When rectifying an existing building's status, the original drawings (if any) are not enough, because the building has usually changed: an annex added, a wall removed, a shop opened onto the street, or a use changed. This is where as-built drawings come in, documenting the building as it stands and becoming the basis for the new permit and any later service. This guide explains what they are, what they include, how they are prepared, where they are used, and the mistakes that delay applications because of them.
What Are As-Built Drawings?
A set of drawings prepared after a field engineering survey of the building, showing its actual dimensions, components and uses. In Balady's status rectification service, the engineering office completes the data and prepares the required drawings before fines are calculated and the permit issued. The essential difference from design drawings: design drawings describe what will be built; as-built drawings describe what was actually built.
What Do They Usually Include?
- The site plan and land boundaries, matching the survey decision.
- Floor plans for every level, with areas and uses.
- Elevations, sections and heights.
- Annexes and additions, and any differences from the previous permit.
- The positions of entrances, parking, stairs and lifts.
- A technical report on the building's condition where needed, especially if additions were made to the structure.
How Are As-Built Drawings Prepared?
- Gathering documents: the deed, the survey decision, and the old permit and its drawings if available.
- Field survey: measuring every floor, annex and the roof with accurate instruments, and photographing elements.
- Comparison: matching the survey against the previous permit to identify differences.
- Drafting: preparing the drawings in the format the service requires.
- Assessment: identifying what can be documented and what needs fixing under the requirements.
As-Built Drawings vs. Original Drawings
| Original (design) drawings | As-built drawings | |
|---|---|---|
| When prepared? | Before construction | After construction |
| What do they describe? | What should be built | What actually exists |
| Source | Designer and owner decisions | The field survey |
| When do you need them? | To issue a new building permit | For status rectification, occupancy, sorting and modification |
Mistakes That Delay the Application
- An inaccurate survey that does not match reality, so differences show up at inspection.
- Ignoring existing additions on the roof or in the setbacks hoping they will not be noticed.
- Land boundaries that do not match the survey decision. See our survey report service.
- Leaving out actual uses (shop, warehouse, worker housing) and recording the building as residential only.
Where Else Are They Used?
- In an occupancy certificate application for an old building.
- In unit sorting, since the service requires a drawing of the property in AutoCAD format.
- In studying any later addition or restoration. Read: Modifying building components.
- In property valuation and disputes. Read: The engineering report in real estate disputes.
- In long-term maintenance of the building and its services.
Advice for Owners
Keep an electronic copy of the as-built drawings once prepared. You will need them for every later service, and redoing them is a cost you can avoid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every old building need as-built drawings?
They are required in a status rectification file, since the office prepares the drawings needed for the existing building.
How long does preparation take?
It depends on the building's size, complexity and access to all its parts.
Are the original drawings enough if the building has not changed?
If the survey proves the building matches, this simplifies the procedure, but field verification is still necessary.
Who prepares as-built drawings?
An accredited engineering office, ideally the one that will handle the service required afterwards.
Do tenants need to vacate the building for the survey?
Not usually, but access to all units and roofs must be coordinated.
Related Guides
- Existing building status rectification
- Surveying existing buildings
- Bought a building without a permit?
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office in Riyadh that carries out precise field surveys and prepares as-built drawings in all disciplines, then handles the regulatory service required afterwards. Learn about our status rectification service, or contact us.
Regulatory information is based on the Balady platform and the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, and procedures may be updated by the competent authority. Last reviewed: October 2026.
