What best defines contract drawings?

• A. Legally enforceable drawings that could show deconstruction, alteration, or new construction.
• B. Marketing drawings for client presentations.
• C. As-built measurements only.
• D. Internal project notes.

Answer: (A)

Contract drawings are the legally binding set of drawings that define the exact scope and details of the work to be done under the contract. They communicate the design intent, locations, dimensions, materials, and required workmanship, and can show the work as new construction, alterations, or even deconstruction within the project. These drawings, together with the project manual and specifications, form the Construction Documents used for bidding, permitting, and directing construction. Changes to the work are handled through formal change orders that modify these drawings as needed.

Marketing drawings aren’t binding tools for construction decisions, as they’re created for presentations rather than to define binding scope. As-built measurements are records captured after construction to reflect what was actually built, not the approved scope of work for the project. Internal project notes aren’t intended to guide the contractor or enforce requirements.