How to carry out a measured building survey (Do it yourself)?

How to carry out a measured building survey (Do it yourself)?How to carry out a measured building survey (Do it yourself)?

If you want to undertake a measured building survey, a laser distance meter can be extremely handy and accurate. Laser measures come in smaller and larger sizes, with a variety of functions to suit homeowners and tradespeople or professionals: laser distance meters are frequently used by electricians, estate agents, contractors, surveyors, insurance loss adjusters, flooring professionals, plumbers, and the like for the everyday accurate measuring of buildings.

Use a laser distance meter (DISTO METER)

Use a laser distance meter (DISTO METER)

To use a laser distance meter laser distance meter

Using a laser distance meter is a convenient alternative to traditional tape measures. Simply line up the device at the end of the wall or doorway and aim the laser beam at the desired point. Press the button, and the device will display the length of the space measured on the screen. Some laser distance meters also feature calculator functions for adding distances together, calculating volumes and areas, and determining the length of materials needed for new carpeting.

There are several advantages to using a laser distance meter over a traditional tape measure. Digital laser technology allows for quick and efficient work without the inaccuracies caused by tape measures that are not straight or properly aligned. Additionally, laser distance meters enable solo work, as conventional tape measures often require two people. Measuring roof height is particularly challenging without a digital tape measure, and reading a digital display is generally easier than checking lines on a conventional tape measure.

Once you’ve got your laser distance meter and you’re confident using it, you’re ready to do your measured building survey. For this, you’ll need to make sure you’ve got paper, a clipboard, and a pen to hand, as you’ll need to write down all of your measurements really clearly and carefully. If you’re an architect, this process is second nature, but for most amateur surveyors, you will need to be careful to ensure high levels of accuracy. Some spare batteries, a camera, a traditional tape measure and work boots/a high visibility jacket might also come in handy depending on the location, too.

Once you’ve got your laser distance meter and you’re confident using it, you’re ready to do your measured building survey. For this, you’ll need to make sure you’ve got paper, a clipboard, and a pen to hand, as you’ll need to write down all of your measurements really clearly and carefully. If you’re an architect, this process is second nature, but for most amateur surveyors, you will need to be careful to ensure high levels of accuracy. Some spare batteries, a camera, a traditional tape measure and work boots/a high visibility jacket might also come in handy depending on the location, too.

It pays to look around the whole building first, if you’re not already familiar with it. As you come to measure each room, sketch it out first on your paper, and add your measurements to the sketches as you go. Working in different colours for windows, steps, and wall heights can be useful so you don’t get confused by your sketches later.

It pays to look around the whole building first, if you’re not already familiar with it. As you come to measure each room, sketch it out first on your paper, and add your measurements to the sketches as you go. Working in different colours for windows, steps, and wall heights can be useful so you don’t get confused by your sketches later.

As you carry out your measured building survey, you will need to be methodical. As you begin measuring, start at the door and work consistently either clockwise or anti-clockwise around the room, so you don’t miss anything. You will need to measure window heights, floor thickness (try around the stairs), wall thickness, elevations, and roof height and angle, too. Take as many measurements as you can, and then lots of photos too to help with the interpretation of your results when you’re done.

While it’s perfectly possible to carry out your own survey for DIY purposes, when it comes to planning permits, you will need a measured building survey from a qualified and professional measured buidling surveyor. Architects too will require accurate technical drawings which can only be produced by a professional.