What is the primary purpose of record drawings?

• A. To document changes incorporated during construction.
• B. To replace the contract documents after project completion.
• C. To provide marketing information.
• D. To determine final payment.

Answer: (A)

Record drawings capture the project as actually built, reflecting every field change from the original design. Their primary purpose is to document changes incorporated during construction—substitutions, deviations, additions, and relocations—so the drawings show the final installed conditions. This creates a reliable reference for facilities management, maintenance, and future renovations, since it mirrors what exists in the building and where it’s located. They aren’t meant to replace contract documents after completion, nor are they marketing materials. While closeout processes use them to verify what was constructed, final payment comes from the contractual procedures; record drawings simply provide an accurate, actionable record of the built project.