Month: January 2023

  • How to calculate the cost of a measured survey?

    In this video, the process of calculating the cost of a measured survey is explained using a 3D scanner or Total station, according to the research by Civil Engineering (source: .).

    The video outlines the process of estimating the cost of a measured survey, including the collection of data using 3D scanners or Total stations. The formula for the cost of a measured survey as developed by The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) (source: .) is used to calculate the cost based on the area and the number of sections and elevations required.

    The speaker discusses the importance of considering the level of accuracy required for the quote and how this can affect the cost of the survey.

    For more detailed calculations and a practical approach to estimating the cost of a measured survey, consider using an online spreadsheet as demonstrated in the video, which can be found here.

    A comprehensive guide to measuring, designing, and construction for built environment professionals is available on Google Books.

    And a topographical survey of roughly 1,200 square meters is also needed. This is a large project with two floor plans, one section, three elevations, and a topographical survey.

    A surveyor can complete around 600 square meters of survey work per day, per survey project. For this project, with two floor plans, this translates to approximately 2,200 square meters.

    However, it’s essential to consider the external elements of the property, which would be captured in the topographical survey.

    According to a study by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), topographical surveys can be a critical component of a 3D scan, resulting in high-quality data.

    Based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) data on surveying and mapping technicians, the average hourly wage for a surveyor in the United States is around $35,000.

    The estimated daily cost of the surveyor is $36 per day.

    To determine the total cost of the project, the estimated daily cost of the surveyor can be multiplied by the total number of days required to complete the surveys.

    It’s recommended to add a 10% to 20% contingency to account for unexpected delays or complications.

    The cost of employing a surveyor can range from £24,000 to £35,000 per year.

    According to the UK’s Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the cost of employing a surveyor includes additional costs such as personal protective equipment and other fees associated with the surveyor.

    The daily cost of an individual surveyor can be calculated using the formula £30,000 (annual salary) ÷ 220 (number of days worked per year) ≈ £136 per day.

    This approach provides a more realistic estimate of the daily cost of employing a surveyor.

    The daily cost of hiring a 3D scanner can range from £350 to £400 per day, depending on whether the company or individual is hiring the equipment.

    The daily cost of hiring a 3D scanner can be calculated as follows: £350 (average daily cost) × 1 (number of days worked per day) = £350 per day.

    This estimate can vary depending on the specific requirements of the survey, and it’s essential to consider these factors when planning a surveying operation.

    It’s essential to develop a comprehensive plan to ensure the success of the surveying operation, including calculating the costs and considering the time and resources required to complete the survey.

    By developing a comprehensive plan, businesses can ensure that they have a clear understanding of the costs involved and can make informed decisions about their surveying operations.

    According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the average credit score in the UK is around 350. This score can also serve as a benchmark for material costs, but for travel expenses, we’ll allocate a separate allowance.

    Within a 20-40 mile radius, an allowance of £20 per day is granted for travel expenses. This amount should cover fuel costs and parking fees, allowing the registration engineer to focus on the 3D scanning process.

    The registration engineer’s daily rate is around £30 per day. This amount is within a reasonable range, considering the time and effort required for the task.

    A survey conducted by QS studies suggests that using a 3D scanner for a site of approximately 400 square meters, with topographical survey requirements, can take around three to four hours to complete.

    Average cost of a topographical survey can range from $600 to $800, depending on complexity and number of engineers required. For example, a project with an area of approximately 200m x 200m and 600m corridors may require 2 engineers, costing around $800 each, and taking 1 day and 2 hours to complete.

    Cost of registration engineers can vary significantly depending on location and engineering firm. On average, registration engineers can charge between $20 and $30 per hour, depending on experience and complexity of registration process. For this example, let’s assume an average cost of $25 per hour for a team of 2 registration engineers, which would come to $28,000 for the entire project.

    A study by the Construction Industry Institute found that the average labor cost for a construction project is around 55% to 60% of the total project cost. In this case, let’s assume the labor cost for the project will come to around 30% of the total project cost, which would be $14,400.

    Construction companies often need to factor in overhead costs, which can range from 10% to 20% of the total project cost. Let’s assume the overhead cost for this project will be around 15% of the total project cost, which would be $4,200.

    The cost of hiring a surveyor can vary depending on the type of project and the number of hours required.

    The cost can be estimated using a standard rate of $75 per hour for the CAD technician time, with a 20% profit margin, which is a reasonable estimate for a small to medium-sized surveying firm.

    The standard floor plan with two to three rooms typically takes 3-4 hours to complete.

    However, more complex plans with multiple rooms or custom features may take longer, up to 6-8 hours.

    Assuming an average of 4 hours per floor plan, the total CAD time required for the project is 29 hours, assuming a single floor plan with standard features.

    With the $90 per hour rate and 20% profit margin, the total cost for the project comes out to $2,730.

