As-built drawings are revised architectural or engineering drawings that reflect all modifications made to a structure during construction. They represent the final, exact dimensions, layouts, locations, and materials of a completed building or project, documenting how it was built, not just how it was initially designed.
As-built (record drawings) are created after construction to show any deviations from the original design plans. These could include changes to wall locations, electrical wiring, HVAC ductwork, plumbing layouts, window placements, or material specifications.
While initial construction drawings show what was intended, as-built drawings document what was executed. They’re essential for capturing every adjustment, whether due to site conditions, client-driven changes, engineering constraints, or contractor decisions during the build.
Formats of As-Built Drawings
- 2D Drawings (PDF, DWG, CAD): The most common printing and digital storage format.
- 3D Models (BIM As-Builts): Used in advanced design-build or commercial projects, integrating as-built data into Building Information Modeling platforms like Revit.
They typically include:
- Final wall and partition layouts
- Plumbing and electrical as-built routing
- Mechanical system adjustments
- Structural changes (e.g., beam shifts or foundation changes)
- Material substitutions
- Door and window relocations
- Dimensions and elevations that differ from the original design
Purpose and Importance of As-Built Drawings
As-built drawings are a critical part of the project handover process and serve several long-term purposes:
- Facility Maintenance & Operations: They guide facility managers, maintenance teams, or future contractors in locating hidden elements such as wiring, pipes, and structural supports.
- Renovations & Additions: They provide a reliable reference for future remodeling, additions, or retrofits.
- Code Compliance & Inspection Records: Authorities may require as-built drawings to verify that all construction was completed according to approved modifications.
- Legal Documentation: In disputes, they are a factual record of what was built.
As-Built Drawings vs. Record Drawings vs. Redlines
While often used interchangeably, these terms can have nuanced differences:
| Redlines | As-Built Drawings | Record Drawings |
| Marked-up original plans that show on-site changes, often handwritten or digitally annotated during construction. | Clean, finalized drawings that reflect all changes based on redlines and field conditions. | Architect-verified or owner-issued final documents that incorporate all approved changes and notes for archiving. |
Use Cases for As-Built Drawings
- Residential and commercial renovations
- Historic preservation projects
- Facility management and equipment maintenance
- Government, education, and healthcare facilities
- Real estate transactions and lease documentation
As-built documentation ensures all stakeholders, homeowners, and contractors are aligned on what was delivered. It reflects any real-time decisions made to accommodate field conditions or client requests and becomes part of the closing package along with warranties, manuals, and inspection reports.