Our Blog
The Seven Best Free CAD Programs in 2026: Discover the AutoCAD Alternatives for Architects
The world of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software never stands still. Since we first published this guide, some big names have disappeared while others have gone from strength to strength – so we have fully updated our round-up for 2026. If you’re an architect or designer who’s familiar with AutoCAD and you’re on the lookout for…
Do I need a topographical survey for planning permission in 2026?
Wondering “Do I need a topographical survey for planning permission in 2026?” In most cases, yes-or at least you’ll benefit greatly from having one before you submit. A topographical survey verifies that your proposed design fits within the site boundaries and existing conditions. It pinpoints the exact location of underground utilities, the positions of existing…
A Look Back at 2025
This year of surveys at Bury Associates As we’re bringing 2025 to a close, it feels like a nice moment to pause, reflect and say a proper thank you. This year was shaped by the clients we’ve worked with, the land and buildings we’ve surveyed and the conversations we’ve had along the way and we…
How Long Does a Topographical Survey Take?
Discover realistic UK timescales for topographical surveys: 1-2 week booking, 1 day on site, 1-2 days for drawings. Tips to keep your project moving.
Topographical Surveys for Visibility Splays
Designing a safe access to a highway hinges on getting the visibility splay right. Whether you are preparing a planning submission or detailed access design, the quality of the topographical survey behind your drawing will decide how quickly highways officers can sign it off. At Bury Associates we produce road and site surveys across the…
Floor Flatness Surveys: All You Need to Know
Discover how floor flatness surveys verify your slab meets spec – improving safety, speeding installations and preventing damage with precision laser scanning.
Can You Locate and Trace a Domestic Water Pipe?
Can you locate and trace a domestic water pipe? Get our surveying team’s honest guide to finding stop taps, mapping the straight-line route and safe hand digging. Installers sometimes route around obstructions such as trees, walls, driveways or drainage runs.
Post-Strip Out Laser Scan Surveys: Capturing the True State of Your Building
Refurbishment projects are full of surprises. In fact, once walls come down, ceilings are opened, and finishes are removed, what remains is the real building. Certainly not the building shown on historic drawings. At this critical stage, an accurate record of the existing structure is essential. That’s where our post-strip out laser scan surveys come…
How to get an Accurate Measured Survey of a Roof
Roofs are often the most important and most challenging parts of a building to measure accurately. Whether you’re planning repairs, designing PV installations, checking parapet heights or modelling an entire structure, the goal is simple: obtain reliable roof data without putting anyone at risk. Here’s how we approach roof surveys at Bury Associates, using the…