What Are As-Built Drawings & Why They’re Essential

As-built drawings (also called “red-line drawings”) capture a structure exactly as it was built—incorporating changes made during construction, field modifications, or deviations from original plans. In other words, this is the “final reality” documentation of a project. Matterport

These drawings are part of broader as-built documentation, which may also include photographs, notes about deviations, and supplemental records of why and how changes were made. Matterport

When done well, as-built drawings should:

• Reflect original design vs. actual construction

• Accurately measure dimensions, utilities, structural elements

• Capture materials, fixtures, and positioning of systems

• Provide a historical record for future work, renovations, maintenance, or regulatory review

Poor as-built documentation leads to confusion down the line, miscommunication between teams, errors during renovations, and avoidable rework.

Challenges in Traditional As-Built Workflows

Before diving into the faster workflow, it’s critical to understand where traditional methods struggle.

1. Manual Measurements Are Time-Consuming & Error-Prone

Walking a site with tape measures, laser distance meters, or total stations takes time. Even a small measurement error compounds when drafting full-site drawings.

2. Communication & Coordination Breakdowns

When teams are distributed or changes happen on-site, sharing accurate information becomes a bottleneck. Discrepancies between field notes and CAD are common.

3. Partial or Incomplete Documentation

Sometimes teams skip corners, systems, or changes—leading to gaps in as-built drawings. Later, those gaps become costly to fill.

4. Delays in Converting Field Data to CAD/BIM

Translating field notes, photos, and measurements into detailed, accurate CAD or BIM models is non-trivial and time-intensive.

5. Legacy Tools & Outdated Technology

Reliance on paper, manual redlines, or tools not built for fast iteration makes the process fragile.

In fact, Matterport claims their digital twin workflow cuts drawing times by 50%, reduces manual measurements by 80%, and improves bid accuracy.
We’ll show how Scanbrix aims to surpass those efficiencies for everyday professionals.

The Modern Approach: 3D Scanning for As-Built Drawings

This is where the game changes. Using 3D scanning (especially with LiDAR) unlocks a faster, more accurate path from site to documentation. Let’s break down how it works and why it’s superior.

What is LiDAR Room Scan & 3D Scanning for As-Builts?

• LiDAR room scan refers to capturing spatial data using a LiDAR sensor (e.g., the one embedded in recent iPhones).

• 3D scanning for as-built drawings means capturing point clouds, spatial coordinates, and surface geometry digitally—then processing them into usable models.

• From this scan, you can export to CAD, generate floor plans, or build BIM models.

Essentially, you replace manual capture with digital capture—reducing human error, increasing density of data, and speeding documentation.

Step-by-Step Workflow: Create As-Built Drawings Faster with Scanbrix

Here’s a refined workflow (with Scanbrix as the tool) to go from site to deliverable in minimal time:

Step 1 – Prepare & Position Your iPhone for Scanning

• Use a recent iPhone with LiDAR (e.g., iPhone 12 Pro, 13 Pro, or later)

• Open Scanbrix’s scanning mode

• Walk through the space systematically, capturing each room holistically

• Ensure that overlap, corners, and complex elements (stairs, alcoves, ceiling drops) are covered

Step 2 – Process Point Cloud & Clean Up Data

• The Scanbrix app (or backend) processes the scan, generating a point cloud

• Clean up noise, align scans, remove stray points

• Optionally add tags or notes (windows, walls, obstacles)

Step 3 – Convert to CAD / BIM / Scan-to-CAD Output

• Export your scan to formats like DWG, DXF, Revit (RVT), SketchUp (SKP)

• Use scan to CAD conversion features

• Use auto-detection algorithms (walls, doors, floor levels) to reduce manual redrawing

Step 4 – Annotate, Dimension & Finalize As-Built Drawing

• In your CAD or BIM environment, include dimensions, labels, and notes

• Cross-check with site photos and any supplementary data

• Attach material notes, fixture types, structural details

Step 5 – Review, Collaborate & Hand Off

• Share model with your team (contractors, engineers, architects) in a cloud workspace

• Use markup, comment, version history

• Export or publish final as-built drawings to clients or facility managers

This workflow transforms what used to take hours or days into a process that, for many standard residential or small commercial projects, can be done in minutes to a few hours.

What Must Be Included in an As-Built Drawing

To be top-tier, an as-built drawing needs detail and context. Based on best practices (including Matterport’s guidance), ensure your drawings include:

1. Original design vs. modifications (red-line vs. final)

2. Change and deviation records — why change was done

3. Exact dimensions and measurements

4. Material specifications of walls, finishes, fixtures

5. System/location data — HVAC, plumbing, electrical, utility lines

6. Photographic references or image overlays

7. Notes and annotations to explain unusual conditions

8. Layered structure (e.g. structural, MEP, finishes) for clarity

Incorporating these consistently elevates the usefulness of your as-built drawings.

Benefits of Accelerated As-Built Workflows

Using the 3D scanning + Scanbrix workflow yields advantages beyond speed:

• Time Savings & Efficiency: Cut hours or days from site-to-drawings turnaround.

• Higher Accuracy & Less Rework: Detailed scans capture everything; less guesswork and fewer omissions.

• Better Collaboration: Cloud-based sharing, markup, and version control keeps all stakeholders aligned.

• Rich, High-Fidelity Deliverables: Point clouds + CAD/BIM models deliver more depth than conventional 2D sketches.

• Scalable & Repeatable Process: Once your team masters scanning workflows, you replicate performance across sites.

• Competitive Edge & Client Confidence: Faster, more accurate deliverables differentiate your services.

Real-World Use Cases & Success Stories

Let’s look at how applying this modern method has changed project outcomes.

• A renovation contractor scans an entire second-floor remodel using an iPhone; within 45 minutes, the team exports a Revit file, shares it with the structural engineer, and begins designing supports.

• An interior designer uses 3D scans to understand existing hidden ducts and ceiling drops; she overlays design plans before committing work on-site.

• A home improvement firm wins more bids by promising a faster as-built turnaround—clients appreciate working from a digital model rather than waiting weeks for drawings.

These are the kinds of transformations tools like Scanbrix make possible.

Comparison: Traditional vs Scanbrix 3D Scanning Workflow

The performance delta is clear.

Tips to Maximize Speed & Quality in As-Built Scans

• Walk methodically—don’t rush and miss corners

• Keep overlap between scan segments for better alignment

• Use reference points (floor corners, known elevations)

• Label or tag anomalies or special features during scanning

• Regularly update your workflows and templates

• Train the team — consistency yields faster turnarounds

As-built drawings will always be a cornerstone in design, construction, and facility management. But the “manual hustle” need no longer define your workflow.

With LiDAR scanning, 3D capture, scan-to-CAD, and collaborative tools, Scanbrix offers professionals a way to create as-built drawings faster, with more accuracy, and less friction.

If you're ready to turn site scans into deliverables in a fraction of the time, it’s time to try Scanbrix. Start scanning. Start delivering. Start leading.