ÍNDICE

WHAT ARE AS-BUILT DRAWIGS ?

As-Built Drawings are the final set of architectural and engineering drawings produced after construction has been completed. They record all modifications made during the building process, updating the approved design to accurately reflect what was actually constructed.

Unlike the design documentation used to obtain planning approval or build the project, As-Built Drawings are prepared only once the works have been completed.

Typically, they include updated floor plans, sections, elevations, and other technical drawings that document the completed building, identifying any changes introduced during construction. These documents form part of the permanent project record and are often required for project close-out, regulatory compliance, future maintenance, renovations, and property management.

"As-Built Drawings" means the final set of project drawings incorporating all corrections and modifications introduced during construction and accurately representing the works as they were actually built.

Based on Portuguese Ministerial Order (Portaria n.º 701-H/2008, de 29 de julho).

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PREPARING AS-BUILT DRAWINGS?

As-Built Drawings may be prepared either by the original project designers or by another suitably qualified architect or engineer authorised to produce architectural and engineering documentation.

However, where the drawings reproduce or adapt the original architectural design, copyright and professional responsibilities must be carefully considered. In such cases, the As-Built Drawings should normally be prepared by the original design authors or with their explicit authorisation where intellectual property rights apply.

In practice, contractors often assist in preparing the As-Built Drawings because they have first-hand knowledge of the modifications made during construction. Nevertheless, the final documentation should always be verified and certified by the appropriately qualified design professionals to ensure that it accurately reflects the completed works.

ARE AS-BUILT DRAWINGS REQUIRED ONLY FOR THE ARCHITECTURAL PROJECT?

In most cases, As-Built Drawings for the architectural project are required regardless of whether any changes were made during construction. Their purpose is to formally record the completed building and confirm that the documentation accurately reflects what has been built.

For the engineering disciplines, however, As-Built Drawings are generally required only where modifications have been made to the approved designs during construction. These updated documents are often necessary to obtain final certifications and approvals from the relevant authorities and utility providers, such as telecommunications, electrical, and other specialist regulatory bodies.

MUST THE ORIGINAL PROJECT DESIGNERS SUBMIT THE AS-BUILT DRAWINGS?

The As-Built Drawings are submitted by the applicant or property owner as part of the project completion process.

In practice, they are usually submitted together with the documentation required to obtain the Occupancy Permit (or Authorisation for Use), including any final certifications, declarations, and supporting documents required by the relevant local authority.

CAN CHANGES MADE DURING CONSTRUCTION DE INCLUDED ?

Only changes that do not require additional statutory approval (planning building permit, prior communication, etc) may be incorporated directly into the as-built drawings, provided they fully comply with the applicable planning and building regulations.

Whether a modification requires a formal amendment application depends on the nature and significance of the change, as well as the requirements of the local authority responsible for the project.

Minor changes that are legally permitted without further planning approval can normally be recorded in the As-Built Drawings. However, where the proposed modifications require prior approval under the applicable planning legislation, a formal amendment to the approved architectural and/or engineering design must be submitted before those changes can be regularised.

For this reason, it is always advisable to consult your architect before implementing any design changes during construction, ensuring that the appropriate statutory procedure is followed and avoiding delays during project completion.

HOW MUCH DO AS-BUILT DRAWINGS COST?

The preparation of as-built drawings is not always included within the original architectural design appointment, just as other stages of the architectural design process may be commissioned separately.

The cost depends largely on the extent of the changes made during construction. Where significant modifications have been introduced, the architect may need to survey the completed works, assess the legal implications of each change, update the drawings, revise the technical documentation, and prepare the necessary supporting reports. In these circumstances, additional professional fees will generally apply.

Conversely, if the building has been constructed exactly in accordance with the approved planning building permit drawings and no revisions are required, preparing the architectural as-built drawings is usually a straightforward administrative exercise. As a result, the associated professional fees are typically minimal.

WHEN WILL I NEED TO SUBMIT THE AS-BUILT DRAWINGS?

As-Built Drawings are typically required at the completion of the construction works when applying for an Occupancy Permit (or, where applicable, a Change of Use Permit) from the relevant local authority.

