What are As-built Drawings by Architects

As-built drawings are an essential part of the architectural process. They serve as a record of the final project, capturing all the site measurements and updates are made during construction work at site.

As-built drawings, also known as record drawings, represent the final documentation of a construction project after the work at site has completed. They accurately reflect the changes made during construction phase of the project, such as modifications, additions, and alterations. These drawings provide a comprehensive overview of the project, including the exact measurements and details of the completed structure.

Why are As-built Drawings important?

1. Accuracy and Documentation: As-built drawings ensure that the final documentation is accurate and up-to-date. They serve as a reference for future modifications, renovations, or maintenance procedures, allowing architects and contractors to understand the existing condition of the building.
2. Compliance and Safety: As-built drawings are crucial for ensuring compliance with building codes and regulations. They aid in identifying any discrepancies between the actual construction and the original design. This is particularly important for safety evaluations, as deviations from the approved plans can be identified and rectified.
3. Facility Management: As-built drawings provide valuable information to facility managers, enabling them to efficiently operate and maintain the building. This information includes the locations of utilities, structural components, and other critical systems, allowing for easier troubleshooting and repair.
4. Renovations and Expansions: When undertaking renovations or expansions, architects rely on as-built drawings to understand the existing layout and structural information. These drawings guide the design process and ensure that the new elements seamlessly integrate with the original construction.

The Process of Creating As-built Drawings.

Creating accurate as-built drawings involves several steps, which include:

1. Site Measurements: Architects visit the construction site to gather precise measurements of all elements, including walls, doors, windows, and utilities. This data is essential for accurately representing the existing conditions in the drawings.
2. Updating Existing Drawings: The acquired measurements are then incorporated into the original design drawings. This involves updating dimensions, adding or removing elements, and making any necessary adjustments to accurately depict the final construction.
3. Annotation and Documentation: Notes and annotations are added to highlight any variations or changes made during construction. This includes detailing modifications, materials used, and any deviations from the original design.
4. Finalization and Distribution: Once the as-built drawings are complete, they are reviewed and approved by the architect. These drawings are then distributed to the relevant parties, such as the client, contractor, and facility management team. This document can later then be used by them for any changes or modifications to the project at later date.

​As-built drawings play a critical role in the architectural field and providing a comprehensive record of the final project. Some of the Architectural Design Firms in Mumbai submit the same but the practice is not very common in India. Their accuracy and attention to detail ensures a proper guide for future renovations and expansions.

Architects understand the importance of creating as-built drawings to accurately capture the complexities and nuances of the completed construction but with hectic schedule of work it is also commonly missed out piece of information. For most large projects, it is still practiced but for most small scale projects, it is skipped or forgotten by the firm.  If you are looking for documenting your project and preparing as built drawing then do write to us at [email protected]
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