Well, you’ve heard the terms “as built plans” and “as built drawings” thrown around, but what exactly are they? Are they some secret blueprints only architects and engineers understand? Fear not, my friend! Let’s break it down together in plain English.
Imagine you’re building your dream house. You’ve got the vision in your head; the construction crew is hard at work, and everything seems to be going according to plan. But wait, what’s this? Changes pop up along the way; maybe a window moved a bit to the left, or a wall was extended a tad to the right. That’s where as-built plans come into play.
As built plans are like the post-construction report card. They document all the changes and modifications made during the construction process. Think of them as the updated version of the original blueprints, showing the exact dimensions, locations, and configurations of all the elements in your building once it’s been built.
Now, why are these plans so important? Well, imagine you need to do some renovations or repairs down the line. Without accurate as-built plans, it’s like trying to navigate a maze blindfolded. You will know what’s behind that wall or under that floor when you start swinging the sledgehammer. Ouch!
But fear not because, with detailed as built drawings in hand, you can avoid costly mistakes and delays. Need to install new plumbing? Check the as-built plans. Planning to knock down a wall? Double-check the as-built plans. They’re like your trusty treasure map guiding you through the labyrinth of your building’s structure.
Now, let’s talk about how these magical documents come to be. During the construction process, architects, engineers, and contractors work together to create the initial blueprints. But as the project progresses, changes inevitably occur. Maybe the client decides they want a bigger kitchen, or the building inspector requests alterations for safety compliance. Whatever the reason, these changes are meticulously recorded on the as-built drawings.
But wait, there’s more! As built plans are more than just handy for future renovations. They also serve as a historical record of the building’s evolution. Decades from now, someone might look back at those plans and marvel at how the structure has transformed over time. It’s like a time capsule buried within the walls of your building, preserving the story of its creation for generations to come.
So, the next time someone mentions “as built plans” or “as built drawings,” you can nod knowingly and impress them with your newfound knowledge. They’re not just obscure documents for architects and engineers; they’re the roadmap to understanding the past, present, and future of your building.
As Built LA 