BIMINAM AS BUILT INFORMATION MEETING, 10-07-2026
Meeting 7 Summary
Date: 10 July 2026
Duration: 1 Hour 27 Minutes
Meeting Objective
The meeting focused on reviewing Version 9 of the As Built Information guidance document, with the aim of finalising the draft before wider industry consultation. Members reviewed new additions to the document, discussed the glossary, information classifications, proposed infographics, and revisited the overall purpose of the guidance to ensure it remains practical, concise, and focused on defining the information required by building owners and operators at handover.
Key Discussion Points
- Preparing Version 10 for Industry Consultation
Anthony Taylor explained that Version 9 had been updated with comments received since the previous meeting. The intention is to incorporate the latest feedback into Version 10 before circulating it to a much wider audience, including additional industry groups and BIM4Housing members. Members agreed that the document has reached a stage where broader consultation is more valuable than continuing internal refinement.
- Reaffirming the Purpose of the Guidance
A new participant was introduced to the workstream, prompting George Stevenson and Anthony Taylor to restate the project's purpose.
The group reaffirmed that the guidance is not intended to explain how information should be produced, but rather to define what information building owners and operators should reasonably expect to receive at the completion of any project, whether a new build, refurbishment, maintenance project, or minor alteration.
The discussion reinforced that the document has been written from the perspective of the building operator, ensuring the information supports long-term operation, maintenance, and asset management rather than simply project completion.
- Concerns About Document Complexity
Joan McCoy expressed concern that the document had gradually become more complex than originally intended.
Key observations included:
- The guidance has started moving towards "how" information should be managed instead of concentrating on "what" constitutes As Built Information.
- Smaller contractors may struggle with extensive BIM terminology.
- The core guidance should remain written in plain English.
- Technical BIM processes, digital workflows, and implementation guidance could instead be moved into appendices.
Members generally agreed that the document should remain accessible while still supporting future digital delivery.
- Digital Information and BIM
The group discussed how digital information should be presented within the guidance.
Rather than making BIM processes the primary focus, members agreed that the document should simply establish the expectation that information should increasingly be delivered digitally while recognising that smaller organisations may still require a gradual transition.
The guidance should remain technology-neutral while supporting the industry's move toward digital information management.
- Defining "As Built" versus "Handover Pack"
The largest discussion of the meeting centred on whether As Built Information and a Handover Pack should be considered the same thing.
Audrey Knox argued that:
- Traditional As Built Information normally consists of record drawings, specifications and records describing what has actually been constructed.
- Items such as warranties, O&M manuals and supporting documentation belong within a wider handover package rather than forming part of the core definition of As Built Information.
- The document should clearly distinguish these different categories of information.
Anthony Taylor responded that, from the perspective of the building owner, the distinction is less important than ensuring that all information handed over is complete, reliable and trustworthy.
Several members suggested presenting these relationships visually using a hierarchy or Venn diagram to distinguish As Built Information from the broader Handover Pack while showing how the two are connected. Audrey agreed to prepare a draft explanation for consideration in the next version of the document.
- Verification and Trustworthiness of Information
George Stevenson introduced the concept that information should clearly indicate whether it has been verified, unverified, or cannot reasonably be verified, particularly for concealed construction elements such as fire stopping.
Members agreed that identifying verification status would improve confidence in the information received at handover and allow future asset managers to understand where uncertainty remains.
The discussion reinforced that the guidance should encourage information that is traceable, auditable, and trustworthy, rather than simply complete.
- Long-Term Asset Management Perspective
Brendan Geraghty argued that limiting the definition of As Built Information to traditional project documentation would fail to meet the needs of long-term asset management.
He noted that buildings often remain in service for decades and therefore the information should support the entire operational lifecycle rather than only the construction and defects periods.
The discussion also revisited the concept of a future RIBA Stage 8, representing the ongoing operational management of completed buildings and reinforcing that information should continue evolving throughout the building lifecycle.
- Practical Industry Examples
Several members shared real-world examples demonstrating why improved information quality is needed.
Ron Hedger described current refurbishment projects where incomplete and inconsistent historical information had made relatively simple fire strategy work significantly more difficult.
He explained that specialists often require:
- Clear strategic design intent.
- Details of how systems were implemented.
- Supporting calculations and technical justification.
- Evidence that information has been verified.
His examples reinforced the group's objective of producing information that remains reliable and useful long after project completion.
Key Decisions
- Continue refining the document before issuing Version 10.
- Circulate Version 10 for wider industry consultation once current comments are incorporated.
- Keep the guidance focused on what information should be delivered, avoiding unnecessary implementation detail.
- Simplify the language and reduce excessive BIM terminology where appropriate.
- Further develop the relationship between As Built Information and the wider Handover Pack.
- Consider introducing verification status for information that cannot easily be validated.
- Continue developing glossary definitions and supporting infographics to improve clarity.
Key Takeaways
Meeting 7 represented an important refinement stage for the As Built Information guidance. Rather than introducing major new technical requirements, the discussion focused on ensuring the document remains practical, clearly defines the purpose of As Built Information, and balances the needs of designers, contractors, and building operators. Members agreed that the guidance should ultimately establish a common industry understanding of trustworthy handover information that supports the entire operational life of a building while remaining accessible to organisations of all sizes.