A measured survey involves taking accurate measurements from a building and then translating them in a digital format to construct an accurate and details survey of the building’s structure. Usually, measured surveys ensure that architects, structural engineers, and design teams have precise and in-depth measurements of a building’s layout.
A measured survey can cost varying amounts depending on a number of factors. You can expect the average measured building survey to cost between £800 and £2000 depending on the size of the property, with a price of at least £3200 for a very large property. The time taken will be between 4 and 8 hours to complete the survey.
If you don’t need a full measured survey but require drawings of the property, you will need to figure in the costs of 2D and 3D BIM models which will be around £375 and £550 respectively.
Which Factors Affect The Price Of Measured Surveys?
There are a number of factors impacting the final cost of your measured survey. These include:
- The property’s size – big buildings, especially those that have over 5 bedrooms, cost more to survey. If a property has lots of floors, the survey cost will also be higher as the survey will take longer to complete.
- The accuracy – surveys that need to be extremely accurate cost more due to the length of time it takes to survey a building to the highest accuracy level. If any specialist equipment like drones or laser scanners are needed, this too increases the overall cost.
- How many drawings are needed – the more detail and drawings you need, the more the survey will cost due to the extra labour and time it takes.
- Access – surveys need to access the property to survey it, and if that requires a drone or other complex technology, the survey will cost more than one on an easy to access property. Make sure that any parking permits or congestion charges have also been budgeted for.
- Location – wherever you live has an effect on your final survey cost as some areas, like London, are more costly.
How Do I Save On My Measured Survey?
The best way to minimise the cost of a measured survey is to compare quotes. Try to get quotes from several different local surveyors so you can compare them and see which one best suits your budget. Alternatively, you could choose a more affordable, less detailed measured survey, although it will give a reduced insight into the structure of the property.
What Does A Measured Survey Involve?
Measured surveys are used for mapping out a building’s existing structure in an accurate way, with detailed floorplans as well as information regarding the property’s sections and elevations. Several pieces of equipment are used by surveyors to gather this information including 3D lasers and sketches.
They go through every floor of the building, collecting information. Once this has been done, the drawings are finalised in 3D or 2D and then passed on to architects, structural engineers, or designers so they can continue with the process of renovation or construction.
Finding And Hiring Surveyors
It’s best to try to get a recommendation for a reliable surveyor from a friend, family member, work colleague, or neighbour. However, if you don’t know anyone who can help, you could consult with the Survey Association who can point you towards a reliable professional.
When looking for the right surveyor for you, you should get your quotes in writing as that makes it easy for you to see what will be covered by your payment and avoid any potential misunderstandings. It also makes it far simpler to compare different quotes. You should also make sure that any surveyor you work with has the necessary experience and skills to complete the job correctly.
Check out reviews, social media, and websites to make sure that they can be trusted, and if there are any photographs to support their work, check those out too. All surveyors must have insurance to work legally in the UK. If you can’t see any reference to insurance when researching surveyors, make sure to ask them about it in person or over the phone. Never be afraid to check that there is appropriate insurance in place as without it you could end up with a lot of problems.
Do I Really Need To Get A Measured Survey?
A measured survey will be used for calculating a building’s area and identifying whether there are any potential issues between the construction and design plans. A measured survey will provide a detailed floor plan for the property along with any intricacies and elevations.
If you are getting renovation or construction work done, it is likely to be necessary to get a measured survey carried out as part of the process to be sure that the design team including your architects and structural engineers have the relevant information they need to progress forward with your project.
What Do Drawings For A Measured Survey Include?
A measured survey drawing will include full details about the area and size of the site, although the extent of the detail for each survey will be specific depending on the requirements that have already been agreed upon.
Who Carries Out Measured Surveys?
There is a common misconception that architects perform measured surveys, but that isn’t actually the case. You will need to engage the services of a qualified surveyor if you need a measured survey for your property.
How Much Will It Cost To Get A Home Buyer’s Survey Carried Out?
The cost of a home buyer’s survey will always vary depending on the kind of survey you’re opting for. You can expect to pay somewhere between £200 and £1400.
A level 3 building survey which checks the structure of your property will cost somewhere between £600 and £1500 and can take anywhere between two hours and eight hours depending on the size of your property and where in the country it’s located.