How to get as built drawings?
There's nothing like having a precise and accurate set of as-built drawings to give your project a boost. With the help of as built drawing services, you can finally breathe a sigh of relief knowing that all your measurements and details are on point. From as-built floor plans to drafting services, these handy tools allow for unparalleled accuracy when it comes to architectural design and construction. Plus, with such fully rendered depictions available at your fingertips, there's just no room left for error or confusion. So go ahead and invest in those as-built drawings - because let's face it, life is hard enough without having to navigate inaccurate or incomplete floor plans.
What are As Built Drawings?
As-built drawings refer to the official documentation of the finished construction project. These drawings contain the measurements, specifications, and details of the structure as it was built. The information contained in as built drawing is vital to many parties, such as the contractors responsible for the project, building owners, architects, and engineers. However, obtaining as-built drawings can be a challenge, and here several strategies are outlined to help you secure them.
Strategies for Obtaining As-Built Drawings in Construction:
• Obtain as-built drawings from builder & contractor: Firstly, you may attempt to obtain as-built drawings directly from the builder or contractor who undertook the project. Building contractors are usually required by law to maintain accurate records of their construction projects. Therefore, they are often the primary source of as-built drawings. Contact the company and make a specific request for the drawings, ensuring to state the project’s location, scope, and date of the construction. When you make contact, be sure to obtain as much information as possible on their document storage system and location for easy follow-up.
• Contact architect or engineer who designed structure: Another way to obtain as-built drawings is by contacting the architect or engineer who designed the structure. These professionals must keep records of their projects, and they might have as-built drawings in their possession. Your chances of success here typically depend on how well-known or established the architect or engineer is. Advanced research is required to identify the architect and engineer linked to that structure. Once you have identified the right contact, state your request clearly, provide all the necessary details, and ask whether they have the as-built drawings or know where to find them.
• Seek permit documents: If you have difficulty contacting the responsible party, you may search for the permit documents that were filed with the local permit office during construction. Permits contain documents such as site plans, floor plans, and other drawings that the builder has submitted to the regulatory body. They are a valuable resource when looking for as-built drawings. Begin by sending an official written request to the local permit office, explaining the specific documents you are seeking and including all relevant information about the project site.
• Use new technologies: Finally, if all fails, you could try using newer technologies to create as-built drawings. Laser scanning is a tool that can create accurate measurements and representations of buildings or structures. With this technique, a scanner captures the structural features of the building and creates a 3D map of the structure that can be used to create a new set of as-built drawings. This can be a costly and time-consuming option, but it can be useful if the building or structure’s as-built drawings are unavailable or too old.
Final Thought:
Obtaining as-built drawings can be a challenging process, but it is an essential task for many projects. The process involves contacting the builder or contractor directly, the architect or engineer who designed the structure, reviewing permit documents, or utilizing newer technologies such as laser scanning. Through these means, as-built drawings can be obtained and used in various applications, such as renovations, repairs, or redesigns. While every scenario may not be the same, these techniques can be helpful in securing as-built documents.
