If you are planning a remodel, adding an ADU, or applying for a permit anywhere in Los Angeles, you will almost certainly need as-built drawings before your project moves forward. These drawings document the existing conditions of a building, its floor plan, dimensions, structural elements, and systems, and they form the foundation that LADBS reviewers and architects use to approve new work.
Choosing the right as-built drawing service in Los Angeles can save weeks of back-and-forth with the permitting office and prevent costly redesigns. This guide breaks down the seven core services offered across the city, what each one is used for, and how to decide which fits your project.
1. Laser Field Measurement and 3D Scanning
Accurate documentation starts on site. Professional as-built teams in Los Angeles use laser measuring tools and 3D scanning equipment to capture existing dimensions with a fraction of an inch of accuracy. This matters because LADBS plan checkers reject submittals that do not match field conditions, and manual tape measurements introduce errors that ripple through the entire drawing set.
Why It Matters for Older LA Properties
Neighborhoods like Silver Lake and Koreatown are full of homes built decades before digital records existed. A laser scan captures every wall angle, ceiling height, and structural quirk exactly as it exists today, rather than relying on outdated permit history that may not reflect renovations completed without inspection.
2. CAD and Revit As-Built Deliverables
Once field data is collected, it gets converted into CAD or Revit files that architects, engineers, and permit reviewers can work with directly. CAD drawings are typically 2D and cost-effective for straightforward residential projects, while Revit models offer a 3D, data-rich format that larger commercial projects and multi-family buildings in areas like DTLA and Culver City often require.
Choosing Between CAD and Revit
| Feature | CAD Drawings | Revit BIM Models |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Single-family homes, small ADUs | Commercial, multi-family, complex remodels |
| Turnaround | Faster | Longer, more detailed |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| 3D visualization | Limited | Full 3D building model |
| LADBS acceptance | Standard | Standard, often preferred for large scope |
3. Permit-Ready Drawing Sets
An as-built drawing is not automatically permit-ready. It needs title blocks, scale notation, dimension callouts, and formatting that matches LADBS submission standards. Services that specialize in permit-ready sets format drawings so they pass plan check on the first submission, which is often the single biggest time saver in the entire process.
4. Residential As-Built Drawings
Single-family dwelling (SFD) and multi-family dwelling (MFD) as-built drawings cover the most common requests in Los Angeles. Whether you own a bungalow in Silver Lake or a fourplex near Koreatown, these drawings typically include floor plans, elevations, and site plans showing the structure as it currently stands.
5. ADU As-Built Drawings
Accessory dwelling unit projects have surged across Los Angeles, and LADBS requires accurate as-built documentation of the main house before an ADU can be permitted. This service focuses specifically on capturing the primary residence so the new unit can be designed and reviewed against real, verified conditions.
What LADBS Typically Requires for ADU Submittals
- Existing floor plan of the main dwelling
- Site plan showing setbacks and lot coverage
- Elevations of the existing structure
- Utility connection points
6. Commercial As-Built Drawings
Commercial properties in Los Angeles, from retail spaces in Culver City to office buildings in DTLA, often require as-built drawings for tenant improvements, change-of-use permits, or fire and life-safety upgrades. These projects tend to involve larger square footage and more complex systems, so Revit-based deliverables are common.
7. Free Consulting and Project Scoping
Many as-built drawing providers in Los Angeles offer a free consultation before work begins. This step helps clarify scope, confirm which drawing type your project needs, and provide a cost estimate before any laser scanning is scheduled. It is worth taking advantage of this before committing to a full survey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do as-built drawings cost in Los Angeles?
Cost depends on square footage, property type, and whether CAD or Revit deliverables are needed. Most single-family projects range from a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars, while larger commercial jobs cost more.
How long does an as-built drawing survey take in Los Angeles?
A typical single-family home can be field-measured in a few hours, with CAD deliverables ready within several business days depending on complexity.
Do I need as-built drawings for an ADU permit in Los Angeles?
Yes. LADBS generally requires accurate as-built drawings of the existing main dwelling before it will review and approve ADU plans.
Can as-built drawings be used directly for LADBS permit submittal?
Only if they are formatted to permit-ready standards, including proper title blocks, scale, and dimension callouts that match LADBS requirements.
What is the difference between as-built drawings and record drawings?
As-built drawings document a building’s current existing conditions before new design work begins, while record drawings typically document a building as it was completed after construction, reflecting any changes made during the build.
