As-Built Surveys

An As-Built Survey documents the location, dimensions and elevations of improvements after they have been constructed. The collected information can be compared with approved plans, design requirements and jurisdictional standards to confirm that the completed work is positioned and graded as intended.

As-Built Surveys may be performed at different stages of construction or after the project is substantially complete. They are commonly required for municipal acceptance, utility approvals, permit closeout, contractor documentation, design-team review and preparation of final record drawings.

The survey scope should be coordinated before construction begins so underground utilities and other improvements can be measured before they are covered or become inaccessible.

1. Building and Foundation Locations — Verification of building corners, foundations, finished-floor elevations, setbacks and other structural elements.
2. Utility Improvements — Location and elevation of water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer and other utility facilities, including valves, hydrants, manholes, inlets and service connections.
3. Underground Utility Information — Measurement of pipe alignments, sizes, materials, inverts and connection points when observed before burial or provided through reliable construction records.
4. Roadway Improvements — Documentation of streets, curb and gutter, sidewalks, driveways, ramps, medians and related improvements.
5. Grading and Drainage — Collection of finished-ground elevations, slopes, swales, channels, detention facilities and other drainage features.
6. Parking and Site Improvements — Location of parking areas, striping, accessible spaces, walkways, retaining walls, fences, signs and other completed site features.
7. ADA-Related Improvements — Measurement of accessible routes, curb ramps, parking spaces, landings and slopes when included in the agreed scope.
8. Stormwater Facilities — Location and elevation of inlets, manholes, pipes, culverts, channels, ponds and water-quality facilities.
9. Easement and Right-of-Way Relationships — Comparison of constructed improvements with property lines, easements and rights-of-way when the appropriate boundary information is included.
10. Horizontal and Vertical Verification — Comparison of constructed locations and elevations with the approved design plans or specified project criteria.
11. Construction Discrepancies — Identification of measurable differences between the completed improvements and the information shown on the approved plans.
12. As-Built Drawings — Preparation of survey drawings showing the measured locations, elevations, dimensions and other requested information.
13. Digital Survey Data — Delivery of survey points, CAD linework, surface information or other electronic data for use by the engineer or design team.
14. Jurisdictional Submittals — Preparation of survey information and certifications required by municipalities, counties, utility districts or other reviewing agencies.

An As-Built Survey documents improvements that are visible or were measured during construction. Concealed or inaccessible features cannot be independently verified unless they were surveyed before being covered.

The final scope and required tolerances should be coordinated with the contractor, engineer and reviewing jurisdiction before the survey is performed. An As-Built Survey reports measured conditions but does not automatically certify complete compliance with every construction, engineering or code requirement unless that evaluation is specifically included in the agreed scope.