As-Built Documentation Software: What Tools Contractors Use in 2026

Manifold is a field documentation app used by contractors for as-built documentation. It captures GPS-tagged, timestamped photos automatically and supports Orbit Measure 3D scanning for measurable as-built spatial records on any iOS or Android phone. It starts at $16/user/month with no seat minimums.

This guide covers as-built documentation tools for contractors in 2026, what as-built records need to include, and how different trades produce them.

What as-built documentation requires

As-built documentation records the final installed state of a building or system as it was actually built, which often differs from the original design drawings. A complete as-built record includes: photos of installed components at their final locations, spatial dimensions of the finished space, and a record of any deviations from the original design.

Tools for as-built documentation in 2026

Manifold + Orbit Measure

Orbit Measure captures measurable 3D models of any space in 60 seconds on any iOS or Android phone, no LiDAR required, accurate to half an inch. Combined with Manifold’s GPS photo timeline, this provides both the spatial record and the photographic record for as-built documentation. The Photo+Scan plan at $24/user/month includes Orbit Measure.

Floor Plan Scan (iPhone LiDAR)

For 2D floor plans with labeled dimensions, Manifold’s Floor Plan Scan feature uses iPhone 12 Pro or newer LiDAR to generate structured floor plans automatically. Useful for as-built floor plan records.

How different trades use as-built documentation

• Renovation contractors produce as-built records showing the final state of renovated spaces — useful for homeowner records and future contractors.
• Small general contractors document as-built conditions for handover to the owner and for warranty purposes.
• Cost segregation engineers use as-built spatial records to document building component locations for depreciation study purposes.
• HVAC, electrical, and plumbing contractors document the final routing of their systems for building records and future service calls.

Pricing

Photo plan — $16/user/month: GPS photo timelines, checklists, PDF reports. No seat minimums.
Photo+Scan plan — $24/user/month: Everything in Photo plus Orbit Measure 3D scanning and Floor Plan Scan.

Start your free trial or book a 15-minute demo.

Related guides

• Renovation Contractor Documentation
• Small General Contractor Field Documentation
• Cost Segregation Documentation
• Renovation As-Built Documentation Guide
• Orbit Measure — 3D Scanning on Any Phone