Does your construction project structure resemble your engineering drawings? If you’ve come across some discrepancies between your diagrams and construction, it’s time to request as-built drawings.

As-built drawings are a crucial part of every construction project. They are the final draft of a paper created and submitted by a contractor after a construction project is completed. These drawings include every change the building has undergone, including minor and significant modifications throughout the planning and execution process. It provides an exact rendering of the project as it appears upon completion.

As-built drawings have different applications for new construction, renovation projects & building maintenance.

Let’s read on to learn more!

An image can speak a thousand words in a construction project. Similarly, as-built drawings can speak a thousand construction processes.

Sometimes known as record drawings, record documents, as-built draftings are created from red-lined illustrations submitted by subcontractors and contractors. The final as-built drawings have always been a crucial part of O&M documentation. It is essential to manage these documents for several reasons, including:

• As-built drafting provides essential information for Process Hazard Analysis and Process Safety Management requirements. It effectively contributes to the emergency preparedness of staff within plant facilities.

• As-built drawings highlight safety concerns and potential hazards are existing in the facility. The graphics display equipment lists and shutdown switches and keys to locate them in an emergency incident.

• Managers will know where to anticipate safety hazards because as-built drawings show where every element of the structure is located. It helps set up appropriate perimeters and signage.

• Before starting a renovation or retrofit project, it is vital to understand the structure as it currently exists. The as-built drawings include every detail for the location of pipe, duct and wire. Working with up-to-date pictures is crucial for the safe and efficient execution of future renovations & retrofits.

• All new designs will begin taking as-built drawings as reference. Good as-built renderings will prevent drawing reworks for renovations or any other changes in the future.

• The as-built drawings shall be regularly updated to reflect even the small modification. As the graphics get updated, note the revision date and revision number—also, note changes in the index for ease of use.

Maintenance and Operations

• Small improvements and changes ought to happen during the life span of structures. As-built drawings assist in efficiently maintaining and operating the building because by providing a documented history of the space.

• As-built drawings document the building’s structural, mechanical, electrical & plumbing systems making maintenance and repairs much faster. Surveying the area and identifying which components need care proves time-consuming and costly without as-built drawings.

Overall, as-built drawings are an essential part of any successful construction project. Keeping them up-to-date is necessary to improve the project’s efficiency, productivity, and delivery. If you’re looking for as-built drawings and documentation services, you can consider outsourcing a leading engineering company.