First Stage of any Building Project. A Measured Survey, why and how?

WHY?

A measured survey is required to produce the existing drawings and it's important that these drawings are accurate.

When statutory approvals are required both the Planning Service and Building Control will want to know what is existing and what is proposed. This enables them to assess that all work is within Planning Policy and Building Regulations.

Later your builder will price using both existing and proposed drawings, together with details and a specification booklet.

HOW?

In general a measured survey of a dwelling takes between 2 - 4 hrs depending on the complexities of the dwelling, layout and size.

Firstly I draw by hand a pencil sketch of the layout, then record measurements using both a tape and laser measure. Here's an example below..

Typical Measured Survey of a Dwelling (Before producing CAD Drawings)

Measurements of the elevations are also recorded including heights of windows, doors and eaves etc. Photos taken and used back in my office to refer to when transferring the survey onto CAD (computer aided drawing) The existing plans and elevations are then used to prepare the proposals.

Example of a completed EXISTING Plan after a Measured Survey:

After carrying out the measured survey, CAD drawings are produced.

Example of a completed EXISTING Elevation after a Measured Survey:

Typical CAD Elevation

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and hopefully you now have a better understanding about the first stage of any building project.

If you have a project in mind and would like to discuss it with me, please get in touch and I will be happy to answer any questions you have, offer my advice, no obligation.

Glenn 0771 9912695 or by email glenn@gtbuildingdesign.co.uk