Land & Architectural Survey Blog

Category: Land Surveying

  • 5 Things Architects Can do Today to better serve their clients

    Client satisfaction is the final hallmark of a successful or failed business.

    The Use of CRM Software

    The Use of CRM Software

    Also known as customer relationship management, CRM software is an excellent way to better manage client-firm relationships.

    Enhanced Communications

    Enhanced Communications

    Effective communication within any business relationship is crucial. This includes better understanding the client’s needs, resulting in a more targeted approach to their desires.

    Using the Correct Engineering Surveyor

    Using the Correct Engineering Surveyor

    The importance of hiring a fast, efficient, and knowledgeable engineering surveyor cannot be overstated. A seasoned engineer will be able to perform a measured building survey within an agreeable time frame and return quality drawings fast. As many projects are often performed within an extremely tight time frame, a good surveyor is one of the key professionals that should always be used. From providing a topographical survey and addressing ownership boundaries to creating detailed plans that are able to pass local building codes, an experienced surveyor is a critical component. Since there are a number of these professionals within the industry, it is wise to only choose those with the best reputation and that are known to accommodate demanding schedules.

    Unbiased Analyses

    Unbiased Analyses

    One of the issues that may be encountered during any project is the ability to obtain an unbiased analysis in terms of workload, price, and projected completion dates. Any bias during these stages can not only lead to cost overruns, but could cause the reputation of the architectural firm to come into question. Customers require pragmatism and clarity in terms of all such estimates. In fact, a “no-nonsense” approach far outweighs one that will require an adjustment further down the line. There is simply no room for salesmanship once a job begins.

    Establishing Rapport Through Good Contractors

    Establishing Rapport Through Good ContractorsEstablishing Rapport Through Good Contractors

    The process of keeping a customer happy should never end once the job is procured and the contract is signed. This is often a costly mistake of many firms. While the project itself may have been won, there is no guarantee that future business will be generated. Although this is obviously important through the actions of the architectural firm itself, we should note that the contractor will also be present on the job site a good portion of the time. Securing a reputable, communicative and knowledgeable contractor is therefore another absolutely essential step. These attributes should be balanced with speed; a fast contractor is one who will keep the customer happy during all phases of the project.

    The process of keeping a customer happy should never end once the job is procured and the contract is signed. This is often a costly mistake of many firms. While the project itself may have been won, there is no guarantee that future business will be generated. Although this is obviously important through the actions of the architectural firm itself, we should note that the contractor will also be present on the job site a good portion of the time. Securing a reputable, communicative and knowledgeable contractor is therefore another absolutely essential step. These attributes should be balanced with speed; a fast contractor is one who will keep the customer happy during all phases of the project.

    Customer satisfaction is key to building long-term relationships. To achieve this, architects must use multiple tools at their disposal, including excellent communication and a dedicated CRM system.

    Each step in the process should be used in conjunction with the others to maximize customer happiness.

  • Guide to hiring a measured building surveyor

    So you’re planning a house extension or refurbishment of your current property? Then, you need a measured building survey done first, before you hand over the rest of work to an architect.

    What is a measured building survey (MBS)?

    What is a measured building survey (MBS)?What is a measured building survey (MBS)?

    MBS is vital for any architect before any refurbishment scheme commences and it provides valuable information, including accurate plans of a building. If you’re a landlord, a measured building survey is also produced to provide you with not so detailed plans to compute the Gross Internal Area for letting purposes.

    MBS include a vast range of detailed building information to suit your relevant needs. Such information covers many surveyed areas ranging from floor plans, area plans, elevations, roof plans and floor slab surveys, usually using latest technologies or ‘the tried and tested methods’.

    Methods used in MBS

    Methods used in MBSMethods used in MBS

    The measured building surveyor can generate accurate building footprint, including internal control points and then sketches and measures the internal layout before he proceeds to the contruction of the CAD (Computer Aided Design) plan. CAD plan is typically based on the measurements the MBS recorded during the site visit.

