How I Create Accurate As-Built Drawings for Your Remodel

When you’re planning a remodel, the first question is often: Where do I start? While it can be tempting to jump straight into design ideas or material selections, one of the most important steps happens before any drawings or permits are prepared - documenting your existing home accurately.

Why You Need As-Builts

Many homes in Martinez and the East Bay were built decades ago and, over the years, they’ve been changed, remodeled, or repaired often without updated records. Every home has differences between the construction plans and the built conditions.

Walls might be slightly out of square, windows may have been replaced, or plumbing may not match what is shown on an old set of drawings. If you rely on outdated plans, these small discrepancies can lead to delays, unexpected costs, and headaches when your contractor starts work.

Accurate as-builts help you to avoid these problems. By starting with a complete, measured record of your home, you can:

  • Plan remodels with confidence.
  • Submit clear, code-compliant permit applications.
  • Give contractors the information they need to price and build your project accurately.

Clear, precise as-built drawings are the foundation of every successful renovation. Accurate as-builts save time and money, reduce errors, and provide a solid base for any design or construction work. Here’s why they matter and how I create them.

My Process

Creating as-builts isn’t just about taking quick measurements. It’s a thorough, step-by-step process that takes time and rigor. Here’s how I approach it.

Step 1 - Initial Site Visit

I start by meeting you at your property to walk through the spaces that need to be documented. During this visit, I take reference photos of each room and make note of any visible conditions or details that might affect your remodel.

Step 2 - Detailed Site Measurement

Next, I use a combination of tape measure and laser disto to capture every critical dimension. This includes the length and width of each room, location and size of door and window openings, ceiling heights, soffits, and any architectural features that need to be accounted for.

I also record utility locations such as plumbing fixtures and electrical panels so there are no surprises when you start planning improvements.

Step 3 - Hand Sketches

As I measure, I create field sketches by hand to annotate walls, openings, and features with dimensions and notes. I typically draw details or sketches to help depict the space or any elements that are unique. This helps me to verify the accuracy of the drawings and make sure nothing is overlooked. These sketches become the backbone of the digital drawings that follow.



Step 4 - Drafting the As-Built

Back in the studio, I translate the hand measurements into clean, professional CAD plans. These plans are scaled accurately and labeled clearly, showing room names, dimensions, and key details. If your project requires elevations or reflected ceiling plans, I can prepare those as well.

Step 5 - Review & Deliver

Once the draft plans are complete, I review everything carefully to confirm that all measurements match and no details have been missed. I then prepare a PDF set for your records, along with any additional file formats you or your contractor may need.

How As-Builts Support Your Remodel

An as-built plan isn’t just another piece of paperwork. It’s a resource you’ll use throughout your project.

With accurate plans, you can:

  • Develop permit-ready drawings without guesswork.
  • Test different design options and layouts confidently.
  • Share clear information with contractors to reduce the risk of errors and costly rework.
  • Maintain a record of your home for insurance, appraisal, or future improvements.

When remodels run into trouble, it’s often because no one took the time to verify what was there to begin with. My goal is to make sure you have the right information from day one.

Ready to Get Started?

Learn why accurate as-built drawings matter for your remodel and see how I measure, draft, and prepare plans to set your project up for success.