Difference between ‘As-built’ and ‘Existing-conditions’ Drawings

In the construction industry, the terms ‘as-built’ floor plans and ‘existing conditions’ plans may sound similar but are, in fact, not.

As-Built Floor Plans

As-builts commonly refer to 2D floor plans depicting only a limited amount of detail, such as walls, doors, windows, millwork, and plumbing fixtures. These plans are created once the construction of the building is complete.

The As-builts are prepared to document any alterations or variations from the architect’s original design. For example, if doors were placed in a different location than what was specified in the design documents. The as-builts are sometimes prepared, immediately after the site is built or many years afterwards. When created at a later date, as-builts offer an updated documentation of the interior layout spaces that may have changed over the years.

Most often as-built floor plans are used by building owners to determine the gross and rentable areas during the due diligence period before sale completion. Property managers and brokers may have the plans analyzed to identify the square footage of tenant areas, common areas, and major vertical penetrations. These areas are then divided to determine the load factor which defines the RSF or rentable square footage of tenant spaces. Facility managers may use these plans and integrate them with a CAFM or Computer Aided Facilities Management software package.

Existing Conditions Plans

An Existing Conditions survey is also created post-construction but they capture more data about the property, resulting in more detailed plans. ‘Existing conditions’ drawings document locations of electrical and data outlets, reflected ceiling plans, HVAC return, registers, duct work, and sprinkler lines. In addition to electrical service and breaker panels, they show the various circuits and the areas they control. These plans may indicate the location of HVAC units, their associated data such as size, serial numbers, and condition.

Existing Condition Survey and drawings provide the most detailed view of a particular structure and property. These plans are used by architects, interior designers, space planners, engineers, and contractors for the purposes of build-outs, remodeling, and rebranding. To learn more about San Jose and Berkeley as-built services and surveys or to request a quote, call Precision Property Measurements at 855-272-8458.