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What Is A Measured Survey?

A measured survey is a study of a building or structure to obtain accurate data that is then used to create architectural scale drawings. These drawings then provide core information to facilitate the subsequent stages of planning and design required for the development.

Measured building surveys – as they are also known – and the drawings produced from them may vary in the level of detail they contain and the scale at which they are drawn, depending on their purpose. They may be as simple as floorplans, extend to internal and external elevations and even include details such as fixtures, power supply outlets and light fittings.

These on-site building surveys provide accurate measurements that can be used to create as-built drawings for architects, quantity surveyors, building owners and other property professionals. Whilst a measured survey is the first step of any redevelopment plan, they can often be called for at change of ownership/leasehold, or for historical records.

Benefits Of A Measured Survey

The chief benefits of a measured survey are accuracy, clarity and both time-and cost-effectiveness.

Accuracy

A measured building surveyor will generally use advanced technology to gather extremely accurate data; this includes laser scanning, building information modelling (BIM) and drones.

When the results of this technology are combined, it is possible to quickly construct 2D and 3D representations of the building or structure, which is in turn used to lead and influence design and planning.

Clarity

This accuracy of information also enables architects to work in harmony with the building or structure’s existing features, and contractors to use the data throughout the project as an accurate point of reference. The measured survey is also a valuable source of information for future projects such as renovation, alterations or rebuilding.

Efficiency

Dimensional inaccuracies can quickly lead to delays, increased labour and material costs and wastage.

Tight deadlines and limited budgets can be controlled more easily with a measured survey as the accuracy of its findings reduces the likelihood of unforeseen obstacles and errors during design and execution.

Do I Need A Measured Survey?

A measured survey is required to draw up plans in support of any work that requires planning approval, whether it is an extension, alterations, repairs or a new building or structure. If there is an existing property, the planners will want to see the current structure so they can compare it with the proposals.

A measured survey is also an essential component of any construction project as it provides the foundation from which all work is developed. From architects to tradespeople, almost everyone involved in the project will at some point refer to the drawings to ensure all work is carried out in accordance with the design.

The Measured Survey Process

A measured building surveyor will use a variety of low-tech and high-tech equipment to obtain the required data, ranging from the humble tape measure to 3D laser scanners, ground penetrating radar and GPS equipment.

The survey process also varies depending on its purpose but typically may start with external and internal dimensions being recorded, followed by the location of below-ground and above-ground services. In the case of a restoration project, it is more likely that architectural features and fittings will be recorded in greater detail.

What Does A Measured Survey Cost?

The cost of a measured survey naturally depends on the size of the building or structure and the complexity of the detail that is required to be included. The use of specialist surveying equipment may also incur higher costs.

Surveyors are likely to work on an hourly rate for their on-site work plus a fee for producing the drawings to the required scale and level of detail.

Having a clear idea of what is required for the survey can help to minimise the cost as it will prevent unnecessary detail from being included and additional site visits to be made to gather further information.

Measured Survey vs Topographical Survey

The simple way to understand the difference between a measured survey and a topographical survey is that a measured survey relates to buildings and structures, while a topographical survey relates to land.

A topographical survey is likely to be carried out for residential or commercial development on a greenfield or brownfield site, whereas a measured survey will relate to a specific building or structure.

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Yes – This includes all plan types (i.e. floor, elevations, roof, sections).
No

  • We will survey all accessible floors in the property and provide plans showing all visible walls, windows, doors, spot height levels, ceiling/roof heights, window sill/head heights.

  • We will survey all accessible and visible sides of the property and provide elevation drawings showing the building outline, ridge/eaves heights, all external distinguishing elements such as windows, doors, rainwater pipes and other detailing. We will also include the outline of buildings within 3m of the host building.

  • Provided where our equipment has full visibility of the roof lines from ground level, we will note any estimated roof details on our drawings.

  • These are 'cut-through' cross-sectional drawings showing wall and floor details.

  • None
  • Basic
  • Mid
  • Full

None Selected

Select a topographical survey level to find out more.

Basic Topographical Survey

Will include the visible boundary outline only together with immediate ground levels around any buildings, and visible drainage cover location/levels.

