A mechanical contractor installs ductwork 18 inches from its designed location due to a structural conflict. The original design showed the duct at elevation 12'-6" and it was installed at elevation 11'-0". What should be documented in the as-built drawings?
Correct Answer
B) The actual installed elevation of 11'-0"
As-built drawings should show the actual installed conditions, which is the 11'-0" elevation. The reason for the change should be documented separately in project records or RFIs.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
As-built drawings are legal documents that must accurately reflect the actual installed conditions of the project. Their primary purpose is to show what was actually constructed, not what was originally designed. The actual elevation of 11'-0" is what exists in the field and what future maintenance, renovations, or inspections will encounter. While the reason for changes should be documented, it belongs in separate project records like RFIs, change orders, or project logs rather than cluttering the as-built drawings.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: The original elevation of 12'-6"
Showing the original elevation of 12'-6" would be documenting the design intent rather than the actual installed condition, which defeats the purpose of as-built drawings that must reflect reality.
Option C: Both elevations with a note explaining the change
While documenting both elevations might seem thorough, as-built drawings should show only the actual installed conditions to avoid confusion and maintain clarity for future users of the drawings.
Option D: No documentation is needed since it's within acceptable tolerance
An 18-inch deviation from design is significant and must be documented regardless of tolerance, as it represents the actual field condition that differs from the original design.
Memory Technique
Think 'AS-BUILT = AS IT IS' - the drawings must show reality, not the original plan. The word 'built' refers to what actually got constructed.
Reference Hint
Florida Building Code Chapter 1, Administrative provisions regarding construction documents and as-built requirements, or project administration sections in contractor reference materials
More Contract Admin Questions
A project experiences a 30-day delay due to unusually severe weather. The contract includes a liquidated damages clause of $1,000 per day for delays. If the weather delay is excusable but not compensable, what liquidated damages apply?
A commercial project requires a total of 12 inspections. The building department charges $85 per inspection for the first 5 inspections, $65 for inspections 6-10, and $45 for any additional inspections. What is the total inspection fee?
What document must be posted at the job site before a Certificate of Occupancy can be issued for a commercial building?
A mixed-use development requires a variance for reduced setbacks. The property is located within 500 feet of a hospital. What additional consideration must be addressed?
A LEED project requires tracking of regional materials. Materials are considered regional if they are extracted, harvested, or recovered, as well as manufactured within what distance of the project site?