Land & Architectural Survey Blog

Author: Bhavesh Ramburn

  • Design and Build Risk I’ve found as a Quantity Surveyor

    As a homeowner, you may not be aware of the concept of a provisional sum, but it’s essential to understand its implications on your project. According to a study by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), a provisional sum accounts for approximately 45% of the contract value, which can vary significantly from the final amount.

    The provisional sum is not part of the contract and is not guaranteed by the contractor. In fact, the price will change due to the lack of definition, even in the New Engineering Contract (NEC) framework. This highlights the risk that clients take on when using provisional sums, as they are not entirely clear about the costs involved.

    The contractor will only instruct the provisional sum upon receiving further information or guidance from the client. This can lead to delays in the program of works and increase costs for the client. In some cases, the provisional sum can be substantial, and its inclusion can significantly impact the project’s budget.

    A study by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) suggests that provisional sums can be treated as a rough estimate, which is often inaccurate due to insufficient information. This can lead to clients taking on unnecessary risk and facing unexpected costs. To mitigate this risk, it’s recommended to obtain a complete design of the property or work with a Quantity Surveyor to create a bill of quantity.

    A Quantity Surveyor can help clients prepare a bill of quantity that is priced against a standard method of measurement, such as the New Rules of Measurement 2 (NRM 2). This can provide clarity on the costs involved and help consultants understand the pricing structure. Alternatively, clients can opt for a design and build contract, where the contractor takes on the risk of the incomplete design.

    Ultimately, it’s crucial for homeowners to be aware of the provisional sum and its implications on their project. By understanding the risks and taking steps to mitigate them, clients can ensure a smoother and more cost-effective construction process.

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      • What is an Architectural Survey?

        What is an Architectural Survey?

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        • Measured Building Survey Examples

          Are you looking for measured building survey examples or samples to aid in your project planning? Measured building surveys provide a detailed insight into the dimensions and quantities of structures, allowing architects, engineers, and contractors to accurately plan and execute projects.

          These surveys typically include various types of data, such as floor plans, elevations, sections, and topographical surveys, which are essential for obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the building’s layout and spatial relationships. According to a study by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), measured building surveys are a critical component of the design process, enabling clients to make informed decisions about the construction of their projects.

          The provided zip file contains sample files of measured building surveys, including floor plans, elevations, and sections. These samples are designed to help you understand the types of data included in a measured building survey and the format in which it is typically presented. You can use these samples to familiarize yourself with the content and structure of a measured building survey.

          Measured building surveys are typically produced by land surveyors, who are trained to gather and analyze data using various techniques, including photogrammetry and total station measurements. According to the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), land surveyors play a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy of measured building surveys, as they are responsible for verifying the precise location and dimensions of the building’s features.

          While architects may be involved in the design process, they may not always have the expertise to produce all types of measured building surveys. As noted by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), architects may subcontract certain aspects of the survey work to land surveyors, as required. This ensures that the necessary expertise and knowledge are brought to bear in order to produce accurate and reliable measured building surveys.

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