What you need to get Good As-Builts?

by Sam Walton Sr. Business Analyst

One of the first things required for any residential project involves as-builts. As-builts are often the only record of the structure and well-drawn as-builts can give an accurate depiction of what was actually built, not what was designed.

The as-builts drawing and survey company needs proper tools and an efficient method of gathering reference points of the structure. To get the information needed for a complete as-built package, here are the top aspects to be considered.

Bring the right gear

Anyone doing measurements for an as-built needs –

100′ Tape or Laser Measuring Device: This helps in long length/height measurements.
25′ or 30’ Tape Measure
Flashlight for dark spaces
Camera for photo-documentation of as-built
Laptop
Pen and sketchbook: This one is obvious. Simple hand sketches of unique conditions may prove quicker than drafting and often more effective than taking a photo.

Plan on getting dirty

You may have to gather information from a damp dark space – in fact, these areas may lend some of the most important information like beam sizes, joist size, foundations, etc.

Dress for the weather

Since you will be spending a lot of time outdoors, be ready for it. If it’s clear out when you arrive on a site, do the exteriors first.

Get the overall dimensions first

The overall dimensions will provide the reference for a double-check as you measure walls individually. The laser allows you to determine reference points and datum lines based upon elements that can be referenced both inside and outside.

Photo-documentation

You will be constantly referencing photos of walls, floor, ceiling, and close-ups of unique conditions. It will also save you trips back to the site for something you forgot to note in the drawings. New iPhone and iPad tools are available now that allow quick and easy photo-documentation of the overall conditions of a space with just a few clicks.

Look for breaks

Watch out for breaks in the floor around floor vents or return air grills at the walls. Cover plates can be removed for a peak at the structural elements and insulation etc.

Document Quality

Apart from dimensions and configurations, the quality of features may also play a role in the final design. It’s hard to tell which elements may be replaced in the design process and extensive information about the existing building will help you make more informed decisions.

To learn more about San Francisco as-builts, drawings and surveys or to request a quote, call Precision Property Measurements at 855-272-8458. Whether you own a house, or a complex commercial project with multiple locations, PPM’s highly-trained team of As-Built surveyors, drafters, project managers, and quality assurance staff are experts in both residential and commercial buildings.