Land & Architectural Survey Blog

Category: Construction

  • The Difference Between a Measured Building Surveyor and a Building Surveyor

    From developing large agricultural structures to designing complex residential development schemes, a building surveyor plays an essential role in providing professional advice when development and building property. Surveyors work on a range of residential, commercial and industrial projects, including restoration and maintenance projects. Within the surveyor field, there are a variety of specialisms related to specific aspects of surveying such as measured building surveys.

    From developing large agricultural structures to designing complex residential development schemes, a building surveyor plays an essential role in providing professional advice when development and building property. Surveyors work on a range of residential, commercial and industrial projects, including restoration and maintenance projects. Within the surveyor field, there are a variety of specialisms related to specific aspects of surveying such as measured building surveys.

    The Role of a Building Surveyor

    Building surveyors provide professional advice on the design and development of a property, whether it is for a new build or the redevelopment of an existing property. Unlike a land surveyor, this type of surveyor focuses on the structure itself rather than the surrounding lands. They work with architects and other professionals to identify preventative measures to ensure buildings are safe. Surveyors also provide advice on how to make structures sustainable over time. In some cases, since they are specialists in building regulations and determining the condition of buildings, they also provide evidence in court as an expert witness. These professionals are involved in construction design and building works, and have an active role in project management and monitoring.

    Building surveyors provide professional advice on the design and development of a property, whether it is for a new build or the redevelopment of an existing property. Unlike a land surveyor, this type of surveyor focuses on the structure itself rather than the surrounding lands. They work with architects and other professionals to identify preventative measures to ensure buildings are safe. Surveyors also provide advice on how to make structures sustainable over time. In some cases, since they are specialists in building regulations and determining the condition of buildings, they also provide evidence in court as an expert witness. These professionals are involved in construction design and building works, and have an active role in project management and monitoring.

    Services Provided by Surveyors

    The work of a surveyor is diverse and can involve a wide range of tasks. They are involved in various aspects of construction, including design, maintenance, repair, refurbishment, and restoration.

    The services provided by a surveyor may vary and may specialise in specific aspects of building surveying. A surveyor may specialise in providing advice on property legislation or may provide a full project management and monitoring service.

    They may also focus on undertaking building surveys and measures surveys. Alternatively, a surveyor might specialise in providing pre-acquisition surveys or defect investigations.

    Typical work activities include providing advice on property schemes and projects, as well as identifying requirements for the project.

    They also prepare designs or drawings that include project specifications, costings and timelines.

    Surveyors also work to determine the condition of existing structures, including identifying potential safety issues and assessing defects to propose potential repairs to ensure the structural integrity of the property.

    The Role of a Measured Building Surveyor

    They might also provide advice on the environmental impact of a project, the preservation or construction of historic properties, health and safety issues, project feasibility, and building construction and design regulations.

    Surveyors may also deal planning applications as well as insurance assessments and claims.

    The Role of a Measured Building Surveyor

    While a generalist surveyor may provide a range of services, certain professionals specialise in carrying out measured building surveys. A measured survey is a building survey that is used to produce detailed plans for a building. These types of surveys are generally undertaken before redevelopment or renovation projects. They may also be used for commercial purposes or be completed once the construction phase of a building project is finished.

    To complete the survey, a measured building surveyor uses digital instruments to obtain precise measurements of a property. These measurements are then used to produce a plan by the surveyor or another professional. The building measurements are also used by architects and interior designers for further planning and development work on the property. Plans or drawings may also be used to obtain planning permits from local authorities.

  • What do you get in a measured building floor survey?

    What is a Measured Building Survey, and why is it different from a normal survey?

    What is a Measured Building Survey, and why is it different from a normal survey?

    When you think of a building survey, you usually think of the type of survey that a buyer may carry out before purchasing a property. This is a general look around a property, to identify any likely problems, such as damp, subsidence, defective wiring, and condition of the roof or other issues of that nature. Basic measurements may be taken, and a floor plan may be drawn up, but in reality this is not a particularly accurate plan, and it is not suitable for anything other than confirming rough dimensions.

    When you think of a building survey, you usually think of the type of survey that a buyer may carry out before purchasing a property. This is a general look around a property, to identify any likely problems, such as damp, subsidence, defective wiring, and condition of the roof or other issues of that nature. Basic measurements may be taken, and a floor plan may be drawn up, but in reality this is not a particularly accurate plan, and it is not suitable for anything other than confirming rough dimensions.

    On the other hand, a measured building survey is an extremely accurate way of measuring the entirety of a building. It is carried out in two stages; first an engineering surveyor will visit the property and carry out a scan with a laser scanner. The scanning technique creates a cloud of virtual reference points and measures the distances and elevations between them. This information is then transferred to the second stage where the engineering surveyor will use sophisticated software to process the raw data from the scan to produce a very accurate plan of the building. Unlike normal surveys, this can produce not only floor surveys, but also internal and external elevation plans, which identify the location of sockets and light switches, the size and height of doors and windows, including the dimensions of their reveals and soffits, and the precise angles of internal and external corners. It can also reveal architectural features such as cornices and corbels. In the correct hands this technique is 99.9995% accurate, and the plans can be used to produce 3D images as well as more traditional 2D plans.

