As-built drawings are used in construction projects to show the changes made during construction. These drawings, also known simply as “as builts”, are integral to renovation and new construction. These drawings are sometimes called “as build,” but they refer to the project’s actual construction.
It is important to understand what as-built drawings are for, what information they contain, how they are made, and what the differences are between record drawings and as-built drawings before starting any construction project.
What are As-Built Drawings used for?
For any building project to be successful, you must have detailed plans. As the contractor encounters obstacles, such as a site or government agencies, certain building features may change throughout the project. These drawings, also known as as-built drawings, are needed to document these changes and preserve an accurate representation of the building’s actual condition. This is especially important for commercial construction projects.
You can use as-built drawings for different purposes, including new construction, renovations, and building maintenance.
- Construction: Contractors will have to adapt their plans to construct a building that was only on paper. These drawings document these changes as they occur so that a precise drawing of the building is created when it is complete.
- Renovation projects: It is essential to have a thorough understanding of the current building before you start a renovation project. It is important to have up-to-date drawings in order to ensure a safe and efficient renovation.
- Building maintenance: Throughout a building’s life expectancy, minor improvements and modifications will be made. The maintenance team for a building is responsible for updating drawings to reflect any building changes so that a precise drawing of the building is always available.
What should be included in as-built drawings?
It is essential to make any necessary changes to these elements in order to create as-built drawings that are complete and usable.
- Locations: Please note all changes to the locations of doors, window cases, plumbing, millwork and other essential features.
- Materials: Note all material differences when modifications are made to the original plan.
- Dimensions: Note all modifications to all dimensions.
- Installations: List the specific modifications made to install building features such as HVAC, electrical, and windows.
- Fabrications: Log all modifications to fabrications, including columns, beams and handrails.
Important note: As builts can include written notes and supplemental documents as well as pictures, including satellite imagery or photographs.
How are As-Built Drawings Made?
It is important to know who created them and how they were made in order to create high-quality as-built drawings.
It is important to note that nowadays, as-built drawings are created most often with construction technology or software like AutoCAD. This allows all parties to have precise plans of the building at all times.
The drawings are usually created by the contractor who is responsible for the construction. An architect might occasionally be involved in a project, but this is rare as they are not present every day to supervise the building process. The contractor is present on-site during construction, so they can make regular updates to the plans and notify the owner of any changes.
It’s important to follow the following steps when creating as-built drawings:
- Color Coding: As constructed drawings, a standard color legend is used. Red for deleted items, green to add items, and blue to indicate special information.
- Scale: It’s important that all modifications to drawings be kept the same size and proportions as the original plans.
- Dates: All modifications to building plans should be dated. Additional documentation may also be needed.
- Obstacles: Any obstacles encountered on the way, regardless of whether they are caused by environmental factors, government agencies or any other factor, should be included with drawings.
- Physical Features: When construction is underway with earthmoving machinery, be sure to take note of any changes to elevations, grades or other physical features discovered or modified during construction.
- Underground utilities: Note the exact location of underground utilities during construction.