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  • 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 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.

  • What is a Measured Survey?

    A Measured Survey is a detailed drawing showing the dimensions, locations, and permanent features of your property, which can be a building or land.

    This type of survey is essential for identifying the layout of your property and its permanent attributes.

    According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), measured surveys are usually drawn up to a scale of 1:100 for buildings, 1:50 for listed buildings, and 1:250 for land.

    The location of your property is determined by GPS (Global Navigation Satellite System) coordinates or can be created locally specifically for your property.

    The positions are relative to their reference points, such as GPS or the local established control points.

    The Land Registry emphasizes the importance of accurate location data, which is then used to establish the property’s boundaries and create a definitive record.

    Permanent features are a crucial aspect of a measured survey, as they define the characteristics of your property.

    • Walls
    • Windows
    • Doors
    • Beams
    • Columns
    • Built-in cabinets/wardrobes
    • Ponds
    • Trees
    • Pavement
    • Street furniture

    According to the UK’s Planning Portal, permanent features can be used to distinguish between buildings and land, and are often referenced in planning applications and insurance policies.

    As highlighted by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), measured surveys provide a detailed record of these features, allowing for accurate assessments and decision-making.

    References

  • How can I survey my land?

    To accurately survey your land, it is essential to hire a licensed land surveyor who will undertake a topographical survey. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), a topographical survey involves creating a detailed map of the land’s topography, including its natural and man-made features.

    Once the survey is completed, it is crucial to highlight the boundary of your land on a site plan or using Google MyMaps. A site plan is a detailed map that shows the layout of your property, including its boundaries, easements, and any other relevant features.

    References

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