As-built drawings are typically required by contract, but many contractors don't know exactly what format is expected, what level of detail is needed, or how to produce a package that satisfies the owner and closes the permit. This guide covers what goes into a complete as-built package in 2026.
What format should as-built drawings be in?
The required format depends on the contract and the owner's needs. Common formats:
- Marked-up paper drawings — the traditional approach. Red-lined copies of the original drawings with field changes noted by hand. Still acceptable on many projects, but harder to store, share, and use long-term.
- Updated CAD files — the design team's CAD drawings updated to reflect field conditions. More useful for future work but requires the design team's involvement and adds cost.
- PDF with markups — digital version of the marked-up drawing approach. Easier to share and store.
- 3D model — increasingly common, especially for MEP-heavy projects. A spatial record of the space as built that allows remote measurement and coordination.
- Photo documentation package — GPS-tagged, timestamped photos organised by project, often with a PDF report. Practical for most residential and light commercial work.
If the contract specifies a format, follow it. If not, a combination of photo documentation and PDF report is the minimum viable as-built for most projects.
What information must be included?
A complete as-built package for a typical commercial project includes:
Architectural
- Final room dimensions (length, width, ceiling height)
- Door and window opening sizes and locations as installed
- Any partition changes from original design
- Finish materials as installed (including substitutions)
Structural
- Any structural member changes from design (relocated beams, added columns, modified connections)
- Foundation modifications
- Embedment and anchor locations
Mechanical
- HVAC equipment locations as installed
- Ductwork routing as installed (this almost always differs from design)
- Equipment model numbers and capacities as installed
- Control system wiring and device locations
Electrical
- Panel locations and completed panel schedules
- Conduit routing as installed
- Device locations (outlets, switches, fixtures) with circuit assignments
- Emergency system device locations
Plumbing
- Pipe routing as installed (supply and drain)
- Fixture locations and specifications as installed
- Valve locations — especially shut-offs, which facility managers need most
- Water heater and equipment locations
What about residential projects?
For residential renovation and new construction, the as-built requirements are often less formal but equally important. The minimum useful as-built for a residential project:
- GPS-tagged photos of all rough-in before closing
- Final room dimensions
- Equipment model numbers and locations
- Panel schedule
A PDF report from Manifold containing all project photos with GPS data and timestamps satisfies this requirement for most residential work.
Using Orbit Measure for as-built documentation
Manifold's Orbit Measure feature captures spatial as-built data from any iOS or Android phone. Walk a space for 60 seconds, upload the video, receive a measurable 3D model. You can take measurements between any two points in the model remotely — useful for verifying dimensions for the as-built package without returning to site.
The 3D model can be shared as a browser link — engineers, architects, and facility managers can view and measure from their desks without installing anything.
As-built documentation costs
Traditional as-built production (survey crew, CAD drafter) runs $500–5,000+ per project. Phone-based documentation through Manifold costs $24/user/month on the Photo+Scan plan — no per-project fees, no seat minimums.
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