What is an 'as-built' drawing?

An 'as-built' drawing is a critical component in construction documentation that illustrates how a project was actually constructed, as opposed to how it was originally planned or proposed. These drawings reflect all modifications made during the construction process, incorporating any changes that occurred due to site conditions, client requests, or material substitutions. They offer a detailed representation of the final construction, including accurate dimensions, locations of utilities, and other structural elements.

Having an accurate 'as-built' drawing is essential for various reasons. It serves as a record for future maintenance, renovations, or expansions of the project. Additionally, it provides a legal document that can be referenced in case of disputes or verification of compliance with building codes and regulations. This is a fundamental practice in construction management, as it ensures that anyone reviewing the project in the future will have a precise understanding of the built environment as it stands today.

Other choices such as proposed changes, summarizing materials, and outlining future maintenance are important documents, but they do not reflect the actual construction reality captured by 'as-built' drawings.