What’s The Difference Between As-built Drawings And Record Drawings?

By Author: nick ston
Total Articles: 8
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For all intents and purposes, as-built drawings and record drawings are the same. They refer to the set of drawings presented by the contractor when the construction or design for a building, landscaping or commercial real estate is finished.


Outsourcing drafting and measuring services


There are a number of service providers that are specializing in this type of service which typically includes site measurement, AutoCAD drafting, and drawing modification, site survey, among others. The drawing will also include the site location, floor plan, the roof plan, divisions, roof and basement plans. It’s better to hire a specialist in the field who is updated on new drafting and measuring techniques allowing the owner and project contractor to focus on other areas of the construction.


It’s all in the name


Interestingly, the term “record drawings” is now being used by architects and engineers. Apparently, lawyers are taking advantage of the term “as built” which they think to mean that every material and specifications stated in the blueprint should be ...
... strictly followed. So, if a single floor tile is not where it should be, they will then sue for damages or contract breach. It should be remembered that the completed project will not nail-for-nail follow the exact specifications in the blueprint. That’s the reason for the as-built survey which is usually done in the middle of the construction phase and will state which of the original drawings are included, which are modified and what other modifications will be introduced in the future.


Quick and efficient


The drawings should not be difficult to obtain particularly if you outsource this part of the process. The company you contact should have the versatility to work with different kinds of projects and speak the language of engineers, designers, architects, contractors, executives and homeowners. Typically, prices for as-builts or record drawings are fixed so don’t hire anybody who ask for additional money every now and then because they supposedly introduced more changes other than what was initially agreed upon. Also, the company should be certified since as-built plans are required by government regulatory agencies when you apply for the necessary permits.


Unlike many land surveys are done to buildings or other improvements added to the soil or after these additions are complete, as-built surveys are used during the middle of a construction project. Requested by many industries, as-built show improvements in the country, as they appeared in a particular point of time.

As-built surveys can be used for commercial or residential property. Surveys are crucial tools in the construction of the planning phase to the actual construction and future maintenance. A construction project begins with a site plan or plot plan, the construction of the plan for the project from beginning to end. This plan includes all conditions already imposed on a particular site.