    On the other hand, a measured building survey is an extremely accurate way of measuring the entirety of a building.

    It is carried out in two stages; first an engineering surveyor will visit the property and carry out a scan with a laser scanner.

    The scanning technique creates a cloud of virtual reference points and measures the distances and elevations between them.

    This information is then transferred to the second stage where the engineering surveyor will use sophisticated software to process the raw data from the scan to produce a very accurate plan of the building.

    Unlike normal surveys, this can produce not only floor surveys, but also internal and external elevation plans, which identify the location of sockets and light switches, the size and height of doors and windows, including the dimensions of their reveals and soffits, and the precise angles of internal and external corners.

    It can also reveal architectural features such as cornices and corbels.

    In the correct hands this technique is 99.9995% accurate, and the plans can be used to produce 3D images as well as more traditional 2D plans.

    Why do I need accurate plans?

    Why do I need accurate plans?

    If you are considering alterations or extensions to a property there are several reasons why you should have an accurate and detailed property plan.

    One of the most important reasons is that the details you provide to the planning authorities and any construction contractors forms part of a legal contract.

    If you provide inaccurate information at the planning consent stage, it can leave you open to enforcement action by the authorities.

    This is especially important if you are dealing with a listed building or a property within a conservation area, as the restrictions are even tighter, and accordingly the accuracy of your information needs to be greater.

    At the construction stage, inaccurate plans can leave you without recourse to the law if your contractor fails to comply, as he can cite poor quality information as a defence.

    Accurate Property Plans

    Providing accurate and detailed property plans is crucial when considering alterations or extensions to a property. Inaccurate information can lead to enforcement action by the authorities, especially if dealing with listed buildings or properties in conservation areas.

    In many cases, architects’ drawings are not available or do not accurately reflect the property as it stands due to tolerances in construction materials and techniques.

    Thermal movement and settlement over time can cause significant variations in the dimensions of a building, making original plans only a rough guide to the current building.

    These are the main reasons a simple floor survey is no longer sufficient. If you are planning alterations or extensions it is best to have a measured building survey.

    Planning alterations or extensions to a building requires a more detailed survey than a simple floor survey. A measured building survey will provide accurate data for your project.

  • What is subsidence in buildings?

    Subsidence

    Subsidence is the sudden, rapid, and sometimes permanent sinking of an area of land.

    This usually occurs when the ground can no longer support the weight of the buildings or other structures on it.

    Subsidence can damage buildings and other structures, and it can be dangerous for people if it happens suddenly.

    There are many causes of subsidence, but the most common is water pressure.

    When water seeps into the ground, it can cause the soil to expand and become less dense.

    This can cause the weight of buildings or other structures on the ground to be greater than the ground can support, and the ground will sink.

    Other causes of subsidence include mining, natural underground cavities, and changes in the level of groundwater.

    In some cases, subsidence can be caused by human activity, such as when people dig trenches or boreholes into the ground.

    Subsidence can cause serious damage to buildings.

    Cracks can appear in walls, floors, and ceilings, and doors and windows may no longer fit properly.

    In severe cases, subsidence can cause buildings to collapse.

    Subsidence is a problem that is likely to become more common as our climate changes and we experience more extreme weather conditions.

    Heavy rainfalls can

    What is subsidence?

    What is subsidence?

    Subsidence is the downward movement of the ground beneath a building. It can be caused by a number of factors, including:

    -The loss or decomposition of organic materials in the soil, such as tree roots or peat.

    -The collapse of man-made structures underground, such as tunnels or mines.

    -The extraction of groundwater or oil from beneath the ground.

    Subsidence can cause problems for buildings above ground, as the weight of the building can cause cracks and damage. In severe cases, subsidence can even cause buildings to collapse.

    If you think your property may be affected by subsidence, it’s important to get in touch with a structural engineer or surveyor who can assess the situation and advise on the best course of action.

    Causes of subsidence

    Causes of subsidence

    Subsidence occurs when the ground beneath a building settles or collapses. This can be caused by a number of things, including:

    • The natural decomposition of organic materials in the soil, which can cause the ground to compact over time

    • The wetting and drying of soils, which can lead to shrinkage and cracking

    • The extraction of groundwater or minerals from beneath the ground, which can cause the ground to collapse

    • The movement of underground water courses, which can erode support for the ground above

    • The failure of man-made structures such as retaining walls or tunnels

    How to prevent subsidence

    How to prevent subsidence

    Subsidence is the gradual settling or sinking of a building. This can happen due to a number of reasons, including the natural settling of the foundation over time, or damage to the foundation from things like water leaks or tree roots. Subsidence can also be caused by changes in the ground underneath the foundation, such as when groundwater is removed from an area faster than it can be replenished.

