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  • 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

    • What can I do with a Topographical survey?

      You would not want to start getting into a land dispute at an early phase of your project.

      According to a study by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), a well-structured topographical survey can help prevent costly disputes and ensure that construction projects run smoothly.

      The topographical survey would include a survey grid or control points, which enable a land surveyor or a setting-out engineer to help your builders position the works in the future.

      This process involves the land surveyor working in two ways: providing information about what is on your land and taking information from the drawings your architect produces to position it on the land.

      This requires a high level of skill and expertise, as the land surveyor must be able to accurately interpret the information and translate it into practical action.

      It might sound easy, but it is not.

      As the original topographical survey is usually produced 6-24 months before the construction works, the features and information on the land might have changed.

      This is a common challenge, as natural or human-induced changes can occur during this period, affecting the accuracy of the survey.

      Therefore, it is crucial to regularly update the survey to reflect any changes.

      Fortunately, with some permanent features on your land, it can provide valuable information for your builders.

      This is why your land surveyor must be skilled enough to survey the right information from land to drawing and extrapolate the right information from drawing to land.

      By doing so, they can create a more accurate and reliable topographical survey, ensuring that your construction project runs smoothly and efficiently.

      According to a study by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), a well-conducted topographical survey can help prevent costly delays and disputes, ultimately saving your project millions of dollars.

      By investing in a thorough topographical survey, you can ensure that your construction project is accurate, reliable, and on track.

      References

      • Why we accept all Major Credit Cards, Apple Pay and Android Pay

        Why we accept all Major Credit Cards, Apple Pay and Android Pay

        References

        • Design and Build Risk I’ve found as a Quantity Surveyor

          As a homeowner, you may not be aware of the concept of a provisional sum, but it’s essential to understand its implications on your project. According to a study by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), a provisional sum accounts for approximately 45% of the contract value, which can vary significantly from the final amount.

          The provisional sum is not part of the contract and is not guaranteed by the contractor. In fact, the price will change due to the lack of definition, even in the New Engineering Contract (NEC) framework. This highlights the risk that clients take on when using provisional sums, as they are not entirely clear about the costs involved.

          The contractor will only instruct the provisional sum upon receiving further information or guidance from the client. This can lead to delays in the program of works and increase costs for the client. In some cases, the provisional sum can be substantial, and its inclusion can significantly impact the project’s budget.

          A study by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) suggests that provisional sums can be treated as a rough estimate, which is often inaccurate due to insufficient information. This can lead to clients taking on unnecessary risk and facing unexpected costs. To mitigate this risk, it’s recommended to obtain a complete design of the property or work with a Quantity Surveyor to create a bill of quantity.

          A Quantity Surveyor can help clients prepare a bill of quantity that is priced against a standard method of measurement, such as the New Rules of Measurement 2 (NRM 2). This can provide clarity on the costs involved and help consultants understand the pricing structure. Alternatively, clients can opt for a design and build contract, where the contractor takes on the risk of the incomplete design.

          Ultimately, it’s crucial for homeowners to be aware of the provisional sum and its implications on their project. By understanding the risks and taking steps to mitigate them, clients can ensure a smoother and more cost-effective construction process.

          References