As-Built Documentation

What is As-Built Documentation?

As-built documents, also known as record drawings, are a type of record-keeping documentation that keeps track of how any building is made. As-built documentation can be drawings or a 3D dataset that depicts how the building in question was exactly built. 

These documents include all the current dimensions of the project’s results, starting from the facade to doors, windows, cables, pipes, etc. Apart from the final results, as-built documents also include every little change made during the construction but was not a part of the plan. 

The geometric survey for making this document is done with the help of different tools such as laser scanners, drones, total stations, etc. They are made during the construction phase to ensure that the virtual information model is consistent with the real one. 

Characteristics of as-built documentation

• They are produced either before or after the design phase is completed. 
• No abbreviation is used in as-built drawings to ensure that anyone looking at the plan clearly understands the building activity. 
• It includes all variations in design and venue material clearly, with the date along with the changes from the original drawing. 
• The adjustments made during the construction process are noted in red on the original drawing. 
• Color code, drawing size, and formats are finalized before starting the as-built drawing and are unchanged throughout. 
• The scale of the as-built drawing is kept close to the original drawing for ease of comparison. 

Why is as-built documentation important?

While there is a debate on whether submitting an as-built drawing is a must or not, nobody can deny that it is a helpful component of a completed project. If done well, an as-built drawing provides a legacy of what was actually built. 

It becomes even more important if someone is doing construction on top of an already-existing building. It helps the construction workers and engineers to get familiar with what was built and what additions were made. Therefore, as-built documents are important for:

• Better onboarding: For adding subcontractors to an existing project, handing over a set of as-built drawings can be the fastest and most accurate way of communication. They save money and also improve operation speed.
• Assisting facilities: If a building requires renovation, having a full record through as-built drawings can help the facilities team spot the issues faster. 
• Streamlining permitting process: Many government policies require submitting a copy of as-built drawings for granting certain permissions. Thus the document helps in streamlining such processes. 
• Improving the renovation process: Having the entire construction history of a building handy helps the owner understand the existing conditions of the building and saves them from unnecessary renovations. 

What are the benefits of as-built drawings?

Here are some cases where as-built drawings are proven to be highly beneficial. 

• Defect Detecting: As-built drawings can be utilized to detect any occurring errors and solve them at the early stage. 
• Compliance Checking: For building constructions, compliance checking is a mandatory step, and having a virtual representation allows for verifying compliance and spotting any anomalies. 
• Quality Managing: As-built documentation, when synced with BIM validation software, can help manage and control all IFC data. Which is helpful for quality management. 

What is as-built documentation used for?

As-built documents show the final state of a building or construction project after it is finished. Hence here are some use cases of this documentation. 

• It helps facility managers with performing maintenance and other operational tasks by providing them with accurate updates and information about the building. 
• Helps general contractors to prove that they have completed the project as per requirements. 
• Helps renovation companies to understand the exact schematics and measurements of the structure. 
• Helps identify any discrepancies between the planned and actual state of the building.