When a construction project wraps up, the structure standing on-site often looks a little different from the original design plans. Whether it’s minor layout changes or major adjustments due to site conditions, these modifications need to be captured accurately.
What Are As-Built Surveys?
An as-built survey is a detailed field survey conducted after construction is complete. It documents the exact locations, dimensions, field conditions, and features of the completed structure. The survey provides a snapshot of what exists on-site—giving a real-world view of the finished project, as opposed to what was initially planned.
The survey typically covers:
The as-built surveys are especially useful when planning future renovations, expansions, or even for legal documentation purposes to enhance project outcomes.
What Are As-Built Drawings in Construction
An as-built drawing is the final blueprint showing all modifications made during construction. It reflects what was actually built, not just what was originally designed. As-built drawings, also known as "record drawings" are the blueprints or plans that reflect all the changes made during the construction process. While they begin as standard construction drawings, updates are made throughout the project to show every modification, from material changes to layout tweaks.
The main difference here is that as-built drawings don’t require a physical survey like as-built surveys. Instead, they are created based on information from contractors, engineers, or architects who document changes as the project progresses. They act as a paper trail of adjustments, ensuring everyone involved knows exactly what has been built.
In many projects, especially commercial or public-sector jobs, a completed as-built drawing must include an as-built stamp before being accepted by owners or regulators.
What is the difference between as-built drawings and as-built surveys?
As-built surveys are physical measurements taken after construction to capture the actual built conditions. As-built drawings are updated construction plans reflecting every change made during the project. Surveys show what's built; drawings show how and why it changed from the original plan.
Key Differences Between As-Built Surveys and As-Built Drawings
While as-built surveys and as-built drawings often serve a similar purpose—documenting the final state of a project—they approach this goal from different angles:
How are as-built drawings different from construction drawings?
Construction drawings show what is intended to be built at the start of the project. As-built drawings are updated throughout the construction process to reflect what was actually built, including any deviations, adjustments, or on-site changes.
Challenges and Best Practices for Creating As-Built Drawings
Keeping as-built drawings accurate throughout a project can be challenging, particularly if updates are delayed or not logged in real-time. Without consistent updates, teams may find themselves scrambling at the end of the project to remember and document all the changes made on-site.
To avoid this issue, a best practice is to establish a process where updates to as-built drawings are captured as they happen. This could involve assigning specific team members the task of logging changes immediately or using digital tools to streamline the process. Regular updates ensure that no detail is missed and that the final drawings reflect the true state of the project.
With tools like KYRO, teams can redline and annotate changes in real-time, keeping drawings accurate throughout the project.
Technology and Tools for Managing As-Built Records
As-built surveys and drawings are becoming easier to manage thanks to modern technology. Cloud-based platforms and mobile apps now allow construction teams to update and share as-built records in real time. For example, using mobile devices on-site, contractors can immediately input changes into digital drawings, ensuring the entire team has access to the most current plans.
KYRO, Plangrid, and other tools now allow teams to update drawings in the field. These platforms integrate directly with project files to sync field measurements, reduce manual entry, and keep your records current.
Importance of Coordination Between Teams
Effective communication between contractors, architects, engineers, and surveyors is essential for accurate as-built records. Without clear coordination, changes made in the field may not be captured in the drawings or surveys, leading to discrepancies that can cause confusion or costly rework down the line.
One way to improve coordination is by using collaborative platforms that allow teams to share updates in real time. For example, if a contractor makes a layout change on-site, that information should be instantly shared with the design team to ensure that as-built drawings reflect the new configuration. Clear communication ensures that the final records are comprehensive and accurate. Use cloud-based tools like KYRO to maintain a single source of truth for design and field teams.
When teams work in silos, record drawings often get out of sync with field conditions, leading to discrepancies that could delay inspections or handover approvals.
How They Work Together
In many cases, as-built surveys and as-built drawings work hand in hand.
- While drawings document what was planned and then changed during construction, surveys confirm what’s actually in place after completion.
- Having both on record ensures a comprehensive understanding of the project, helping teams plan for future work or resolve any disputes.
Why Accurate As-Built Records Are Essential
Whether it’s through as-built surveys or drawings, keeping accurate records of a construction project is crucial. These documents protect against future confusion, help maintain compliance, and provide a solid foundation for future projects. Plus, with today’s digital tools, keeping these records organized and accessible has never been easier.
If you’re planning a project or managing a build, don’t overlook the importance of maintaining updated as-built records. In the long run, they save time, reduce risk, and help keep projects running smoothly.
KYRO provides a robust document management solution that helps you track, organize, and update your project documentation in real-time. With KYRO’s markup and version control features, all stakeholders work from the same, most accurate plans—reducing rework and costly delays.
→ Try KYRO for free or book a demo today.
As-built drawings reflect the finished structure, including all changes made during construction. Construction drawings only show the original design intent.
They validate that the construction matches design specs and provide a legal and logistical foundation for future builds or inspections.
Usually contractors, architects, or engineers document changes during construction.
It depends on the project type and local jurisdiction. Many commercial and government projects require them.
As-Built Stamp is a mark or seal added by a qualified professional certifying that the as-built drawings accurately reflect the constructed work.
