Imagine you’re renovating a building and discover that the layouts, plumbing locations, or ceilings don’t match the original blueprints. That’s where as-built drawings come in. These detailed documents show exactly how a building was constructed, not just how it was planned. They capture all the real-world changes made during construction, updates, and renovation changes, as well as precise dimensions. Whether you’re planning a remodel, managing a property, or buying real estate, understanding as-built drawings can save you time, money, and a lot of headaches. In this article, we’ll break down what as-built drawings are, why they’re important, who needs them, and how they’re created.

What Are As-Built Drawings?

As-built drawings show the current conditions of the structure as they are. They document dimensions, locations of walls, materials used, and other specifications. 

As-built services include the creation of these plans using the latest updates and dimensions generated from as-built surveys to develop accurate as-built documentation to demonstrate and include other modifications made during the construction process.

Instead of guessing what’s behind a wall or under a floor later on, anyone who works on the building—whether it’s a contractor, architect, or facilities manager—can turn to the as-builts for reliable answers. That makes them critical for renovations, repairs, inspections, or selling the property down the line.

Good as-built drawings are clear, accurate, and detailed. The final drawings can be used for multiple purposes: building maintenance, coordinating every phase of construction, original design drawings, and changes made during the building process.

What Information Is Included in As-Built Drawings?

• Final Locations and Dimensions. As-built drawings show the true size and position of every wall, door, and window. If walls are moved a few inches or doors are resized, these changes are marked. Ceiling heights and floor elevations are also recorded to reflect exactly what was built on-site, not just what was designed.
• Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP). As-built documents outline outlet placements, light fixtures, control panels, and shutoff valves. This makes it easy to locate critical systems for a repair or an upgrade without damaging the building and incurring unnecessary expenses. Additionally, systems, ducts, and plumbing pipes may be included upon request. 
• Material Changes. It is important to record the materials used for future maintenance, improvements, design purposes, and so much more. As-built drawings can help with purchasing and ordering materials, matching color schemes, and coordinating design. 
• Site Work and Exterior Features. As-builts also show the final layout of exterior elements like sidewalks, driveways, patios, and landscaping. They document changes to grading and drainage. If a sewer line or water main was moved, the as-builts will show exactly where it ended up. As-builts likewise show the ultimate layout of exterior site improvements, consisting of walkways, driveways, patios, and even landscaping.
• Design Adjustments and Field Changes. Sometimes builders find a better way to do something once construction starts. Maybe a wall was shifted for better access, or a staircase was reconfigured. As-built drawings capture these kinds of field changes so future work doesn’t run into surprises hidden behind drywall or underground.

As-Built Drawings vs. Shop Drawings

As-Built Drawings

As-built drawings reflect how a building was built. They show all changes made from the initial specifications to the final specs, including any design changes, any field changes, shop drawing changes, design modifications, and every change that was approved and made during the lifespan of the project.

Shop Drawings

Shop drawings come earlier in the process. They are detailed drawings prepared by subcontractors, suppliers, or fabricators. Shop drawings will show in detail how various parts of the project will be manufactured, fabricated, assembled, or installed. These drawings focus on a specific component of the structure, such as a steel beam, ductwork, or custom cabinetry. Shop drawings don’t depict the entire building or system, just the components the builder is supplying.

Key Differences: 

• As-builts capture what was actually built, produced during, and after the construction phase.
• Shop drawings show how parts and systems are fabricated and installed prior to construction.

It’s important to know the difference. Using an incorrect set of drawings could lead to mistakes, delays, and additional costs.

Who Uses As-Built Drawings?

Contractors

Contractors depend on as-builts to examine a completed project, before starting the renovation, or afterwards. That helps understand the original specifications, layouts exactly as it was built, and discrepancies with the design plans. 

Architects and Engineers

For architects and engineers, as-builts are the foundation for the next phase. Renovations, additions, system upgrades — none of it happens safely without knowing what’s already there. A missing detail or a wall can blow up a project fast.

Property Owners and Facility Managers

If you own, manage, or maintain a building, having good as-builts is like having a map to the whole place. Need to find the shutoff valve? Want to move a wall? Trying to fix an electrical issue? It’s all right there — no guessing, no ripping up drywall just to “see what’s behind it.”

Real Estate Agents and Appraisers

As-builts can also speed up a sale. They help prove the building’s layout matches what’s being advertised. Buyers trust clear documentation. Inspectors appreciate it. Deals close faster when no one’s arguing over square footage or wondering what’s hidden behind the walls.

Building Inspectors and City Officials

City departments often ask for updated drawings during inspections or permit applications. If your paperwork doesn’t match your actual structure, you’re headed for delays. Good as-built drawings are important to avoid the back-and-forth and costly mistakes.

The importance of as-built drawings can not be underestimated. The accurate as-built drawings facilitate and help coordinate every construction project, design project, permit application, and so much more!