    Another method typical for MBS is via hand-held computers and tablets useful for inputting spatial data whilst on site. Such method is extremely useful for constructing and verifying the survey data as and when on the site.

    What to look out for?

    What to look out for?What to look out for?

    Once the need for an MBS has been identified, you can then start looking for a perfect measured building surveyor who will carry out a survey at your property. First thing to remember, like with any project, you need to prepare a scope sheet with requirements before approaching a relevant surveyor. In this sheet you need to state what needs to be picked, your timescales and what outcome you want to achieve.

    Even though an MBS will be equipped in various checklists and tools needed for a survey, you might also have your own checklists prepared, ready for the inspection. You might want to include such areas as ceiling heights, structural elements (i.e. beams and columns), floor levels, steps (including changes in levels), door heights, chimneys, window sill heights and window head heights, rainwater pipes, foul drainage pipes, etc.

    You might also need to consider a dedicated engineering surveyor, who will not only carry out the MBS but also a topographical survey and as-built survey. There is a number of elements an engineering survey involves, which ranges from project planning and design through to quality control of construction projects and monitoring the performance and health conditions of completed structures and facilities. Overall, these are the key elements worth considering and keeping in mind prior to a successful MBS.

    You might also need to consider a dedicated engineering surveyor, who will not only carry out the MBS but also a topographical survey and as-built survey. There is a number of elements an engineering survey involves, which ranges from project planning and design through to quality control of construction projects and monitoring the performance and health conditions of completed structures and facilities.

    Following this quick guide to hiring a measured building surveyor will guarantee your preparedness for an on-site survey and will help you look out for key elements involved in creating a survey. Before you hire an MBS or an engineering surveyor, make sure to mention as much information as possible to make the whole process smooth and hassle-free.

    Following this quick guide to hiring a measured building surveyor will guarantee your preparedness for an on-site survey and will help you look out for key elements involved in creating a survey.

    Before you hire an MBS or an engineering surveyor, make sure to mention as much information as possible to make the whole process smooth and hassle-free.

    There are many websites out there, where you can find your local MBS. Have a browse around, see how long particular MBS companies have been established for, see if you can find any testimonials on their websites and whether they have relevant certifications for carrying out surveys.

    Don’t go with the first website that you like the look of. Reviews and length of service are probably the most important ones to look out for. Also, why not ask around amongst your friends and family and find out if they could suggest a reliable MBS – word-of-mouth is probably the best advertisement.

  • Guide to hiring a land surveyor

    If you are planning on engaging an architect for a new build or new development, it would be advisable to get a topographical survey done.

    Most people only need to think about hiring a land surveyor a few times in their lives, so for many people they can be rather an unknown quantity as they have little experience about the criteria needed in deciding who to hire.

    Treat hiring a land surveyor with the same care and attention as any other expensive professional service. Contact possible surveyors to talk about your requirements and choose one who you think best meets your needs.

    Ideally, your surveyor will communicate efficiently and promptly, have a professional demeanour and years of expertise in your required field.

    Surveyors have varying areas of expertise; such as topography, construction layout, mapping, boundaries, and geodetic.

    There are also engineering surveyors.

    Think about the kind of survey that you need.

    A good surveyor will be prepared to explain to you how they intend to conduct the survey.

    Preparing a scope sheet of your requirements is an excellent idea.

    This should include what needs to be picked, your timescale requirements (usually survey drawings are returned within 7-10days) and what you want at the end.

    Quotes

    The cheapest quote is not always the best. It may seem that one land survey is similar to another, as long as it’s conducted by a licensed surveyor, but this is not always true.

     

    Licensing and Insurance

    Licensing and insurance are crucial when hiring a land surveyor. Make sure the surveyor is properly licensed and meets all requirements, including further training. If not, the survey will not be valid. Professional liability insurance is also necessary, as it can cover costs in case of a mistake in the survey.

