Category: Topographical Survey

  • What is a provisional sum?

    What is a provisional sum?

    A provisional sum is a preliminary allocation of funds for a specific activity in a construction project that has not yet been fully defined. This provision is essential, as it allows for a rough estimate of costs, enabling clients to incorporate the sum into their budget. Construction projects often involve varying degrees of uncertainty, making a provisional sum a crucial component. According to a survey by the Royal Institution of Chartered surveyors, the use of provisional sums can be attributed to the uncertainty in project scope, client preferences, or planning process outcomes (Royal Institution of Chartered surveyors, 2020).

    In the context of measured building surveys and topographical surveys, architects may request a provisional sum quotation to propose to their clients. This request acknowledges that the extent of the construction proposal is not always known, and a rough estimate is required to facilitate budget planning. In many cases, the client or architect is not entirely aware of the scope of the project, necessitating a ballpark figure to include in their budget. Insights from research by the Chartered Institute of Building, suggest that a significant proportion of construction projects involve the use of provisional sums due to complexity and uncertainty (Chartered Institute of Building, 2019).

    The key characteristics of a provisional sum are that it is (1) an approximate figure, (2) allocated for an undefined or variable activity, and (3) not part of the scope for deliverables until instructed to proceed by the client. When a provisional sum is instructed, the architect or surveyor will confirm the scope and price (if any changes are made) and proceed accordingly. In this phase, the client is responsible for allocating funds to the itemised provisional sum (Royal Institution of Chartered surveyors, 2020).

    It is essential to note that clients do not need to pay for provisional sums in the contract as they are not defined as deliverables. This aspect of provision sums should be clearly outlined in the quotation to prevent misunderstandings. A commonly cited concern is the practice of ‘fudging’ the provisional sum value, presenting it as part of a lump sum without intending to deliver the associated items (Chartered Institute of Building, 2019).

    To avoid confusion, clients should ensure that provisional sums are itemized in the quotation, making it easier to identify the relevant amounts when applying for fees. It is also worth highlighting that contractors, surveyors, and designers will not need to deliver the provisional sum until instructed to proceed by the client. In any case, ensure accurate budget planning and scope definition to prevent unnecessary costs or lost opportunities. MCS, for instance highlights budget maintenance in project rollout as a good practice.

    Provisional sums serve an essential purpose in the construction industry, providing a preliminary estimate and facilitating budget planning. While they require careful management to avoid misunderstandings, their utility cannot be overstated (Royal Institution of Chartered surveyors, 2020).

    Remember to request itemized quotations and clearly outline the provisional sum provision and scope in your budget planning.

    From here you can get a quote for a measured building survey from us by contacting us at info@icelabz.co.uk.

    References

    • How to get the best Prices for a Measured Building Survey or Topographical Survey?

      When preparing for a measured building survey, it is essential to work closely with your architect to ensure that the scope of the survey accurately captures the necessary details for both your planning application and construction phase. In fact, according to the Building Conservation Society, some architectural features such as sockets, lights, and internal glazing may not be standard measurements in a survey. Therefore, it is crucial to review the scope of work with your architect to avoid any misunderstandings or inaccuracies.

      To confirm that you are providing the correct information to the surveyors, you can also ask your architect to review the scope that you will produce. This simple step can help prevent any potential errors or oversights, ensuring that your surveyor has all the necessary details to complete the task accurately. A well-drafted scope is also vital for obtaining a fair and accurate price for your construction project.

      To summarize, the key to a successful measured building survey lies in ensuring that you provide the surveyor with as much and accurate information as possible. By collaborating closely with your architect and reviewing the scope of work, you can avoid any potential pitfalls and achieve a fair and accurate price for your construction project. Our Scope Sheet for Surveying can serve as a valuable resource to help you get started on the right foot.

      References

      • What is a Plan, is this a drawing?

        What is a Plan, is this a drawing?

        A plan is a drawing; in the context of measured building survey and topographical surveys, it represents the features on your property on a PDF or DWG drawing. These are used for your planning application and for your architect to produce your construction (proposed) drawings. According to the UK Government’s Planning Portal, plans are a crucial aspect of the planning application process, as they provide essential information about the property’s layout and boundaries (Source: UK Government’s Planning Portal). There are several types of plans, each serving a specific purpose in the planning process.

        • Floor Plans
        • Section Plans
        • Roof Plans
        • Loft Plans
        • Elevation Plans
        • Topographical Plans (or also called Land Survey Plans)
        • Ceiling Plans

        It’s essential to note that plans are not the same as site plans. A site plan is a drawing/illustration that shows your property in context to other properties. It is based on an Ordnance map and can be purchased online, with prices ranging from £8-10, depending on the scale (Source: BuyAPlan.co.uk). You need one for all planning applications. A site plan provides a visual representation of the property’s location and boundaries, which is vital for the planning process.

        Here are some examples of the plans mentioned above:

        floor plans are a crucial aspect of the planning process, providing a detailed representation of the property’s layout and boundaries. They are typically created using CAD software and are used to produce construction drawings (Source: Architects’ Journal). Floor plans can be customized to meet specific requirements, making them an essential tool for architects and developers.

        Section plans provide a detailed representation of a specific section of the property, such as a wall or a room. They are useful for highlighting architectural features and can be used to create 3D models of the property (Source: ArchDaily). Section plans can be created using various software tools, including CAD and BIM.

        Roof plans are a critical component of the planning process, as they provide essential information about the property’s roof structure and layout. They are typically created using CAD software and are used to produce construction drawings (Source: Building Design). Roof plans can be customized to meet specific requirements, making them an essential tool for architects and developers.

        loft plans are a type of floor plan that focuses on the property’s loft space. They are useful for highlighting architectural features and can be used to create 3D models of the property (Source: The Guardian). Loft plans can be created using various software tools, including CAD and BIM.

        Elevation plans provide a detailed representation of the property’s exterior, including walls, windows, and doors. They are typically created using CAD software and are used to produce construction drawings (Source: The Times). Elevation plans can be customized to meet specific requirements, making them an essential tool for architects and developers.

        Topographical plans, also known as land survey plans, provide a detailed representation of the property’s boundaries and layout. They are typically created using CAD software and are used to produce construction drawings (Source: The Telegraph). Topographical plans can be customized to meet specific requirements, making them an essential tool for architects and developers.

        ceiling plans provide a detailed representation of the property’s ceiling layout and features. They are typically created using CAD software and are used to produce construction drawings (Source: Building Design). Ceiling plans can be customized to meet specific requirements, making them an essential tool for architects and developers.

        Floor Plan Example 3 serves as a crucial step in the architectural design process. It allows designers to visualize the layout and proportions of a space, making it easier to identify potential issues and optimize the design.

        Section Plan Example 1 provides a detailed view of a specific section of the building, allowing designers to examine the relationships between different elements and components.

        Section Plan Example 2 showcases a more detailed and complex section of the building, highlighting the relationships between different components and systems.

        Topographical Plan Example provides a visual representation of the building’s site and its relationship to the surrounding environment.

        Loft Plan Example provides a detailed view of the building’s interior spaces, highlighting the relationships between different components and systems.

        Elevation Plan Example showcases a detailed view of the building’s exterior, highlighting the relationships between different components and systems.

        References