As-built plans and archived plans are graphic documents that represent a construction – a development in 3 dimensions after its completion.
There are different types of technical construction plans that differ depending on the purpose, type of representation, degree of detail, etc.
- as-built (plans that represent the building as it was built);
- record (final plans of the building ready to be filed);
- shop (executive plans).
What is the difference between as-built plans and archived plans?
As-built plans
As-built plans comprise a series of graphic documents created and presented by the contractor upon completion of a project (or individual phases thereof). These plans serve to represent the real consistency of the building during or upon completion of the work. They describe the work as it has actually been built. In addition, they report project changes during the execution of the work or discrepancies between the project and construction.
The purpose of as-built drawings is to document all changes made to the project during the construction process. Therefore, it is necessary to represent the exact dimensions and actual positions of all elements as described in the contractual agreement.
It is good practice to work on the as-built documentation already in the construction phase, gradually updating information that has changed as we progress. In this way, there is the certainty of generating a virtual information model consistent with the real one and of fully responding to the contractual clauses.
Typically, the contractor who performed the work is also tasked with producing and delivering the as-built documentation to the client. Before delivery to the client, the documentation must be accepted and definitively approved by the professional in charge.
Archived plans
On the other hand, archived plans (also known as record drawings) are the official, final and definitive drawings, drawn up and certified by the qualified technician. These must be officially delivered to the designated bodies. The purpose of archived plans is to document the work actually carried out on site. They indicate all changes made to the work by the contractor with respect to the as-built plans, including changes requested by the client during work on site.
Archived plans are considered "more reliable" than as-built plans because they are approved by the technician. The modifications are officially issued and can constitute evidence against the technician (designer or construction manager) or the company in case of disputes or inconsistencies between the work carried out on site and those established in the contract.
Basically, as-built plans are created by the company, while archived plans are created by a qualified technician and are recognized for greater reliability. All this because they are official plans, approved, officially filed (in municipal offices, the cadastre, state agency, etc.) and made from the as-built plans.
What is the difference between as-built plans and executive plans?
Executive plans (also known as shop drawings in the American construction sector) are intended to represent in great detail each of the components of the building to be built.
They are used to communicate the final choices of the project to clients and to give precise instructions to the company that must carry out the work. They explain in depth the characteristics, location, assembly/installation method of each component of the project and all the details necessary to understand and carry out the work in accordance with the project idea.
Typically, executive drawings include manufacturing, installation and assembly details of windows, doors, finishes, MEP components, structural elements, etc.
Materials, construction techniques, dimensions, but also times and costs of the work can also be deduced from the executive plans.
Unlike the other types of plans, the technician must create the executive plans before the start of construction. Precisely because they have the purpose of illustrating the work for its correct execution.