For 18+ years I’ve been creating as-built drawings for architects and contractors in NYC.
The term “as-built drawings” is commonly used in two different ways: measured drawings vs. red inked drawings. Architects want measured drawings. Contractors want red inked drawings. I do both, so I’ll highlight one of my completed projects for each type.
As-Built Drawings for Architects (Measured Drawings)
I created as-built drawings of the above pictured 3-bedroom 4-bath, 3,546 sf house located in Sagaponack, NY.
Q: What are as-built drawings for architects?
A: As-built drawings are created by on-site measuring a building.
For this project, the owner hired an architect to do an interior and exterior remodel, including lifting the house to add another level. I was hired to create as-built drawings of the house, for this extensive renovation.
Here is a picture of the first floor great room, which was a combo dining area plus living room.
The architect’s proposed redesign would have to be based upon what is real. The original blueprints could not be relied upon. Because, over the years, walls get moved, things settle, and contractors don’t always build to plan. So I measured everything.
My scope of work for this house was to create existing conditions: floor plans, reflected ceiling plans, electrical plans, cross sections, interior elevations, and exterior elevations. I even documented the crawl space.
The front elevation is pictured above. Below is a picture of the rear elevation. In the image you can see some of the wildflower landscaping. The site is partially a wetland, with a walkway down to the water. It’s a mini wildlife habitat, and fitting of the Hamptons, the landscaping was designed by renowned landscape designer, Edwina Von Gal.
Since the property of this house bordered Sagg Pond, it did not have a full basement due to the water table level; instead, it had a crawl space. I had to crawl in that crawl space to document the first floor floor framing, foundation walls, and footings.
The water table at the site was so unusually high that the in ground gunite plunge pool was built mostly above grade. Which is unique. Above is an image of the far end of the pool, which included an integrated hot tub.
And below is an image of the exterior elevation drawings that I created for this project. If you click on the image, then a PDF of the drawings will launch.
When I’m on project sites I may capture a quick video of my existing conditions survey in progress. Here’s a vid I took at the Sagaponack site.
My As-Built Services Can’t Be Matched
I’m based in NYC, and with 18 years of experience, I’m not aware of a competitor in New York City with the depth of hands-on as-built survey expertise I have. My clients consistently tell me they love how accurate my drawings are. Because of this, I have numerous clients for whom I’ve handled projects for over a decade. And then there’s my 13 years of YouTube videos documenting my projects, which completely set me apart from competitors.
When you hire me for as-built measured drawings, I’m the one who will create your drawings from start to finish. You won’t be passed off to an employee, assistant, or junior staffer. My direct involvement makes all the difference.
If you need measured as-builts for a remodel, I can help. Please call me now at 718.441.3968, text me now at 646.504.5230 , or email me now at brian@draftingservices.com.
Now that I have discussed as-built drawings for architects by highlighting my Sagaponack project, let me move on to discussing as-built drawings for contractors.
As-Built Drawings for Contractors (Red Inked Drawings)
My Sagaponack project is a good example of the first kind of as-built drawing: measured drawings. But there’s another kind of as-built drawing you’ll often hear about on construction projects: red inked drawings. They show, in red ink, on-site changes to the design drawings. The purpose is to record what the contractor built.
Q: What are as-built drawings for contractors?
A: As-built drawings are created by marking-up the design drawings, in red ink, with any changes made during construction that differ from the design drawings.
Large construction projects sometimes require the contractor to provide red inked as-built drawings before the project contract can be legally closed. Below is an example of a red inked as-built drawing from a project I completed.
What I actually did on this project was not to create the red inked drawing you see above. The contractor did that.
For this project, the contractor was required to create as-built drawings and record drawings. And I got involved in the record drawing portion of the project.
Let me give you a definition of record drawings, because once you understand this, my role in the project will make more sense.
Q: What are record drawings?
A: Record drawings are a final set of drawings in which the design drawings are revised to include the as-built changes shown in the as-built drawings.
Record drawings are created when the owner-architect contract requires them. The goal is for the owner to have a record of what has been constructed, and to have that in a usable format. So record drawings are often delivered to the owner in PDF and CAD formats. And this is where my role comes in.
You see, nowadays, the contractor not only has to provide red inked paper as-builts, but sometimes he additionally needs to provide record drawings. And contractors hire me to create the record drawings. But when they call me, they often ask, “Do you provide as-built drawing services?” They are technically using the term incorrectly, but I know what they mean. I do provide this service. So what I do is take their paper red inked as-builts, and combine them with the CAD design drawings I’m given, by editing the CAD files to incorporate the red inked notes.
I have a drafting team. We create as-built drawings for different kinds of contractors, so they can fulfill their contract requirements to close out their jobs. We service general contractors, steel erectors, steel fabricators, electricians, plumbers, HVAC contractors and more.
Contact
So if you need as-built drafting services of any kind, I can provide them. Please call me now at 718.441.3968, text me now at 646.504.5230 , or email me now at brian@draftingservices.com.
Do you still have more questions? You can call me or below are some frequently asked questions that I receive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are as-built drawings?
As-built drawings are drawings that show the actual constructed conditions of a project. They can be created in two main ways:
- By measuring the building on site (measured drawings).
- By marking up design drawings with red ink to show changes made during construction.
What is the difference between design drawings and as-built drawings?
Design drawings show the architect’s or engineer’s original design for construction, what was planned to be built. As-built drawings, on the other hand, show what was actually constructed, including any design changes that happened during construction.
What is the difference between measured drawings and red inked drawings?
Measured drawings are created from field measurements to document existing conditions. Red inked drawings are design drawings that have been marked up to show what was actually built when construction differed from the plans.
What is the difference between as-built and as-constructed drawings?
“As-built drawings” and “as-constructed drawings” usually mean the same thing. Some people prefer one term over the other, but the intent is the same: an accurate record of what was built.
What are record drawings?
Record drawings are the finalized set of drawings that incorporate all the changes shown on the red inked as-builts. They’re usually delivered in PDF and CAD format so the owner has a complete, accurate record of what was built.
Who creates as-built drawings?
Depending on the project, as-built drawings can be created by architects, engineers, or drafting specialists like me. On larger jobs, contractors often mark up drawings in red, and then hire a professional drafter to prepare formal CAD-based record drawings.
Who uses as-built drawings?
As-built drawings are used by architects, engineers, contractors, facility managers, and property owners. They’re essential for renovations, additions, maintenance, or closing out construction contracts.
How much do as-built drawings cost?
The cost depends on the size and complexity of the building, as well as the level of detail required. A small project might cost a few hundred dollars, while large projects can cost significantly more. I provide custom pricing based on the scope of work.
Who hires you for as-built drawing services?
I work directly with architects, general contractors, steel fabricators, HVAC contractors, electricians, plumbers, other professionals, and sometimes directly for homeowners.
Do you personally create the drawings, or does your team handle them?
For measured drawings, I personally handle the on-site survey and drawing creation from start to finish. For non-survey work like record drawings, that involves no site measuring, I have a trusted drafting team that I assign tasks to.
Ready to Get Started?
Want a quick quote for your project? Reach out today and I’ll personally get back to you. Please call me now at 718.441.3968, text me now at 646.504.5230 , or email me now at brian@draftingservices.com.