What is the primary characteristic of as-built drawings?

The primary characteristic of as-built drawings is that they reflect the design changes that occurred during the construction process. These drawings provide a detailed representation of the finished project and document all modifications made to the original design. This is important for several reasons; it ensures that future maintenance, renovations, or expansions can be accurately carried out based on the actual installation, rather than just the initial plans. As-built drawings serve as a valuable reference for facility management and can assist in troubleshooting issues, as they depict the final location of systems, equipment, and other elements that may have changed from the initial design.

In contrast, preliminary sketches serve a different purpose, as they are typically used in the early stages of project design to explore ideas and concepts before finalizing details. As-built drawings are not limited to permit purposes alone; they are comprehensive documentation that may be utilized throughout the life of the structure. Additionally, while electrical systems are a vital aspect of many projects, as-built drawings encompass all building systems, including HVAC, plumbing, and structural elements, making such a narrow focus insufficient to describe their nature.