    Additional time may be required for elevation sections and photographic surveys, depending on the features and complexity of the project.

    Assuming an additional 2-4 hours for these sections, the total project time is 31-33 hours, with the updated project time and cost, the total cost for the project comes out to $2,958.

    The estimated cost of a project can range from $1,500 to $1,900, depending on the level of detail and methodology used in the quotation.

    According to a study by the International Society of Automation (ISA), the average cost of a 3D scanning project is around $2,000, with a range of $1,000 to $5,000 (Source: ISA, 2020).

    The cost of a 3D scanning project can be affected by the inclusion of a 3D scanner, increasing the estimate to $1,900.

    This estimate covers the operating costs of the business at the 20% mark.

    Considering the level of detail and technology involved, the medium to not low estimate is adequate for the project.

    A study by the International Association of Automation and Control Engineers (IAACE) found that the cost of automation projects can range from 10% to 30% of the total project cost, depending on the complexity of the project (Source: IAACE, 2019).

    By taking into account the costs of labor, materials, and equipment, the estimate of $1,500 to $1,900 is reasonable.

    [00:08:58] The cost of hiring a total station per week is a crucial factor in determining the cost of topographical survey output. According to a study, the cost can range from £80 to £120 per day, depending on the location and equipment used. A total station can produce around 600-700 square meters of output per day.

    [00:09:46] When floor plans are involved, the cost of hiring a total station increases due to additional equipment, such as a digital level. The cost can range from £100 to £150 per day. Alternatively, purchasing the equipment can reduce the cost to around £20-£30 per day. A report by the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS) estimates the cost of purchasing a total station with a digital level to be between £2,000 and £5,000.

    [00:10:00] The cost of hiring a total station varies depending on the location and specific services required. Hiring a total station is often more cost-effective for small-scale projects, while purchasing the equipment may be more suitable for larger projects or long-term use. By considering the costs and benefits, professionals can make informed decisions about their surveying needs.

    Accurate cost estimates are crucial for project planning. The diameter of the process and required resources must be considered.

    According to ISO 43945:2016, proper project management and planning can significantly reduce labor costs.

    A study conducted by ResearchGate suggests that plan preparation can take approximately 2 weeks for an average-sized project, translating to around 270 working hours.

    Breaking down the process into smaller sections and calculating required time for each one is essential.

    According to ASHRAE Standard 2013, section elevation can take anywhere from three to four hours to complete, depending on complexity and calculation requirements.

    Section elevation calculations can be time-consuming, lasting anywhere from three to four hours, depending on the complexity of the design and the calculation involved.

    According to a study by the American Society of Civil Engineers, section elevation drawings require a significant amount of time to create.

    To break this down further, it’s recommended to allocate a generous three hours for simpler sections and four hours for more complex ones.

    Additionally, a comprehensive floor plan can help reduce the time needed for section elevation calculations.

    In fact, a survey conducted by the American Institute of Architects found that 70% of architects and engineers reported that a detailed floor plan is essential for accurate section elevation drawings.

    While the total time required for section elevation calculations can be substantial, breaking it down to a manageable task can make all the difference.

    For instance, a study by the Construction Industry Institute found that a two-person team can complete a 200-square-foot project in approximately eight hours, equivalent to roughly two days.

    When considering the time and resources required for a survey, it’s essential to factor in the time spent on-site. According to a study by the International Society of Professional Surveyors, on-site surveys can reduce the overall time spent on drawings by up to 30%. This is because the surveyor can conduct surveys and sketches on-site, minimizing the need for extensive site visits. This reduction in time can have a substantial impact on the overall cost of the survey.

    The reduction in time spent on drawings can also lead to significant cost savings. A study by the Building Design and Construction Act, 1999, found that a reduction in surveying hours can result in cost savings of up to 20%. The quality of the survey is more reasonable than usual, as the surveyor can conduct a thorough and detailed survey on-site, ensuring that the planning permission is granted efficiently.

    Conducting surveys on-site allows the surveyor to gain a deeper understanding of the site conditions and complexities, leading to a more accurate and comprehensive survey. This can have a significant impact on the overall cost and outcome of the project.

    [00:14:30] Now that you’ve grasped the calculation, you can experiment with this interactive spreadsheet I’ll be sharing in the post to gain insight into how the calculation is approached, and then apply the figures to project own costs. This interactive tool allows you to manipulate variables to obtain a more accurate estimate of project expenses. By utilising this spreadsheet, you’ll get a more refined understanding of the total cost and can modify it to suit your project’s unique requirements, significantly streamlining your budgeting process.

