The traditional building file: Contents and modern alternatives

Definition and purpose

The traditional construction file is a comprehensive collection of all relevant documents created in the course of a construction project. It is used to document and track the progress of construction work, to fulfill legal requirements and as a reference for future work.

Historical development and importance in the construction industry

Historically, the construction file was the central repository for all construction project information. Its importance lies in ensuring compliance with building regulations and standards and in facilitating the acceptance and maintenance of buildings.

Correspondence with the relevant authorities

All correspondence with the building authorities, such as inquiries, approvals and acceptances, is documented. This ensures traceability and compliance with legal requirements.

Building application (building description, area and plot size, proof of sound and heat insulation)

The building application contains the building description, the size of the plot and proof of sound and heat insulation in order to comply with the regulations.

Approved construction drawings and construction plans

These plans provide a visual representation of the project and include all important architectural and structural details.

Floor plans

Floor plans show the room layout and are crucial for the exact implementation of the building specifications.

Statics and proof of stability

These documents ensure the structural integrity of the building through detailed technical calculations and analyses.

Area of the property

Information on the plot area is necessary to precisely determine the building density and the placement of the structure.

Building permits

All necessary permits for the construction project are collected here in order to meet the legal requirements.

Information on conversions and extensions

All changes and extensions to the building made during and after construction are also documented.

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Space requirements and accessibility

Traditional construction files require physical storage space and are often difficult to access, especially if they are stored in different archives.

Security and protection against loss or damage

Physical construction files are susceptible to loss, damage or destruction by fire or water. This poses a significant risk to long-term documentation.

Up-to-dateness and changes to documents

It is often difficult to ensure that all documents in the construction file are up-to-date and complete, as manual updates can be time-consuming and error-prone.

Digital construction file: Definition and advantages

A digital construction file includes all the functions of the traditional construction file, but offers additional benefits such as easier access, better security and more efficient management. It can be updated anytime, anywhere and facilitates collaboration.

Cloud-based solutions and mobile accessibility

Cloud-based solutions allow access to construction files from any location and any device, significantly increasing flexibility and efficiency. These systems also offer automatic backups and advanced protection against data loss.

Integration of software solutions for construction projects

Modern software solutions integrate various aspects of construction project management, from planning to execution and documentation. These systems facilitate the management of complex construction projects and contribute to adherence to schedules and budgets.

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[1] https://www.praxiswissen-immobilien.de/bauakte/

[2] https://www.docestate.com/bauakteneinsicht-2/