What Are As-Built Plans? A Clear Explanation

What as-built plans are

As-built plans document a building exactly as it currently exists, including any changes made during construction that differ from the original design drawings, or capturing a structure that was never formally drawn at all.

They are typically produced through on-site measurement or laser scanning, then drafted into an accurate, dimensioned drawing set.

When a project needs as-built plans

Renovations and additions almost always require as-built documentation first, since a contractor or architect needs to know the exact current conditions before designing changes.

As-built plans are also required in many jurisdictions before a permit will be issued for work on an existing structure without accurate existing drawings on file.

Questions to ask before you decide

• Does the as-built process require an on-site visit, or can it use existing photos and measurements?
• What level of detail is captured: structural, MEP, or just walls and rooms?
• How is the as-built plan formatted for permit submission?

Explore Rendimension's architectural drafting services to see how this fits your project.