    1. ensuring that the foundation is properly designed and built

    2. ensuring that the foundation is regularly inspected and maintained

    3. repairing any leaks or damage to the foundation promptly

    4. avoiding removing groundwater from underneath the foundation faster than it can be replenished

    How to repair subsidence damage

    How to repair subsidence damage

    Subsidence is the gradual sinking of an object into the ground. This can happen to buildings when the ground underneath them begins to settle or erode. The most common cause of subsidence damage is water. When the ground becomes saturated with water, it expands and puts pressure on the foundation of a building. This can cause the foundation to crack and allow the building to sink into the ground.

    There are several ways to repair subsidence damage. The most common method is to inject concrete into the ground around the foundation of the building. This will provide support for the foundation and help prevent further sinking. In some cases, it may also be necessary to underpin the foundation with steel beams or other supports. If the damage is extensive, it may be necessary to demolish the affected part of the building and start from scratch.

    Case studies of subsidence

    Case studies of subsidence

    Subsidence is the downward movement of the ground beneath a building. This can happen for a number of reasons, such as when the ground becomes waterlogged and starts to settle, or when trees or shrubs are removed from around the building and their roots no longer support the ground.

    There have been a number of high-profile cases of subsidence in recent years, including at Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge in London. In both cases, extensive remedial work was required to stabilise the buildings and prevent further damage.

    If you think your home may be affected by subsidence, it’s important to get expert advice as soon as possible. A structural engineer will be able to carry out an investigation and give you an idea of what needs to be done to fix the problem.

    Conclusion

    Subsidence is a common problem in buildings, especially older ones. It occurs when the ground beneath the foundations of a building starts to sink, causing the foundation to crack and the walls to start leaning. In some cases, subsidence can be corrected by shoring up the foundation or injecting it with concrete. In other cases, however, the only way to stop subsidence is to demolish the building and start again from scratch.

    Subsidence is a common problem in buildings, especially older ones. It occurs when the ground beneath the foundations of a building starts to sink, causing the foundation to crack and the walls to start leaning. In some cases, subsidence can be corrected by shoring up the foundation or injecting it with concrete. In other cases, however, the only way to stop subsidence is to demolish the building and start again from scratch.

  • What is a laser distance meter?

    A laser distance meter is a tool that uses laser technology to measure the distance between two points. It is also known as a laser tape measure or laser measuring device. Laser distance meters are used in a variety of industries, such as construction, surveying, and forestry. Laser distance meters work by shining a laser beam from the device to the surface of the object you want to measure. The beam then reflects back to the device, and the distance is calculated based on the time it takes for the beam to travel there and back. Laser distance meters are used for a variety of purposes, such as measuring the height of a building or the width of a room. They can also be used to calculate distances in hard-to-reach places, such as when measuring the depth of a river.

    What is a laser distance meter?

    What is a laser distance meter?

    A laser distance meter is an instrument that uses a laser beam to measure distance. The laser beam is emitted from the device and reflects off of the object being measured. The reflected light is then received by a sensor in the device, which calculates the distance based on the time it took for the light to travel.



    Laser distance meters are used for a variety of applications, such as measuring the length of a room, the height of a building, or the distance between two points. They are also commonly used in construction and surveying.



    There are two main types of laser distance meters: those that emit a visible light beam, and those that emit an invisible infrared light beam. Both types function in similar ways, but visible light models are typically more accurate than infrared models.

    Leica Disto meter

    How do laser distance meters work?

    Laser distance meters are tools used to measure the distance between two points. The most common way to use a laser distance meter is to point it at an object, press the button, and then read the measurement on the display.

    Laser distance meters work by emitting a laser beam from the device. The beam then reflects off of the surface of the object you are measuring and back into the device. The device then calculates the distance based on the time it took for the beam to make the round trip.

    Applications of laser distance meters

    Laser distance meters can be used for a variety of applications, such as measuring the distance between two points, calculating the area of a space, and determining the volume of an object. Additionally, laser distance meters can be used to create topographic maps and 3D models of objects or landscapes.

    Laser Distance Meters

    Laser distance meters can be used for measuring distances, calculating areas, and determining volumes.

    Pros and Cons of Laser Distance Meters

    • Pros:
      • Quick and easy to use
      • Provides accurate measurements
      • Can be used in various situations
      • Compact and portable
    • Cons:
      • Can be expensive
      • Requires batteries or an external power source

    How to Choose a Laser Distance Meter

    When choosing a laser distance meter, consider the following factors:

    • Determine the required range
    • Consider accuracy and precision
    • Decide on additional features, such as angle measurement and Pythagorean theorem calculation
    • Compare prices and make an informed decision

    Conclusion

    A laser distance meter is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of purposes, from measuring the distance to an object to calculating the area of a room.

    Whether you’re a professional contractor or a DIY enthusiast, a laser distance meter can be a useful addition to your toolkit.

    We hope this article has helped you understand what a laser distance meter is and how it can be used.

    A laser distance meter is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of purposes, from measuring the distance to an object to calculating the area of a room.

    Whether you’re a professional contractor or a DIY enthusiast, a laser distance meter can be a useful addition to your toolkit.

    We hope this article has helped you understand what a laser distance meter is and how it can be used.