Mid-level Topographical Survey

This topo will include the visible boundary outline, all key features and immediate ground levels within 3m of any buildings, and visible drainage cover location/levels.

Full Topographical Survey

Will include boundaries (including type and heights), building OUTLINES, adjoining buildings, trees, hardstanding, walls, fences, hedges, flowerbeds, kerblines, verges, manhole / service covers (including cover level), etc. plus all other visible salient features of the area.

Your Estimate

    • Total £999.99
    How do we calculate your estimate?

    We use Area data from your property's EPC certificate and the UK Ordnance Survey database to calculate your quote estimate. If there is not enough data in the UK database we cannot provide an instant quote, but one of our team will be able to provide a formal written quote by email within 48 working hours. If the database holds incorrect data on your property you will still be provided an estimate, but our fee is subject to change to suit the actual size of your property

    Your chosen surveys:

      (m2) Property Area
      (m2) Site Area
      If additional services or outputs are required during the delivery stage, additional fees will be added to your final bill as per our T&Cs here
      • Why choose us?
      • Book a survey within 48hrs
      • Fast turnaround on drawing output
      • Pinpoint accuracy
      • Ranked 5 stars on Google

      "I have found incredible flexibility and helpfulness in the XP Surveys team. In my last 10 professional years, I have rarely found a business, surveyors or otherwise, to be as useful, approachable and competitive as them. It helps provide confidence to myself and my clients alike."

      Ryan Godfrey

      Director and Founder at Elements Architectural

      Extras

      Other customers also considered purchasing these items:

      • Speedy Delivery

        20%

        7 day turnaround for delivery of your final drawings.

      • 360 Virtual Property Tours

        £999.00

        Record a full digital twin of a property for future reference. Free hosting for 3-months.

      • OS Map

        From: £40.00

        Perfect for planning applications or land registry titles. PDF & DWG output.

      • Roof Survey (Drone)

        £350.00

        Checking the condition of your roof will help you understand any potential remedial works required.

      • Drainage Survey (CCTV)

        £400.00

        Check the condition of your underground drainage pipework. Price may increase for properties above 6-bedrooms.

      • Hard Copy Prints

        £9.00

        Up to 3 black and white A1 prints to your door. Any additional prints will be charged at £3 per page in your final invoice. Most houses up to 6-bedrooms only require 3 pages.

      Total:

      All prices are exclusive of VAT

      Book Your Survey

      Select a date for your survey:

      Select a time for your survey:

      NOTE: Your survey may need a full day. Select your preference and we will discuss further once the booking is complete. Access to the property is required on arrival, but our surveyors do not require supervision thereafter.

      AM 8am–1pm
      PM 1pm–6pm
      If additional services or outputs are required during the delivery stage, additional fees will be added to your final bill as per our T&Cs here

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      Optional

      Which services are you interested in?

      Yes – This includes all plan types (i.e. floor, elevations, roof, sections).
      No

      • We will survey all accessible floors in the property and provide plans showing all visible walls, windows, doors, spot height levels, ceiling/roof heights, window sill/head heights.

      • We will survey all accessible and visible sides of the property and provide elevation drawings showing the building outline, ridge/eaves heights, all external distinguishing elements such as windows, doors, rainwater pipes and other detailing. We will also include the outline of buildings within 3m of the host building.

      • Provided where our equipment has full visibility of the roof lines from ground level, we will note any estimated roof details on our drawings.

      • These are 'cut-through' cross-sectional drawings showing wall and floor details.

      • None
      • Basic
      • Mid
      • Full

      None Selected

      Select a topographical survey level to find out more.

      Basic Topographical Survey

      Will include the visible boundary outline only together with immediate ground levels around any buildings, and visible drainage cover location/levels.

      Mid-level Topographical Survey

      This topo will include the visible boundary outline, all key features and immediate ground levels within 3m of any buildings, and visible drainage cover location/levels.

      Full Topographical Survey

      Will include boundaries (including type and heights), building OUTLINES, adjoining buildings, trees, hardstanding, walls, fences, hedges, flowerbeds, kerblines, verges, manhole / service covers (including cover level), etc. plus all other visible salient features of the area.

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