Scaffolding & Surveys: How to Avoid Delays, Cut Costs, and Get It Right First Time

You’ve got a building to develop, restore or redesign — and you need accurate elevation surveys. But there’s a problem: scaffolding is already up. Netting and sheeting are in place. Time is tight. You’re wondering: “Can we still get this surveyed?”

 

Yes, usually. But it may take longer, cost more, and miss critical details - if you take the wrong approach. This is a situation we help clients through all the time — and we’ve learned how to help you avoid the pitfalls before they cost you.

The Challenge: You Need Reliable Survey Data, But Scaffolding Stands in the Way

Scaffolding might seem like a minor inconvenience, but for surveyors, it changes everything. You want high-quality CAD drawings, Revit models or point clouds — but that netting, sheeting and timber are blocking clear views of the building.

 

Laser scanners and drone cameras need direct line of sight. If that’s obscured, your data may be incomplete or inaccurate. And rework later? That costs more.

 

A Better Path: How to Get the Survey Right

As your guide, we’ve helped many architects, engineers and developers through this exact challenge. Here's what we've learned:

🕒 Step 1: Timing is Everything

Best case scenario: Get your measured survey done before the scaffold goes up. This ensures the most complete, cost-effective and straightforward result. You'll save days, avoid delays to your design work, and prevent frustration down the line.

🚫 Step 2: Remove the Netting or Sheeting (if already in place)

If the scaffolding is already up, ask your contractor to remove any mesh or plastic coverings in survey zones. Without this, our scanners can’t capture vital detail — and that may mean gaps in your drawings or models.

 

The Obstacles: What Happens If We Can’t Get a Clear Shot?

Not every project happens at the perfect time. We get it. Here’s how we work around common issues:

🧗‍♂️ Scanning from the Scaffolding

If the scaffold is:

 

• Stable
• Inspected
• Not in active use by others
• Unaffected by wind or movement

 

…then we can usually scan from it. This offers great access to hard-to-reach detail — especially on higher elevations. But it’s slower, less predictable, and will increase the overall cost due to the setup and safety requirements.

 

Important: We never work from scaffolding that hasn’t had a recent inspection. Safety always comes first.

🪟 Working from the Inside Out

Sometimes, we can scan through open windows using lightweight scanning rigs or handheld mobile devices. This lets us collect high-precision data from otherwise inaccessible elevations — especially useful on enclosed sites or where scaffolding isn’t an option.

🚁 When Drones Save the Day

Drone surveys are a game-changer when ground-based or scaffold-based access isn’t feasible. Especially useful for:

 

• High-rise buildings
• Heritage sites
• Courtyards or complex elevations

 

Our drones capture high-resolution imagery and survey-grade data from unique angles — often solving the “unsurveyable” problem in minutes. Even with scaffolding in place our drones can often help pick up critical detail extremely accurately.

 

The Honest Truth: Some Areas Might Still Be Hidden

Sometimes, sections of the building — like areas behind dense scaffold boards or tightly wrapped sheeting — are simply unreachable. If that happens, we’ll flag it early and explain your options. We believe in transparency and won’t leave you guessing.

 

The Plan That Works

✅ 1. Talk to Us Early

Before scaffolding goes up, even if you haven’t finalised plans, give us a call. We’ll advise on timing and what to avoid.

📸 2. Share Site Photos or Book a Visit

A few clear images or a short site meeting can make all the difference. It helps us plan accurately and quote fairly.

🔧 3. Let Us Create a Tailored Solution

From full Revit BIM models to simple CAD elevations, we’ll adapt to your project’s requirements — and your constraints.

 

Why Clients Choose Bury Associates

We’ve worked on everything from compact extensions to 20-storey tower blocks. And we know how to adapt — using a mix of ground-based scanning, drones, internal access, and old-fashioned problem-solving.

 

You’re the expert in your building project. We’re the experts in making it measurable — even when scaffolding tries to get in the way.

 

Let’s Tackle It Together

Scaffolding might slow others down. It doesn’t stop us.

 

The key is early communication, realistic expectations, and having a survey team who’ve seen it all before.

 

Got scaffolding in the way? We’ve probably seen worse. Need a measured building survey? Let’s figure out the best way forward.

 

👉 Fill in our REQUEST A QUOTE form or give us a call on 01905 622495 and we’ll help you get the clarity you need.