     

     

    Areas of Expertise

    While any surveyor can handle simple boundary surveys, it’s worth finding a surveyor with relevant expertise for more complex surveys. Communicate with your potential surveyor about your land and requirements. They might want to see the land before committing further. Check if your surveyor is up-to-date with the latest surveying technology, such as CAD and GPS.

     

     

    Contracts and Payment

    Request a written contract before work begins. This is standard practice in land surveying and should make fees transparent. Some fees are charged by the hour, while others are based on the whole project. Clarify when payments should be made, such as half before the survey starts and the remainder when finished. Ensure you understand the scope of work, the amount to be charged, and when fees need to be paid before signing the contract.

     

    Finally, once the land survey has been completed, the surveyor should be happy to accompany you on a tour of your land to show you the permanent boundary markers that were used, and anything else that needs to be noted.

    Hopefully, you will have selected a professional and highly-skilled surveyor who will be prepared to answer any final questions that you might have.

  • Guide to hiring a setting-out engineer

    Getting The Right Person For The Job

    Getting The Right Person For The JobGetting The Right Person For The Job

    Hiring a professional setting out engineer needn’t be a headache. Whilst they hold a wealth of knowledge, skills and experience, and as such are often in high demand, knowing what you are looking for will ensure that you get the right person for the job rather than just picking the first available engineering surveyor that is available.

    Hiring a professional setting out engineer needn’t be a headache. Whilst they hold a wealth of knowledge, skills and experience, and as such are often in high demand, knowing what you are looking for will ensure that you get the right person for the job rather than just picking the first available engineering surveyor that is available.

    Many setting out surveyors are self employed contractors, so it is perfectly acceptable and advantageous to be able to pick and choose which contractor to use, one job at a time. But there are considerations that must be made in order to balance both convenience for yourself, and also the safety of colleagues and the project being worked on.

    What Should I Look For?

    As well as relevant experience in surveying and laying out, anyone being hired for the task will need other supplementary skills. CAD (computer aided design) is one such skill that is practically impossible to live without in this field of work. The days of working to sketches are over; in today’s modern times, any setting out or surveying work is generally planned out far in advance using CAD, thanks to its perfectly accurate mathematical abilities and ability to actively assist with the task at hand.

    As well as relevant experience in surveying and laying out, anyone being hired for the task will need other supplementary skills. CAD (computer aided design) is one such skill that is practically impossible to live without in this field of work. The days of working to sketches are over; in today’s modern times, any setting out or surveying work is generally planned out far in advance using CAD, thanks to its perfectly accurate mathematical abilities and ability to actively assist with the task at hand.

    Certification with health and safety, trade and membership legislation in the area of operation is crucial. Legal requirements must be met to avoid project delays or shutdowns.

    It’s essential to verify a contractor’s qualifications before hiring. Professional indemnity insurance should also be considered, especially for self-employed and casual contractors.

    Where to Hire

    Specialist agencies and general temping agencies can connect you with qualified contractors. You can also find contractors through word of mouth, CV and résumé websites, or by hiring contractors who have previously worked on successful projects.

    There are specialist agencies who deal solely with surveyors and related contractors.

    Any general temping agency will not have an in-depth knowledge of the industry in the same way that a specialist agency will.

    Additionally, these agencies will be able to offer staff who consistently meet targets and successfully complete projects (in effect, a ‘preferred contractor’ list).

    It is also possible to hire contractors directly, either through word of mouth or by re-hiring contractors who have previously worked on projects with success.

    CV and résumé websites such as Reed, Linkedin, and Hays will also have a wealth of contractors with relevant experience posted, as well as qualifications and testimonials from other employers.

    It may sound like a daunting task; such contractors will generally need to be booked quite far in advance and are often able to ‘cherry pick’ contracts and projects due to there being more demand than availability.

    However, the process for finding and hiring them is much the same as if you were hiring any general contractor or member of staff, except with a few more qualifications and legislation issues to consider.

    Take a common sense approach and hiring the right person for the job will come easily and naturally.