As-built drawings record structural measurements of a building’s interior and exterior during the project and after its completion. The measurements taken during the as-built survey may vary from those in the plans. As-built surveys, also known as record drawings, offer stakeholders formal documents of how the project was built or installed. They document the results of a construction project instead of the layout plan in the project design.
As-Built Surveys: The Key to Verifying Construction Quality
As-built surveys are a critical component during the final stages of a project. This set of drawings ensures that the project meets the specifications in the original design plans, allowing the engineer to sign off on the project confidently.
If, during the construction process, there are deviations from the original plans approved by management, the as-built survey shows these changes as carried out. This strategy allows project managers to document any changes. With most projects, an engineer signs off on the as-built documentation before delivering final payments to the contractor.
As-built surveyors use laser guides and measuring tools to determine the final figures. Surveyors use the measurements to render the dimensions and layout of the building. All parties to the project require an as-built survey to prove the building’s location.
An as-built survey usually occurs during phases of the construction project. The survey results allow project managers to estimate deadlines, correct building code violations, and remediate procedures.
The as-built survey is also necessary after completing the project. You’ll need the survey results to receive your Certificate of Occupancy.
What Is the Benefit of Using an As-Built Survey?
The as-built survey is essential for creating the 3D model of the completed building. By completing an as-built survey, the developers and project managers use it for the following tasks and processes.
- Create a reliable, accurate model for future expansion, renovation, and maintenance of the building.
- Create a model for use during the management phase of the asset.
- Outline a maintenance plan for the building.
- Conduct accurate structural and energy-consumption analysis.
- Calculate the costs involved with interventions.
- Design building best practices.
- Provide in-depth information on the layout of the construction site.
- Build a BIM model acting as a digital copy of the building.
- Confirm communications regarding the current work and project plans.
The as-built survey is valuable to owners and stakeholders in construction projects. After completing the survey on project completion, the results of the as-built survey serve the following purposes.
- The survey results document the location of underground assets and utilities, such as pipes and conduits. The results show where these features run under the floors, walls, or roof.
- The results of the as-built survey save the project time and money, provided they record accurate data.
- It’s easier to complete repairs, maintenance, and renovations or upgrades to the building.
- The as-built survey results act as the basis of a GIS (geographical information system).
- Offers important information for planned construction phases or future projects.
- The survey results indicate that the project achieved the required construction standards.
- Work with project contracts to ensure usefulness and transparency for project stakeholders.
In some cases, there may be a requirement for multiple as-built surveys during the project, depending on its scope and scale. Using several as-built surveys during construction ensures confirmation of critical layouts and elevations.
The survey acts as a guideline of approval, requiring assessment before moving on to the next construction phase of the project.
They typically feature as an overlay on the original plans to permit a direct comparison to the original plans.
The Future of As-Built Surveys
Surveying is a critical part of any project and essential for evaluating the viability and quality of work. Technology innovations continue to produce advancements in the surveying industry.
The introduction of Building Information Modelling (BIM), mobile computing, and laser scanning enhanced accuracy and made it easier for surveyors to be precise with their measurements.
Using lasers and BIM changed the game for surveyors and project managers, allowing them to update every project construction phase to ensure it’s on track.
As-built surveys offer tremendous value at all stages of construction, not only the final results. The survey results allow project stakeholders to access insights into optimizing the project. As a result, contractors have the data they need to create accurate earthwork projections.
As-built surveys will continue to become more complex and increase accuracy as technology improves.
Precision Surveying & Consulting
3D Laser Scanning | Land Surveying | Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
Established in 1999, we operate nationwide with vast experience in a diverse range of services. Our products and services are suitable for Industrial, Medical, Data Centers, and Commercial Sites. We employ highly skilled and experienced professionals and a licensed surveyor, licensed in the state of Nebraska, allowing us to process and certify all our data in-house. The security and confidentiality of our client’s data are paramount to our working practices. We bring extensive experience and professionalism to every project and customize our support to your individual needs and concerns.
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