What is As-built?
“As-built” drawings are used in construction projects to track the many changes from the original building plans that occur during building construction. These drawings, also known as “as builts,” are important to new construction, renovation, and maintenance. Although some call these “as builts,” the correct term is “as built,” because they refer to the project as it was built.
Before beginning any construction project, it is critical to understand what as-built drawings are used for, what information they contain, how they are created, and the distinction between as-built drawings and record drawings.
What are As-built drawings used for?
Detail plans are essential for the success of any construction project. Building features will likely change over a project as the contractor encounters challenges with materials, the site, or governmental agencies. For commercial construction projects, as-built drawings are required to record these changes and maintain an accurate representation of the building as it currently exists.
As-built drawings have a variety of applications in new construction, renovation projects, and building maintenance.
- New Construction
Contractors face numerous challenges when constructing a new building that exists only on paper and must adapt their building plans in response. These drawings document these changes as they occur during construction so that an accurate drawing of the building exists when construction is completed.
- Renovation projects
Before beginning a renovation project, it is critical to understand the structure as it currently stands thoroughly. Therefore, working with up-to-date drawings is critical for a safe and efficient renovation.
- Building maintenance
Small improvements and changes will be made to a building over the course of its life. The maintenance team of a building is expected to update drawings to reflect any changes to the building so that an accurate drawing of the building is available at all times.
What Should Be Included in As-Built Drawings?
It is critical to include any changes to the following elements in order to have complete and useful as-built drawings:
- Changes in the location of doors, window casings, plumbing, millwork, and other essential features should be noted.
- Materials: Keep track of any differences in materials used when making changes to the original plan.
- Dimensions: Make a list of all changes to the dimensions of all building elements.
- Installations: Specify any changes made to the installation of building features such as HVAC, electrical, or windows.
- Fabrications: Keep track of all changes made to fabrications, such as columns, beams, and handrails.
One thing to keep in mind is that as-builts can also include supplemental documents, written notes, and images, such as photographs or satellite imagery.
How are As-built drawings created?
It is critical to know who is responsible for creating as-built drawings and what process to use when doing so in order to create excellent as-built drawings.
It is critical to understand that as-built drawings are most often created today using construction technology and software such as AutoCAD, allowing all stakeholders to have accurate building plans at all times.
The drawings for a project are typically created by the contractor in charge of construction. Although an architect may be involved occasionally, this is less common because they are not on the job daily to oversee the construction process. Because the contractor is on-site while the building is being built, they can make frequent updates to the building plans as changes are made.
When creating as-built drawings, keep the following process in mind:
- Color coding
As-built drawings use a standard color legend, with red representing deleted items, green representing added items, and blue representing special information.
- Scale
It is critical that any changes made to drawings maintain the same scale and proportions as the original plans.
Dates
Any modifications noted on building plans should be dated and, if necessary, accompanied by supplemental documentation.
- Obstacles
Any and all obstacles encountered along the way, whether caused by environmental factors, governmental agencies, or anything else, should be included in addition to drawings.
- Physical features
While earthmoving equipment is being used for construction, take note of any updates to elevations, grades, or other physical features discovered or changed during the construction process.
- Underground utilities
Take careful note of the precise locations of any underground utilities installed during construction.
What Is the Distinction Between “As Built” and “Record” Drawings?
Although the terms “as-built drawings” and “record drawings” are frequently used interchangeably, there are significant differences between these two documents.
As previously stated, as-built drawings are typically created during construction by a contractor, with color-coded notes written directly on top of the original plans.
On the other hand, an architect creates record drawings, which include all of the construction changes noted on the as-built drawings. All of the modifications are used to create an authoritative and exact plan of the building as it was built.
