Glossary
As-Built Drawing
Plain-Language Definition
Drawings that show a building as it was actually constructed, incorporating all changes made during construction. They differ from design drawings because construction always involves modifications — moved walls, rerouted pipes, changed equipment locations.
Technical Context
As-built drawings (also called record drawings) cover all disciplines: architectural, structural, MEP, fire protection. They should be updated after every major renovation. Without as-builts, maintenance teams cannot locate concealed services, renovation requires expensive surveys, and emergency response is compromised.
Why It Matters
As-built drawings are the most-used technical documents in building operations. FM teams reference them daily. Without them, drilling into a hidden pipe during renovation, or being unable to locate an isolation valve during an emergency, are real and common problems.
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