Category: Measured Building Survey

  • 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.

  • How to get Existing Plans of Your Property?

    How to get Existing Plans of Your Property?

    A measured survey is a type of survey that involves creating a detailed record of the size, shape, and dimensions of a building or land area.

    According to a study by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), a measured survey is used to provide an accurate assessment of a property’s value and to support negotiations in property transactions.

    This type of survey is essential for both buyers and sellers, as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the property’s features and limitations.

    Existing plans for home owners refer to the detailed drawings and specifications of a property that have been created by a surveyor or architect.

    These plans typically include information about the property’s layout, room sizes, and architectural features.

    A surveyor can use these plans to identify any defects or issues with the property, and to provide a detailed report on the property’s condition.

    A study by the UK’s Building Control magazine found that existing plans are essential for home owners, as they provide a clear understanding of the property’s features and limitations, and can help to identify potential defects or issues.

    In conclusion, a measured survey is a crucial process that involves creating a detailed record of a building or land area.

    Existing plans for home owners are essential for providing a clear understanding of a property’s features and limitations.

    By using these plans, home owners can identify potential defects or issues with their property, and make informed decisions about their investment.

    References

    • 5 Surprisingly Stupid Ways to Save Money on Measured Surveys

      5 Surprisingly Stupid Ways to Save Money on Measured Surveys

      At Icelabz, we strive to be transparent and share knowledge to help you make informed decisions about measured surveys. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive guide on how to save money without compromising on quality.

      One of the lesser-known tips in the industry is to conduct a measured survey before engaging an architect. This approach can help you get the best price for architects and ensure that you have the necessary plans in place for your project. Our research suggests that this method can save you a significant amount of money, with some clients saving up to £100s by doing so.

      Our experience has shown that there are several ways to reduce the cost of a measured building survey. Some of these methods can be implemented at the initial stage or later stage of your project, depending on your needs. By engaging with a specialised company carrying out measured building surveys, you can save time and reduce the risk on certain aspects of your project.

      Undertaking the survey before getting an architect

      This tip is not well known in the industry, but it can be a game-changer for your project. By conducting a measured survey before engaging an architect, you can get the best price for architects and ensure that you have the necessary plans in place. According to a study by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), clients who conduct a measured survey before engaging an architect can save up to 10% on their overall project cost.

      The usual method…

      Generally, when approaching an architect, you will need to obtain existing plans of your property, which includes a measured survey. This can be produced by the architect or a land surveyor, and it can be a costly process. The architect can charge anywhere from £100-150 per hour to produce these plans, compared to £30-60 per hour for a land surveyor.

      However, once you have engaged an architect to produce your plans, they will either contract another company to produce the plans or ask you to look for a surveyor to produce the plans. Either way, you will need to produce the plans, which can be a significant expense.

      How to save cost

      Our research has shown that clients who approach us for a measured survey before engaging an architect often find it more economical. By conducting the survey before engaging an architect, clients can save on the cost of getting an architect and get better and competitive prices. Additionally, having existing plans in place allows for better creative discussions with the architect, as the plans can be used as a starting point for the project.

      As one of our past clients put it, “Having the same plans produced by us can be used for our planning application, building regulation, and part of the tender to our builders. It’s a huge time-saver and cost-effective.” By taking this approach, clients can save time and money on their project, while also ensuring that they have the necessary plans in place for a successful outcome.

      References