Measured Building Surveys in CAD

A measured building survey is a digital depiction of your building that shows its precise measurements and dimensions. Involving a total laser scan followed by the production of detailed digital drawings, measured surveys can show all elements of a building, including floor plans, elevations, and sections. Usually, the survey is specified to a particular level of detail, with acceptable tolerances for scale, accuracy, costs, and delivery times.

Typically, a measured building survey includes elements like floor plans, elevations, and sections.

• Floor plans show the layout of each level of the building, featuring details like windows, doors, stairs, and the positions and sizes of walls.
• We term elevations as the external and internal views of a building, including their facades, materials, and heights.
• Sections constitute cross-sections of the building that reveal the structure's profile, showing information about floor and ceiling heights as well as structural elements like beams and columns.
• For heritage surveys, capturing ornamental details like mouldings and carvings is also important, as this enables conservationists to understand and respect the building's historical character.

First, the surveyor travels to the site and uses specialist equipment to gather all the important information about the building. Once the data has been collected and returned to the office, skilled technicians set to work producing a detailed digitisation of the structure in question, outputting their product to the specifications of the client.

Laser scanners, total stations, and drones are the mainstays of a surveyor's toolkit. Each of these instruments uses specific technology to help the surveyor capture even the finest details about a building. A total station optimises angle measurements, perfect for recording precise coordinates. Laser scanners use Light Detection and Ranging technology (LiDAR) to record precise distances between elements. Lastly, a drone employs photogrammetry to obtain data on remote elements of a building. The most advanced models of survey equipment combine these technologies to acquire the most accurate data possible.

At Bury Associates, we stay updated with the latest innovations in surveying equipment and technology, so that we can continue to deliver the most accurate and detailed surveys for our clients.

Once all the measurements have been taken, skilled technicians begin processing the raw data, which is then transformed into detailed drawings using CAD software. We also create a 3D model in a BIM-friendly format like Revit and IFC.

The measured building survey is then delivered to the client, who may request revisions or additional details, with the surveyor providing updates accordingly.

There are a variety of situations where measured buildings surveys are required.

• Firstly, renovation and refurbishment projects must be planned in consideration of the existing structure. Not only does this ensure that the new elements fit properly, but that the design aligns with the building's structural limits. When planning on extending a building, a measured building survey should be conducted to ensure that the proposed design respects boundary limits and building regulations.
• For heritage buildings, measured building surveys are essential to document the current state of the structure in great detail. This is to help restoration projects maintain historical accuracy. What is more, older structures particularly benefit from the non-invasive techniques used in a heritage survey. This is because the modern use of lasers eliminates the chance of accidental damage to the structure.
• Measured building surveys are also vital for interior design purposes. For a design to work well within the space, careful consideration must be taken of the property's internal dimensions, such as the positions and sizes of doors.

Many professionals involved at various stages of the construction process require our services. At Bury Associates, our measured building surveys have helped architects, engineers, and conservationists bring designs to life since 1997.

It is wise to commission a measured building survey if you are planning on redeveloping or extending a property. Acquiring a set of accurate measurements helps to keep costs down by avoiding unforeseen complications, such as unwittingly ordering the wrong size materials, only to realise when they are due to be fitted.

A seamless construction project can be planned only with a strong foundation of prior knowledge about the building. That way, developers can conduct risk assessments, identify potential issues, and streamline the process as much as possible.

A measured building survey's duration depends on several factors, including:

• the site location
• the size and complexity of the building
• the level of detail specified by the client
• the deliverables requested

Obtaining a free quote will give you the best idea of survey timings. We will inform you of the lead time, which is the length of time before a surveyor can visit the site. At Bury Associates, we understand that deadlines can be tight, which is why we remain in constant communication with our clients. Due to our commitment to top-quality service, we can issue certain data and deliverables early if our client needs them sooner.

On average, a measured building survey costs around £500 + VAT per man-day that a project takes. For example, conducting a survey of a small commercial property may involve one day on-site, followed by three days for data-processing and drawing or modelling. This would bring the cost to around £2,000.

The deliverables specified can also affect the cost of a measured building survey. Generally, prices for 2D and 3D surveys are very similar for building of a standard construction. However, heritage buildings with ornate internal features or detailed facades tend to cost more when being delivered in 3D than in 2D.

Read our dedicated blog post to find out more about the cost of a measured building survey.

Since costs can vary widely based on the location and complexity of the project, we advise you to request a quote to get an accurate price.