CSI describes that during the construction phase, the contractor is responsible for maintaining a continuously updated set of record documents (often called record drawings or as-built drawings). These are a marked-up set of the contract drawings (and sometimes specifications) showing actual field conditions, including:
Changes in dimensions or locations of foundations and structural elements (e.g., pier depths).
Exact locations of underground and concealed utilities.
Adjustments made during construction that are not fully captured in formal design revisions.
Any other deviations between the original design intent and the actual constructed work that will affect future maintenance, alterations, or operations.
CSI’s guidance is that these markups are maintained continuously on site by the contractor and then turned over at closeout as part of the project record.
This is exactly what Option B – Record set refers to: a set of documents updated to reflect the actual constructed conditions.
Why the other options are incorrect:
A. Conformed setA conformed set is the contract documents updated by the design professional to incorporate all addenda and certain pre-award changes, forming a clean set for construction. It is not the running field record of what was actually built; it’s a “clean” version of what was contracted, not what was constructed.
C. Change order logThe change order log tracks formal contract modifications (change orders) – values, dates, brief descriptions. It does not typically contain detailed field information such as exact pier depths and utility locations. Those details belong on the record drawings/record set.
D. Request for information documentsRFIs (requests for information) are used for clarifications and questions during construction. While they may trigger changes or clarifications, RFIs are not the place where the contractor maintains the running graphic record of actual field conditions. The results of RFIs that change the work must still be reflected on the record set.
Key CSI Reference Titles (no links):
CSI Project Delivery Practice Guide – Construction Phase, “Record Documents / As-Built Drawings.”
CSI Construction Specifications Practice Guide – Division 01 sections on “Project Record Documents” and “Closeout Submittals.”
CDT Body of Knowledge – Construction Phase responsibilities of the contractor and record documentation.
