What are as-built drawings?

As-built drawings are crucial documentation that reflect the actual conditions of a construction project once it has been completed. They serve as revised versions of the initial contract documents, capturing any modifications made during the construction process, including changes to dimensions, materials, and other aspects that may have differed from the original plans. This documentation is essential for future maintenance, as it provides a precise representation of what was built and can assist in repair and renovation work.

In contrast, initial design drafts of construction plans would not capture the actual conditions; they are more about the proposed work before construction begins. Blueprints used for maintenance purposes could reference as-built drawings, but they are not specifically defined as such; they could also refer to various other schematic representations that are not updated to reflect changes made during construction. Standard operating procedures might guide the construction process but do not denote the changes made to the project or its physical specifics after completion. Therefore, the revised versions of contract documents that illustrate the actual completed project and the changes made are accurately identified as as-built drawings.