Our As-Built drawings from existing exterior elevations also show facades, doors, windows, downspouts, vents, roof height and unreachable objects on the elevations.

🏗️ Understanding As-Built Drawings: Purpose and Practice

As-built drawings are a cornerstone of construction documentation. They serve as the definitive record of what was actually built—capturing every deviation from the original design and reflecting the true conditions of the completed project.

📐 What Are As-Built Drawings?

As-built drawings (also called record drawings) document the final configuration of a building or structure. Unlike design drawings, which show intent, as-builts reflect reality. They incorporate all field changes, site adjustments, and revisions made during construction—whether due to unforeseen conditions, client requests, or code compliance.

In essence, they’re the “final truth” of the project: a visual and technical snapshot of how things were ultimately constructed.

🔍 Why Do As-Built Drawings Matter?

• Contractual Validation As-builts confirm that the work was completed per contract requirements. They help resolve discrepancies and provide a reference point for compliance with building codes and jurisdictional approvals.

• Facility Management & Maintenance For owners and operators, as-builts are indispensable. They guide future renovations, system upgrades, and routine maintenance by showing exact locations of structural elements, utilities, and equipment.

• Real Estate & Asset Transactions Whether transferring ownership, leasing, or planning demolition, accurate as-builts support informed decision-making. They help stakeholders assess value, risk, and feasibility.

• Legal & Insurance Documentation In the event of disputes or claims, as-builts offer factual evidence. They can clarify liability, support forensic investigations, and streamline resolution.

• Safety & Compliance Knowing where hazardous materials, fire-rated assemblies, or emergency systems are located is critical for safety audits and regulatory compliance.

🛠️ How Are As-Built Drawings Created?

• Typically compiled during project closeout, as-builts are based on redline markups made throughout construction.

• Field changes, RFIs, change orders, and directives are incorporated into the final set.

• Depending on project scale, they may be produced by the contractor, architect, or a dedicated documentation team.

✅ Best Practices for As-Built Documentation

• Standardized Workflow Use consistent methods for capturing and updating field changes—whether digital or manual.

• Live Updates Don’t wait until the end. Maintain running documentation throughout the build to reduce errors and omissions.

• Centralized Access Store as-builts in a secure, accessible location—preferably cloud-based—for easy retrieval by authorized parties.

• Stakeholder Review Schedule periodic reviews with project leads, trades, and owners to validate accuracy before final submission.