Land records · Parcel maps · October 6, 2026
What Is an As-Built Survey? Uses and What It Shows
What is an as-built survey? A survey showing improvements as actually built, used to confirm setbacks, close out permits, and support financing.
What is an as-built survey? An as-built survey is a survey made after construction that shows the locations of buildings, driveways, utilities, and other improvements as they were actually built, measured against the property lines. Local building departments often require one to confirm that a new house or addition meets setback, height, and lot coverage rules before issuing a certificate of occupancy. Lenders and buyers may also ask for one. It differs from design plans, which show what was intended, and from a plat, which shows lot lines rather than buildings. This page is general land-records background, not legal advice.
What it shows
A typical residential as-built survey shows:
- Property lines and corners, often with monuments found or set.
- Building footprints with distances to each property line.
- Driveways, patios, decks, pools, and sheds.
- Fences and walls near the lines.
- Easements and setback lines from the plat or deed.
- Sometimes finished floor and grade elevations.
Some versions also locate utilities, septic systems, wells, and drainage features.
When it is required
| Situation | Who may require it |
|---|---|
| New house or addition | Building or zoning department |
| Foundation stage | Some jurisdictions, before framing continues |
| Pool or accessory building | Zoning, in some areas |
| Floodplain construction | Floodplain administrator, often with an elevation certificate |
| Site development | Engineering or public works |
Some places call it a foundation survey, a final survey, or a plot plan. Requirements vary widely by city and county.
As-built survey vs design drawings
Site plans and engineering drawings show what the designer intended. As-built surveys show what the crew actually built, which can differ by inches or feet. If a house was placed a foot closer to the line than planned, the as-built reveals it, ideally while there is still time to address it. See plat map vs an as-built drawing.
As-built vs boundary and ALTA surveys
A boundary survey establishes property lines. An as-built adds the improvements. An ALTA/NSPS survey is a detailed standard for commercial transactions that includes boundaries, improvements, easements, and many optional items. See what is a land survey and ALTA land survey explained.
Setback compliance
The most common reason for an as-built survey is checking setbacks. If the house sits within a required setback, the owner may need a variance or may have to modify the structure. Catching that at the foundation stage is far cheaper than after the house is finished. See how to find building setbacks.
Who prepares it and cost
A licensed land surveyor prepares and signs the survey. Cost depends on lot size, terrain, the number of improvements, and whether boundary work is already done. Ordering it from the same surveyor who staked the house can save time, because the boundary is already established.
Where to find an old one
As-built surveys are usually not recorded in the land records. Check the building permit file at the city or county, the closing documents from when you bought the house, the builder, or the surveyor’s office. Some counties index surveys separately from deeds.
Bottom line
An as-built survey shows improvements as actually built, measured to the property lines, and is often required to confirm setbacks before a certificate of occupancy. It differs from design plans and plats. Look for old ones in permit files and closing documents. Find county records offices via the Platbookmapper map.
What is an as-built survey FAQ
What is the difference between an as-built and a boundary survey?
A boundary survey sets property lines; an as-built adds buildings and other improvements as constructed.
Why do I need an as-built survey?
Building departments often require one to confirm setbacks before a certificate of occupancy.
Are as-built surveys recorded?
Usually not. Check permit files, closing papers, or the surveyor.
Who prepares an as-built survey?
A licensed land surveyor.
Is a foundation survey the same as an as-built?
It is a type of as-built done at the foundation stage, before framing proceeds.