What Are As-Built Drawings and Why Are They Important?

Larisa Fernandes
3 min readJun 13, 2023

As built drawings, also known as record drawings or red-line drawings, are instrumental in capturing the final state of a construction project. They illustrate any modifications, changes, or deviations made during construction or renovation. In this article, we will delve into what are as built drawings and why they are important?

What Are As Built Drawings?

As built drawings refer to revised versions of the original design drawings, showcasing the actual conditions of a project upon completion. They serve as a comprehensive record of the final built environment, incorporating any modifications made during construction. As built drawings encompass architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and other systems, providing an accurate representation of the dimensions, locations, and relationships between components.

Why Are As Built Drawings Important?

Documentation and Historical Record:

As built drawings serve as a historical record of a construction project. They document the changes and modifications made during construction, providing a comprehensive reference for future use. These records are invaluable for maintenance work, repairs, or alterations required over the building’s lifespan.

Compliance and Code Requirements:

As built drawings are crucial for complying with building codes, regulations, and legal requirements. Authorities often demand accurate as built drawings to ensure that the constructed building adheres to approved plans and meets safety standards. Failure to provide as built drawings can result in delays, legal complications, and potential fines.

Facility Management and Maintenance:

As built drawings act as a roadmap for facility management and ongoing maintenance. By accurately documenting the locations and specifications of various systems, such as HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), electrical, and plumbing, as built drawings enable maintenance teams to efficiently identify and address issues or perform upgrades.

Renovations and Upgrades:

As built drawings provide critical information for future renovations or upgrades to the building. When planning modifications, architects, engineers, and contractors rely on as built drawings to understand the existing conditions and seamlessly integrate new elements. This saves time, reduces errors, and ensures that the modifications align with the original design intent.

Dispute Resolution:

In case of disputes or legal issues arising from construction projects, as built drawings play a pivotal role. They provide an objective and accurate representation of the completed work, aiding in resolving conflicts related to design, construction quality, or compliance with contractual obligations.

Who Creates As Built Drawings?

The creation of as built drawings involves collaboration between various professionals and service providers. Architects, engineers, and specialised as built drawing services providers work together to generate accurate as built drawings. These professionals rely on coordination drawings, which illustrate the integration of various building systems, and MEP coordination services, which focus on the coordination of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Additionally, CAD services play a crucial role in the creation of as built drawings, ensuring precise and detailed representations.

Hope you understand what are as built drawings and why are they important? As built drawings are invaluable tools in the construction industry, capturing the final state of a project and serving as an accurate historical record. Their significance lies in their ability to facilitate compliance with building codes, enable efficient facility management and maintenance, support renovations and upgrades, and aid in dispute resolution.

To ensure the creation of precise and comprehensive as built drawings, professionals and stakeholders can rely on the expertise of Geninfo Solutions, a renowned company in the field. Geninfo Solutions offers comprehensive coordination drawings, MEP coordination services, cad services and many more. By partnering with Geninfo Solutions, architects, engineers, and contractors can benefit from their advanced technology and expertise, ensuring the accurate representation of modifications and deviations made during construction. Now what are you waiting for? Visit Geninfo Solutions today and complete your dream project.

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