Their purpose is to provide an accurate record of the completed building, confirming the final layout, dimensions, and floor areas as actually constructed. They form part of the final documentation used to verify that the completed works comply with the approved project and applicable regulations.

The As-Built Drawings are normally submitted together with other completion documents, including declarations of responsibility from the contractor, site supervisor, architects, and engineering consultants, confirming that the works have been carried out in accordance with the approved design (or the accepted Prior Notification, where applicable), as well as the site records and any other documentation required by the local authority.

CAN THE CHANGES MADE DURING CONSTRUCTION BE INCLUDED IN THE AS-BUILT DRAWINGS?

This is one of the most common questions asked by property owners.

Only changes that do not require additional planning approval and that comply with the applicable legislation may be incorporated directly into the As-Built Drawings.

Where modifications constitute material changes that require statutory approval, they cannot simply be recorded in the As-Built Drawings. Instead, a formal Amendment Application must be submitted to the relevant authority, covering the architectural design and/or the affected engineering disciplines before those changes can be formally approved.

For this reason, it is always advisable to consult your architect before making changes during construction. Early professional advice helps determine whether the proposed modification can be documented in the As-Built Drawings or whether a separate planning application is required, avoiding delays at project completion and during the Occupancy Permit process.

I Already Have My Occupancy Permit, but the Contractor Did Not Prepare the Water Supply As-Built Drawings Correctly. What Should I Do?

If an error is not identified during the final inspections and is not detected by the project designers, site supervisor, or contractor, the submitted As-Built Drawings may not accurately reflect the building as constructed.

However, this does not mean the situation cannot be corrected. The property owner can take steps to regularise the documentation by engaging the relevant professionals to prepare revised As-Built Drawings that accurately record the completed installation.

It is considered good practice for every property owner to maintain a comprehensive building record file containing all technical information relating to the construction. This documentation is invaluable for future maintenance, renovations, repairs, and the safe operation of the building.

Where discrepancies exist—particularly in concealed services such as water supply, drainage, electrical, or mechanical systems—it is highly advisable to document the actual installation before any future works are undertaken. Accurate records help reduce construction risks, avoid unnecessary damage, and enable future contractors to work with reliable information.

A complete building record should include, where applicable:

>The architectural and engineering Design Reports.
>The final As-Built Drawings.
>Material specifications and technical data sheets.
>Operating manuals and maintenance schedules for installed equipment and building systems.
>Any other technical documentation relevant to the safe operation, maintenance, and future adaptation of the property.

Maintaining accurate As-Built documentation not only facilitates future works but also protects the long-term value of the property by ensuring that all technical information reflects the building as it actually exists.

WHY ARE AS-BUILT DRAWINGS SO IMPORTANT?

Once construction has been completed, the focus shifts to occupying, operating, and maintaining the finished building. In practice, however, the completed building rarely corresponds exactly to the approved design.

Changes frequently arise during construction due to budget adjustments, programme constraints, unforeseen site conditions, material availability, design refinements, or construction-related decisions. As-Built Drawings provide the official record of these changes, accurately documenting the building as it was ultimately constructed.

For this reason, As-Built Drawings form an essential part of the property's permanent technical record. They establish an accurate representation of the completed building, supporting regulatory compliance, future maintenance, property transactions, and any subsequent alterations or extensions.

As-Built Drawings are important for:

>Building contractors, providing documented evidence that the works were completed in accordance with the construction contract and the required quality standards.
>Property owners, who require accurate documentation when applying for an Occupancy Permit or demonstrating compliance with the approved development.
>Architects and engineers, who rely on an accurate historical record of the building for future maintenance, refurbishment, extension, and renovation projects.
>Construction and maintenance teams, who need reliable information about the existing building to carry out repairs, upgrades, or alterations safely and efficiently.
>Future purchasers and lenders, who benefit from accurate records confirming the property's layout, floor areas, and built condition, facilitating property transactions, valuations, and mortgage financing.

Maintaining accurate As-Built Drawings helps preserve the long-term value of a property, reduces uncertainty during future works, and provides a reliable technical record throughout the building's entire lifecycle.

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