Choosing A Ground Or Building Surveyor To Depend On

By Author: Finlay Humphreys
Total Articles: 12
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You may assume that if you require a survey you can just ask for it. But if you just ask for a ‘utility survey’, for example, you may also, unknowingly, require utility mapping. Understanding these terms will help you to receive the correct type of survey. The most common surveys required are Utility Detection and Utility Mapping, Statutory Plan Collation, Measured Building Survey, Topographical Survey, Archaeological Survey and Geophysical Survey.

Utility Detection and Utility Mapping. Using the latest detection technology your provider should have the skills and equipment to locate just about any buried utility, including pipes, cables and drainage systems, without digging any holes. Ask whether your provider will be carrying out the utility detection survey using invasive or non-invasive methods. A general utility detection survey will show you the location of features in temporary painted lines on the ground. If you require a permanent copy of the utility detection survey you should ask for utility mapping: a colour coded detailed drawing of the detected utilities. Utility mapping is useful for future reference ...
... so is ideal during construction.

Statutory Plan Collation. A statutory plan surveyor uses existing documentation to produce a report of below surface infrastructure. This may, however, not be up-to-date, so this is ideally carried out in addition to Utility Detection (and, if you require it, Utility Mapping).

Measured Building Survey. A measured building surveyor will produce plans of a building or construction project. Measured building surveyors can create floor plans, elevations and 3D models of a structure, so understand how you want the findings presented.

Topographical Survey. The contour of a piece of land is measured in a topographical survey. Your surveyor should be able to have these incorporated into a full topographical survey colour-coded drawing if you require.

Archaeological Survey. If you need to locate archaeological sites on a landscape, or archaeological findings on a site, you will require an archaeological survey.

Geophysical Survey. A geophysical survey can identify and locate a huge range of buried features, including air voids and cavities, mineshafts, fuel tanks, air raid shelters, UXOs and badger sets. A geophysical survey can also illustrate the characterisation of land forms, geomorphology and waterfronts.

When choosing a surveyor look for a company with an expansive (and relevant) portfolio of experience. Qualifications are important in surveying, so ensure your surveyor is a member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), as RICS is the professional body of surveyors which monitors standards in the industry. Ask about the surveying company’s speed of response, and ensure that the time frame which they give you will suit your needs.