When a construction project wraps up, the structure standing on-site often looks a little different from the original design plans. Whether it’s minor layout changes or major adjustments due to site conditions, these modifications need to be captured accurately.
What Are As-Built Surveys?
An as-built survey is a detailed field survey conducted after construction is complete. It documents the exact locations, dimensions, field conditions, and features of the completed structure. The survey provides a snapshot of what exists on-site—giving a real-world view of the finished project, as opposed to what was initially planned.
The survey typically covers:
The as-built surveys are especially useful when planning future renovations, expansions, or even for legal documentation purposes to enhance project outcomes.
What Are As-Built Drawings in Construction
An as-built drawing is the final blueprint showing all modifications made during construction. It reflects what was actually built, not just what was originally designed. As-built drawings, also known as "record drawings" are the blueprints or plans that reflect all the changes made during the construction process. While they begin as standard construction drawings, updates are made throughout the project to show every modification, from material changes to layout tweaks.
The main difference here is that as-built drawings don’t require a physical survey like as-built surveys. Instead, they are created based on information from contractors, engineers, or architects who document changes as the project progresses. They act as a paper trail of adjustments, ensuring everyone involved knows exactly what has been built.
In many projects, especially commercial or public-sector jobs, a completed as-built drawing must include an as-built stamp before being accepted by owners or regulators.
What is the difference between as-built drawings and as-built surveys?
As-built surveys are physical measurements taken after construction to capture the actual built conditions. As-built drawings are updated construction plans reflecting every change made during the project. Surveys show what's built; drawings show how and why it changed from the original plan.
Key Differences Between As-Built Surveys and As-Built Drawings
While as-built surveys and as-built drawings often serve a similar purpose—documenting the final state of a project—they approach this goal from different angles:
How are as-built drawings different from construction drawings?
Construction drawings show what is intended to be built at the start of the project. As-built drawings are updated throughout the construction process to reflect what was actually built, including any deviations, adjustments, or on-site changes.
Challenges and Best Practices for Creating As-Built Drawings
Keeping as-built drawings accurate throughout a project can be challenging, particularly if updates are delayed or not logged in real-time. Without consistent updates, teams may find themselves scrambling at the end of the project to remember and document all the changes made on-site.
To avoid this issue, a best practice is to establish a process where updates to as-built drawings are captured as they happen. This could involve assigning specific team members the task of logging changes immediately or using digital tools to streamline the process. Regular updates ensure that no detail is missed and that the final drawings reflect the true state of the project.
With tools like KYRO, teams can redline and annotate changes in real-time, keeping drawings accurate throughout the project.
Technology and Tools for Managing As-Built Records
As-built surveys and drawings are becoming easier to manage thanks to modern technology. Cloud-based platforms and mobile apps now allow construction teams to update and share as-built records in real time. For example, using mobile devices on-site, contractors can immediately input changes into digital drawings, ensuring the entire team has access to the most current plans.
KYRO, Plangrid, and other tools now allow teams to update drawings in the field. These platforms integrate directly with project files to sync field measurements, reduce manual entry, and keep your records current.
Importance of Coordination Between Teams
Effective communication between contractors, architects, engineers, and surveyors is essential for accurate as-built records. Without clear coordination, changes made in the field may not be captured in the drawings or surveys, leading to discrepancies that can cause confusion or costly rework down the line.
One way to improve coordination is by using collaborative platforms that allow teams to share updates in real time. For example, if a contractor makes a layout change on-site, that information should be instantly shared with the design team to ensure that as-built drawings reflect the new configuration. Clear communication ensures that the final records are comprehensive and accurate. Use cloud-based tools like KYRO to maintain a single source of truth for design and field teams.
When teams work in silos, record drawings often get out of sync with field conditions, leading to discrepancies that could delay inspections or handover approvals.
How They Work Together
In many cases, as-built surveys and as-built drawings work hand in hand.
- While drawings document what was planned and then changed during construction, surveys confirm what’s actually in place after completion.
- Having both on record ensures a comprehensive understanding of the project, helping teams plan for future work or resolve any disputes.
Why Accurate As-Built Records Are Essential
Whether it’s through as-built surveys or drawings, keeping accurate records of a construction project is crucial. These documents protect against future confusion, help maintain compliance, and provide a solid foundation for future projects. Plus, with today’s digital tools, keeping these records organized and accessible has never been easier.
If you’re planning a project or managing a build, don’t overlook the importance of maintaining updated as-built records. In the long run, they save time, reduce risk, and help keep projects running smoothly.
KYRO provides a robust document management solution that helps you track, organize, and update your project documentation in real-time. With KYRO’s markup and version control features, all stakeholders work from the same, most accurate plans—reducing rework and costly delays.
→ Try KYRO for free or book a demo today.
As-built drawings reflect the finished structure, including all changes made during construction. Construction drawings only show the original design intent.
They validate that the construction matches design specs and provide a legal and logistical foundation for future builds or inspections.
Usually contractors, architects, or engineers document changes during construction.
It depends on the project type and local jurisdiction. Many commercial and government projects require them.
As-Built Stamp is a mark or seal added by a qualified professional certifying that the as-built drawings accurately reflect the constructed work.