As-Built vs. Shop Drawing – What’s the Difference? These two types of drawings are both essential in construction, but they’re not the same.



Let’s clarify the difference:

🧱 Shop Drawing

A Shop Drawing is a detailed drawing prepared by the contractor or supplier.
It shows how a particular item will be manufactured, fabricated, or installed.

Based on IFC drawings (Issued for Construction)

Created before execution

Reviewed and approved by consultants

Shows methods, dimensions, materials, etc.

📍 Think of it as: “How we plan to do it.”

🏗️ As-Built Drawing

An As-Built Drawing is a revised version of the shop or design drawing that shows what was actually built on site.

Created after execution

Includes any changes, deviations, or field modifications

Must match the final site condition

Used for project handover and future reference

📍 Think of it as: “How we actually did it.”

🔁 Quick Summary:

Drawing Type Purpose Timing

Shop Drawing Plan for execution before construction
As-Built Drawing: Final record of work after construction