How As-Built Documents Save Time and Money?

 

In the construction industry, "time is money" isn't just a saying—it's a truth. Unnecessary delays, miscommunications, and errors that can be avoided easily, by the way, can lead to significant financial losses. However, the as built documents, including drawings, can help you prevent economic losses. These documents provide a detailed description of a building's final appearance and specifications after construction.

In this blog, we will know how these documents can save time and money, making them indispensable for construction projects.

What is an As-Built Document?

An as-built document is a comprehensive record of your building that reflects every change made during the construction process compared to the original design. These include modifications, material substitutions, and design alterations. An as-built drawing is also a central part of this document, offering a precise representation of the building. They are essential for future maintenance and renovations of your site.

Cost-Saving Advantages:

Accurate Maintenance and Renovations: As-built drawings provide a real-world snapshot of the building, making future maintenance and renovations more efficient. This helps to identify the exact locations of electrical systems, plumbing, etc, reducing the need for exploratory demolition and the risk of unexpected costs.

Efficient Resource Allocation: As-built documents allow project managers to allocate resources more efficiently by documenting the exact materials and designs. These documents then help avoid over-ordering materials or misallocating the workforce, which in turn helps save costs.

Streamlined Processes: An as-built document helps you obtain the required permits and approvals for future work. Accurate records of the completed project ensure that all changes comply with local regulations, avoiding costly penalties.

Time-Saving Benefits:

Quick Reference for Troubleshooting: In case of serious issues, as-built drawings and documents offer a quick reference to understand the building's layout, speed up the troubleshooting process, and save valuable time.

Facilitates Efficient Collaboration: As-built documents serve as a single source of truth for all stakeholders, including architects, engineers, and contractors. This simple source then facilitates better communication and collaboration, reducing misunderstandings.

Smoother Project Handovers: As-built documents make the construction-to-operation transition more softer. They provide facility managers with detailed insights into the building's features, allowing for a seamless handover and quicker adaptation to maintenance routines.

Conclusion:

As-built documents, including as built drawings, are not just records of your project's completion but also a source that saves time and money. By ensuring accuracy, streamlining processes, and enhancing communication, these documents are invaluable assets in the construction industry.