I schedule and receive email results of my saved project searches?

    Click the  Projects  tab. Create a new Project search or open a Saved Search. Scroll down to the Automated Notification control and select the frequency of the notification: Daily, Weekly or Bi-weekly. You will receive a summary of any new or updated projects that meets the project search criteria.

    Note: Automated Notification emails can also be set up for company searches under the Companies tab.

    more on setting up automated notifications on saved searches »

  • How do I search for project information using a Dodge Report number?

    Click the  Projects  tab. Enter the Dodge Report # in the Dodge Report Quick Search box. Click Go.

    You can enter the Doge Report numbers using the Network format where the four digit year is followed by two zeros, then the six digit project number (YYYY00NNNNNN).

    Note: When looking for the project in the Network by Dodge Report number, enter it without the version number.

    To search for multiple DR #s, separate each number with a space.

  • Am I able to access Plans and Specs online?

    Yes. 6 months past the issue bid date – (Dodge Plans & Specs access is limited to 55 days past the issue bid date)

    You may also purchase digital Plans and Specs online for individual projects that are outside of your subscription. (see question entitled Can I search for projects outside my subscription geography for instructions on how to enable this function)

    • To purchase Plans & Specs for a displayed report, click the Order button.
    • When viewing a listing of projects, to purchase Plans and Specs for one or more reports, click the checkbox(es) in the left hand margin and then click the Order button.
    • After clicking Order button, the shopping cart page will open with your selection(s).
      Note: To remove an item, enter ‘0’ in the Quantity box and then, click the Recalculate button.
    • Click the Place Order button.
    • To complete the purchase, you will be then be prompted to enter your credit card information.

    To view purchased Digital Dodge Plans, you will need to download the Dodge Plans viewer.

    • Click the   Help  tab, and then click the Download Plan Viewer link that appears under Quick Start Tools in the left navigation bar.

    To view purchased Digital Specifications, you must have Adobe Reader installed.

    • Click Get Acrobat Reader from the Quick Start Tools if you need to download Acrobat Reader.
  • Can I get hardcopy plans or specs delivered to my home or office?

    Yes. If you wish to purchase hardcopy Plans or Specifications for a displayed report, click the Plans, Specs or Addenda links that appear to the left of the Dodge Report.

    After making your selections from the  Plans ,  Specs  or  Addenda  tabs, click the Order button. The shopping cart page will open with your selection(s). To complete the purchase, click the Place Order button.

  • Can I receive my projects via CD?

    This service will be discontinued and the projects will no longer be delivered via CD. However, if you have a Platinum level service in the Network, you can build up to 4 years of Project News history.

  • How do I download reports to my computer?

    The Save As button, which is located on the project search results list or on the Project Details pages, provides a way for you to save (download) selected project information to your computer. Select the available items you want to download, then click the Save as button.

    You will be taken to the Save Documents Locally page where you can save projects from your search results to a variety of document formats, including Microsoft Word, Excel and Adobe PDF. You can also create a customized CSV of selected fields that can be imported directly into Excel

    more on saving project information »

  • Can I perform other functions while the download manager is in process?

    At this time you can not perform other functions while your download is taking place. However, we are working on changing this in a future release of the Network.

  • Can I print or download my reports directly from the Search Results page?

    Yes! To print projects from a Search Results list, you can either print a listing of your selected projects or you can print the projects detailed information. To print a list, simply select projects you wish to print by checking the box next to them, and click the ‘list’ icon. An Adobe PDF file will be created for you to either download to your computer or print.

    To print the projects details, select the projects you wish to print by checking the box next to them and click the ‘details’ icon. To print project information from the report view, simply click the details link, and follow the prompts in the pop up.

    more on printing projects »

  • How do I save or download Plans, Specifications and Addenda?

    From a project’s details page…

    • Click the  Plans ,  Specs  or  Addenda   tabs and select which documents you wish to save. Then, click the Save As button.
    • After clicking the Save As button, the Save Documents Locally page appears.
    • Select your downloading options and then: Click Continue to download your file(s) immediately, or Click Add to Download folder to save these documents locally later. This will be added to your Pending Downloads folder.
    • When you are ready to download, click the  Folders  tab Navigate to Projects > Downloads > Pending. Select the item(s) you wish to download, Click the Download button.
      Note: If you have selected multiple Plans and Specs to be saved, it could take a long time to download due to the number and size of the files. It may be a good idea to add them to your download folder so that you can later batch download items at a time when it is convenient.
  • Am I limited to a maximum number of projects that I can download?

    No, in the Dodge Plans & Specs application, some customers had a program called Edit or Select in which a maximum number of downloads was enforced and overages were charged per project. The Network does not have a maximum number. You are able to download all of the projects within your subscription. If a project is outside of your Network subscription. See question entitled Am I able to access Plans and Specs online? Above for instructions on purchasing a project.

  • How long does project information stay in the Network?

    Projects can be accessed in the Network for up to four years, depending on your license.

    Contact your sales representative for more information

  • Can I get my Tracking Lists and Auto Searches into the Network?

    Tracking lists can be imported by contacting your sales representative for assistance. The ability to import Saved Searches into the Network is not available.

  • When am I able to access the Network?

    The Network provides 24/7 internet access

  • Does the Network require me to use the same computer?

    No. Unlike DataLine, the Network is available from any computer, and does not require storage of personal data on a specific computer. Contact Customer Care for additional assistance: 800-393-6343

  • How often is the Network updated?

    The MHC Network is updated four times a day.

  • Can I search for projects outside my subscription geography?

    Yes! There are two ways you can view projects outside your subscription geography.

    Option 1: Go to the  Admin  tab. Under Preferences Settings click on the Project Search Form link . At the bottom of this page you will see a check box reading “Allow me to search for projects outside of my subscription” check the box and SAVE. This will open up your Project Search page criteria to include all geography.

    • Conduct your search as usual and add any desired criteria.
    • When your search results load you will see a combination of projects with titles, and some that say “purchase”.
    • Purchase projects are reports outside your subscription.

    Option 2: Utilize your Dodge Plan Scope, found on the Main Menu.

    • The Dodge Plans Scope is a comprehensive regional summary of future and currently out for bid Dodge Plans projects conveniently organized by bid date.
    • Choose your desired region to get a list of jobs out for bid with Plans and Specs.
    • If the job is outside your subscription area you can purchase the project .
  • Can I add Notes in the Network?

    Yes, if you have upgraded to a Platinum level license, you can add Notes to Companies or Projects.

    Dodge Plans CD Specific Questions:
  • Can I continue to use my old CD’s?
    Yes, a lookup is available that will allow you to continue to use the CD’s that you have previously received. This utility will allow you to identify the CD’s on which a specific Project (Dodge Report Number) can be found as well as allowing you to identify all of the contents of a particular CD. This tool will also allow you to click on the project in order to view it through the Construction Network if your license has access to the project. This utility can be found by clicking here - http://utils.network.construction.com (Please bookmark this tool for future use.)
  • Can I access Plans & Specs that are more than 30 days old?
    Yes. A Platinum level license with History is available. This level will allow access to the most recent version of these documents dating back for up to four years. Many CD customers who transitioned already have access to this. If you do not have this service and are interested in learning more about it, please contact your sales representative for more information.
  • How long are Plans & Specs searchable?
    Any project either out for bid or published during the past month can be searched with either a Plus or Platinum level license.
Network Help Resources
Network Search Tutorial Learn How to Search   Training on Demand Quick Network Overview
Need a quick tutorial on how to search the Network? Watch our Network search tutorial. Want to learn more
about your Network service? It's easy with our Training on Demand.



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