Land & Architectural Survey Blog

Blog

  • What do you get in a topographical survey for a property?

    A topographical survey is used to produce a detailed map of all man-made and natural features within a given area. Also known as a land survey, they are used to inform a variety of property management, development and redevelopment projects. In addition to planning purposes, a survey might also be needed for record keeping. Data collected from a survey is used in variety of plans, from standard drawings or plans on paper to advanced 3D digital models.

    Purposes of a Topographical Survey

    A survey might be needed for a variety of record and planning purposes. Surveys are then used by architects and builders to develop or redevelop the land or property on the site. They can also be used for modelling and visualisation purposes, or simply for maintaining historical records for the site. A survey might also be used to help manage and monitor a site, for example to help manage and mitigate land erosion.

    Surveys might be needed for various projects, including designing a road or highway, railway, airport, housing estate, or commercial development. Surveys may also be needed to obtain the location of neighbouring properties and boundaries when dealing with the placement of a party wall or the sale and acquisition of land. Surveys are also helpful for locating specific details about an area, such as the location of trees and tree canopies or any surface features and services that might affect a property or the development of the land.

    Surveys might be needed for various projects, including designing a road or highway, railway, airport, housing estate, or commercial development.

    Surveys may also be needed to obtain the location of neighbouring properties and boundaries when dealing with the placement of a party wall or the sale and acquisition of land.

    Surveys are also helpful for locating specific details about an area, such as the location of trees and tree canopies or any surface features and services that might affect a property or the development of the land.

    What’s Included in the Survey

    A topographical survey measures the boundary, height and features of an area of land including the area around an existing structure.

    Typically, a survey will include measurements for any existing buildings and structures on the site.

    It will also include details on the boundary of the site.

    Information on the terrain will also be included, such as a grid of levels, ground surfaces, and the position of shrubs and trees.

    A typical survey also includes all utilities and services on the site such as drainage details and the position of service covers or manholes.

    A survey may also include additional detail beyond the boundary of a site, such as the location of utilities including utility poles and manholes that might affect the site being surveyed.

    The survey might include the location of nearby trees and buildings that could also affect the project.

    Additional details can be included depending on individual needs, such as details and measurements on any features next to the site or underground services and features.

    Generally, surveys with a higher level of detail will cost more than one with less information.

    Determining the Level of Detail

    The amount of information included in a land survey often depends on individual project and client requirements.

    The details included in the survey are informed by the area that is being surveyed as well as the detail and accuracy required.

    For example, a survey based on a scale of 1:100 will be more accurate than one done to a scale of 1:200 or 1:500.

    The information that is presented in the survey will also depend on how the data will be used and how the survey relates to the pre-determined grid and datum.

    Clients should always speak with land surveyors about their requirements before the survey is undertaken, including the extent of the survey area and the level of detail required.

  • 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.

  • What is a homebuyers report and when do you need one?

    What is a homebuyer’s report and what does it include?

    When buying a house, it’s essential to make an informed decision. A mortgage valuation report is the minimum required, but it’s not a survey. It’s a quick assessment to ensure the property is adequate security for the mortgage loan.

    A homebuyer’s report provides independent expert advice to help avoid unexpected repair bills. Problems like dry rot, subsidence, or other structural defects can cost over £5,000 in repairs.

    A Homebuyer’s Report: What to Expect

    Independent expert advice is provided to avoid unexpected repair bills, which can run to over £5,000 due to issues like dry rot, subsidence, or other structural defects.

    Estate agents, although able to offer general advice, are not specifically trained or qualified to inspect and evaluate buildings, which can affect their impartiality.

    Homebuyers’ reports are produced by quantity surveyors who are members of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

    For large or old, non-standard buildings, a full (structural) survey will be required. Statistically, only about one buyer in five usually requests this level of inspection.

    For modern homes or older buildings with normal construction and reasonable condition, a homebuyer’s report will give ample information and usually suffice.

    The fees for a homebuyer’s report are considerably lower than those for a full structural report.

    Basic mortgage valuations typically have a fee in the region of £200 and the fee for a homebuyer’s report fee is higher to reflect the extra work involved, information supplied and advice offered. A report will include details of any general repairs or ongoing maintenance that may be necessary, along with any obvious defects such as rot and subsidence, although it will not give estimated costs for any work required. Also included is the estimated insurance rebuilding cost. The work to prepare the report takes between two and four hours, although the surveyor does not look behind furniture, raise floorboards or drill holes in walls to view inside or take samples. Detailed advice on specific defects is not usually included, so properties that require alterations or repairs work or older non-standard properties are not suitable for this type of report; a full structural survey is recommended instead. Turning to the purchase of apartments and flats, a mid-range homebuyer’s report is usually thought sufficient – except when the property is part of a conversion of an older building, especially a listed one.

    Basic mortgage valuations typically have a fee in the region of £200 and the fee for a homebuyer’s report fee is higher to reflect the extra work involved, information supplied and advice offered. A report will include details of any general repairs or ongoing maintenance that may be necessary, along with any obvious defects such as rot and subsidence, although it will not give estimated costs for any work required. Also included is the estimated insurance rebuilding cost. The work to prepare the report takes between two and four hours, although the surveyor does not look behind furniture, raise floorboards or drill holes in walls to view inside or take samples. Detailed advice on specific defects is not usually included, so properties that require alterations or repairs work or older non-standard properties are not suitable for this type of report; a full structural survey is recommended instead. Turning to the purchase of apartments and flats, a mid-range homebuyer’s report is usually thought sufficient – except when the property is part of a conversion of an older building, especially a listed one.

    Condition reports are also available to the vendor (seller) of the property. These are simpler than homebuyers’ reports as they exclude insurance rebuilding valuations and details of likely ongoing repairs and maintenance.

    Condition reports are also available to the vendor (seller) of the property. These are simpler than homebuyers’ reports as they exclude insurance rebuilding valuations and details of likely ongoing repairs and maintenance.

    Finally, some experts and buyer’s representatives consider that because the wording of homebuyer’s reports often contains numerous caveats and conditions, it limits the real value of the information offered.

    Finally, some experts and buyer’s representatives consider that because the wording of homebuyer’s reports often contains numerous caveats and conditions, it limits the real value of the information offered.

  • 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.