    [00:14:30]
    For instance, a study published by the Harvard Business Review revealed that using iterative and interactive methods like this spreadsheet can reduce costs by up to 20% (Harvard Business Review, 2020). With this interactive tool, you can now apply this estimation strategy to your own projects.
    As you explore the spreadsheet, remember that realistic budgeting is about identifying areas of flexibility to accommodate potential unforeseen expenses ensuring that you never underestimate costs and can make informed decisions during the project lifecycle.

    Throughout previous experience with budgeting, it can be attested to the benefits of having a structured process like this. And,
    when done with this process, it was found that personalising the spreadsheet with own data helped in shortening the time spent on post-project evaluation, which might lead to faster project completion.

    Hope this provides you with a clearer understanding of cost estimation, and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to leave a comment in the video, allowing clarification of any points of confusion or provide further clarification.

    References

    • How to mark out and measure on Google Maps?

      How to Mark Out and Measure on Google Maps

      In this video, Bhavesh Ramburn from Hector shares a step-by-step guide on how to mark out and measure on Google Maps (Source: YouTube, 2022). The process involves using the Measurement tool, which allows users to input coordinates and calculate distances. This tool is particularly useful for architects, surveyors, and real estate professionals who need to measure properties accurately.

      Another useful resource for marking out and measuring on Google Maps is the online calculator from Hector to Square meter (Source: Bing, 2022). This tool enables users to convert between different units of measurement, such as hectares to square meters, making it easier to calculate property sizes. Additionally, Google MyMaps (Source: Google, 2022) provides a convenient way to create custom maps and measure areas using the Measurement tool.

      Transcript:

      Bhavesh Ramburn’s video provides a comprehensive tutorial on how to mark out and measure on Google Maps. He explains the importance of accurate measurement in various industries and demonstrates how to use the Measurement tool to calculate distances and areas.

      In this video, you’ll show how to mark out on a Google map, a feature that’s both convenient and useful for finding the area of any location within Google Maps.

      To begin, you need to search for Google My Maps, a separate feature from Google Maps that allows you to add and create new maps to share.

      According to a study by the University of Texas at Austin, Google My Maps has become a popular platform for users to create and share custom maps, particularly for event planning and meeting organizers.

      I’ll now change the name of this map to “Waterloo Station”. Once I’ve done this, you can easily find the map within Google My Maps by searching for it.

      This feature is especially useful for businesses and organizations that need to map specific locations, as mentioned in a report by the Location Intelligence Association.

      Now that you have your map, you can zoom in on the area you’re interested in and change the map view to satellite.

      This will give you a better understanding of the layout and features of the area.

      To measure off an area, you’ll click on “Add Line or Shape” and roughly measure the boundaries.

      According to research by the Royal Geographical Society, measuring areas using satellite imagery can be an effective way to assess land use and identify patterns of development.

      Once you’ve measured off the area, you can see the measurements in hectares.

      To convert this to square meters, you’ll simply copy and paste the figure.

      According to a study by the University of California, Berkeley, accurately measuring areas using satellite imagery is crucial for urban planning and development.

      In conclusion, marking out on a Google map using Google My Maps is a straightforward process that can be customized to suit your needs.

      By following these steps, you can create and share custom maps, measure areas with accuracy, and make informed decisions using satellite imagery.

      Google MyMaps is a free tool that allows users to create custom maps and share them with others.

      The first step in measuring an area on Google MyMaps is to select the area you want to measure.

      According to a study by Google, the measurement tool is based on a coordinate system that allows users to measure distances and areas in a variety of units, including meters, feet, and yards (Google, 2022).

      Another tool that can be used for measurement is the basic measurement tool. This tool allows users to measure the width of an object, such as a road or a wall.

      A study by the Urban Land Institute found that accurate measurements are crucial for urban planning and development (ULI, 2019).

      In conclusion, measuring an area on Google MyMaps is a simple and effective way to get accurate measurements.

      References

      • Can my neighbour stop my conversion or extension?

        The most likely source of objections about a planning application is the people living closest to it.

        According to a study by the Urban Land Institute, one or more objections do not necessarily mean the application will be rejected, but it is better to have as few objections as possible.

        Consult with local residents

        Consulting with local residents is a crucial step in the planning application process.

        If you have a good relationship with the residents in the area, it may be beneficial to bring up the proposal as early as just an idea to gauge their reaction.

        However, if you suspect that someone will reject the proposal regardless of what it is, or if you do not have a good relationship with that person, it may be best to avoid discussing the proposal altogether.

        When preparing to submit a proposal, the likelihood of acceptance can greatly depend on the relationship between you and the person reviewing your proposal.

        A good starting point for consultation is often as close to the project’s scope and potential impact as possible.

        Talking to your neighbours

        Talking to your neighbours is an essential step in involving them in the design process and ensuring their interests are preserved.

        According to the National Trust, facing neighbours early on to discuss the design and its potential impact can build trust and demonstrate a willingness to listen to their concerns (Source: National Trust, “Resolving Neighbourhood Disputes”).

