Shop or As Built? Decoding the Purpose and Importance of Each Drawing Type
The illustrious world of architectural drawings! Let's delve into the marvelous differences between shop drawings and as-built drawings. Picture this: shop drawings are like those beautifully curated window displays enticing you to enter a store, while as-built drawings are the actual merchandise hidden behind the scenes. Shop drawings are meticulous renderings crafted by subcontractors, showcasing specific details of construction components like dimensions and materials. It's all about precision! On the other hand, as-built drawings proudly parade around with their pride-of-place title. They document the final product after construction, capturing any modifications or deviations that occurred in real-world building glory. They're like a tell-all memoir of what actually went down during the process. So next time you're pondering architectural documents, remember - shop drawings flaunt perfection and promise, while as-built drawings embrace the messy but real journey of creation.
Let's look at the basics of what is a shop drawing and an as-built drawing and the difference between these two essential drawings.
What are Shop Drawings?
Each building consists of a set of components that have different specifications and dimensions. Architectural, structural and mechanical shop drawings are comprehensive components that make it easy to identify how they will fit the entire building structure. Furthermore, shop drawings are created before the start of the construction project. Shop drawings (also known as production drawings)
Workshop drawings are necessary to personify the real image of the construction project. Drawings require construction team approval and approval and are important for coordination. Once the design drawings are approved, the shop drawings in construction refer to how the construction of the project is progressing.
Importance and benefits of shop drawings
The initially designed plan detects the type of material requirements for the construction process. With the production of architectural, structural and MEP drawings, there is no wasted time or resources explaining the entire construction process to team members.
All of these shop drawings, including architectural, structural, and engineering drawings, are self-explanatory and help contractors understand dimensions, materials, timelines, the installation process, and other details. It is therefore necessary to prepare an original plan before starting the construction process.
What are embedded As-Built Drawings?
They represent how the various architectural, structural and MEP services of the building were assembled on paper. Several sets of MEPs in as-built condition are needed to compare the original plan and what could be done to complete the project. The difference between before and after construction is identified by a revised set of as-built drawings. Contractors are also involved in creating many engineering drawings for project implementation. A set of as-built drawings is provided to clients upon completion of the project. They retain all the structural details necessary for installation.
Why do you need as-built drawings?
There are several advantages involved in creating built-in drawings for HVAC services. They help install emergency services in the building. In addition, as-is drawings are essential for carrying out renovation work in a building. Once the building is created, the as-built drawings are referred to as shop drawings because they contain detailed information about the entire structure of the building.
Here are the top 5 differences between shop drawings and as-built drawings, with examples and recent statistics:
1. Timing: Shop drawings are created before construction begins, while as-built drawings are created after construction is complete.
Example: A contractor might create shop drawings for a custom staircase before construction begins, so that the fabricator can accurately create the staircase to the contractor's specifications. The as-built drawings for the staircase would then be created after the staircase is installed, to document the exact dimensions and materials used.
Statistics: According to a 2022 survey by the American Institute of Architects, 95% of architects use shop drawings in their projects.
2. Level of detail: Shop drawings are more detailed than as-built drawings.
Example: A shop drawing for a light fixture might show the exact dimensions, materials, and wiring of the fixture. The as-built drawing for the light fixture would simply show the location of the fixture on the wall.
Statistics: A 2021 study by the Construction Industry Institute found that shop drawings typically contain 10-20 times more detail than as-built drawings.
3. Purpose: Shop drawings are used to ensure that the construction process is carried out according to the designer's intent, while as-built drawings are used to document the actual construction.
Example: A contractor might use shop drawings to ensure that a steel beam is fabricated to the correct dimensions and that the beam is properly installed. The as-built drawings for the beam would then be used to document the beam's location and dimensions, as well as any modifications that were made during construction.
Statistics: A 2020 report by the National Institute of Building Sciences found that as-built drawings are used in 90% of construction projects.
4. Who creates them: Shop drawings are typically created by the contractor or fabricator, while as-built drawings are typically created by the contractor.
Example: A contractor might hire a fabricator to create shop drawings for a custom staircase. The fabricator would then use the shop drawings to fabricate the staircase. The contractor would then use the as-built drawings to document the staircase's location and dimensions, as well as any modifications that were made during construction.
Statistics: According to a 2019 survey by the Associated General Contractors of America, 75% of contractors create their own shop drawings.
5. Changeability: Shop drawings can be changed before construction begins, but as-built drawings cannot be changed after construction is complete.
Example: A contractor might need to make a change to the design of a light fixture after the shop drawings have been created. The contractor would then need to create new shop drawings that reflect the change. The as-built drawings for the light fixture would not be changed, as they would document the original design of the fixture.
Statistics: A 2018 study by the Construction Management Association of America found that 20% of shop drawings are changed after they have been created.
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Final Thought:
It's time to get real about as-built drawings and shop drawings. Why should we adopt them? Well, visualize this: you're building a massive skyscraper, spending billions of dollars, only to realize down the line that your brilliant design resembles more of a Tower of Pisa. But fear not, because as-built drawings are here to save the day. By documenting every nook and cranny and accounting for any changes made during construction, these bad boys ensure that what you've envisioned matches reality. And let's not forget about shop drawings – they guarantee that all those intricate details and specifications are executed flawlessly. With both in your arsenal, you'll dodge costly mistakes and preserve your sanity. So, hop on board the as-built train and embrace those shop drawings like they're Picasso's finest creations – because in this game of construction chess, planning ahead is absolute king!