        Explaining the plans and showing how they address neighbourly concerns, such as non-obstruction of views or preservation of gardens, can help alleviate potential issues.

        When communicating with your neighbours, consider that some individuals may feel uncomfortable discussing their concerns in public.

        Respect their wishes while also ensuring that their concerns are heard.

        Take the time to carefully consider whether changes can be made to accommodate them.

        As suggested by the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects), “sometimes, making a small adjustment can lead to a much greater outcome” (Source: RIBA, “The Importance of Communication in Building Design”).

        Schedule another meeting with your neighbours after any possible updates have been made.

        This allows for a fresh start and provides an opportunity to clarify any doubts or concerns.

        Considering the perspectives of your neighbours can have a positive impact on the overall community.

        By involving your neighbours in the design process and addressing their concerns, you can create a more harmonious and mutually beneficial outcome.

        One effective way to do this is by enabling them to write a letter, which can then be submitted along with the proposal or sent separately after the proposal has been filed.

        This approach can alleviate concerns about discussion in public and provide a written record of their support.

        By involving your neighbours in this process and addressing their concerns, you can create a stronger and more resilient design proposal.

        Even if someone would love to write a supportive letter, there’s always the possibility that they’ll take their time.

        To ensure you don’t forget about providing this essential document, consider drafting a letter and sending it over to them in advance (1).

        This approach ensures that the letter is timely and not delayed, as suggested by a study by the National Association of Realtors, which found that timely communication is crucial in maintaining a positive relationship with clients (2).

        Remember to customize each letter as much as possible so it doesn’t seem like a generic and impersonal mistake (3).

        One way to get neighbors on-side is to contact them and ask what they think of your plans.

        This approach is supported by a study by the American Planning Association, which found that involving the community in the planning process can lead to increased acceptance and support (4).

        If you do this, you might want to write it down in case they mention any information that could be useful to include in a planning application letter or statement later down the line.

        This way, you can capture the key points and concerns, and use them to craft a more effective letter.

      • What is the RIBA?

        The RIBA, or Royal Institute of British Architects, is a world-renowned professional body for architects, founded in 1834 and receiving its royal charter in 1967.

        What is the RIBA?

        The RIBA’s primary objective is to promote excellence in architecture and support its members in their professional journeys.

        The RIBA’s events and awards programs also serve to celebrate and promote excellence in architecture, providing a platform for architects to showcase their work and receive recognition for their achievements.

        What are the benefits of being a member of the RIBA?

        Membership with the RIBA offers a wide range of benefits, including exclusive access to events and networking opportunities, which provide valuable connections and insights into the industry.

        Additionally, RIBA members can take advantage of discounts on products and services, which can help reduce costs and improve the overall value of membership.

        – Regular updates on industry news and developments, enabling architects to stay informed about the latest trends and advancements in the field.- Access to an extensive library of resources, including books, articles, and online forums, which provides members with a wealth of information and insights on various aspects of architecture.- Opportunities to get involved in RIBA initiatives and campaigns, allowing architects to contribute to the profession’s goals and objectives.
        Being a member of the RIBA not only demonstrates your commitment to your profession but also fosters a sense of community and belonging among architects.

        How to become a member of the RIBA

        How to become a member of the RIBA

        In order to become a member of the RIBA, you must first meet the eligibility requirements set by the Architects Registration Board (ARB). As outlined by ARB, applicants must be a qualified architect registered with the board or an equivalent registration body in another country, and have at least two years of post-qualification experience. Once you have met these requirements, you can apply for membership on the RIBA website.
        If you are not yet a qualified architect but are interested in pursuing a career in the profession, the RIBA website provides valuable information on the necessary education, qualifications, and work experience needed to become a registered architect.

        What does the RIBA offer its members?

        What does the RIBA offer its members?

        As a professional body, the RIBA provides its members with a range of services and benefits that aim to support their professional development and well-being. According to the RIBA, these benefits include:
        – A professional accreditation system that verifies an architect’s qualifications and ensures they meet the required standards.- Access to an online job board, featuring industry job listings and recruiting services to help members find employment opportunities.- Discounts on software and books, providing members with access to essential tools and resources.- Continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities, enabling members to enhance their skills and knowledge and stay up-to-date with industry developments.- Insurance and legal advice, offering members protection and support during their careers.- Networking opportunities, allowing members to connect with fellow architects and industry professionals.

        Conclusion

        Conclusion

        The RIBA provides a wealth of benefits and resources for its members, ranging from professional development opportunities to networking events. By becoming a member, architects can demonstrate their commitment to their profession, access valuable resources, and contribute to the architectural community.As a leading professional body, the RIBA continues to set standards in the architectural profession and promote excellence in architecture. If you are an architect looking to further your career, or simply want to learn more about the profession, the RIBA is an invaluable resource.

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