Measured, accurate building surveys

What are Measured Building Surveys?

Measured building surveys involve taking measurements of buildings to create digitised drawings to scale, assisting architects and designers in the planning, design and development phases. These surveys are to an agreed specification and level of detail with acceptable tolerances for scale, delivery times, accuracy and costs. 

Measured building surveys vary in elements and details, depending on the scale of the project and its requirements. Basic surveys can include doors, windows, walls and level changes, whilst a more complex survey can feature sanitary goods to electrical outlets. 

Our measured building surveys include:

• External elevations
• Internal elevations
• Floor plans
• Sections
• Roof plans

The scanned survey produces a 3D point cloud with high-definition photographs and millions of measured points captured internally and externally, allowing a visual walkthrough of the building. This point cloud can produce digital twins, 3D models or 2D drawings for structural engineers, architects and designers to use effectively. 

See our 3D model below of a wet – dry well 

When do you need a Measured Building Survey?

Measured building surveys assist architects and designers when renovating or extending a building, providing accurate drawings at a reduced scale. 

These surveys inform the architects and designers of the exact building layout and what was on site prior to demolition for building volume calculations, enabling accurate planning for new layouts.

Purposes for measured building surveys:

• Interior design layout
• Internal and external renovation, redevelopment or structural changes
• Health and safety checks, e.g. fire plan
• Massing calculations

Measured building surveys are essential for many providers, including architects, interior designers, structural engineers, property developers, private homeowners, construction companies and private estates. 

Before architects or property developers begin any work, a measured building survey provides the essential information for accurate planning, reducing wasted time and potential detrimental mistakes on the buildings.

How do Measured Buildings Surveys work?

Measured building surveys are essential to undertake a construction project accurately and safely, helping to form the basis of the proposed design and finished product. 

We use various equipment to conduct a measured building survey depending on the client’s requirements. From the latest scanners, total stations, GPS, ground penetrating radars, UAVs and drones to more traditional methods, such as measuring tapes and wheels, cameras and laser distance meters.

After completing the on-site survey, our team will process the information gathered and electronically draw the plan using a CAD (computer-aided design) software package. We’ll use the software to produce a range of drawings, such as sections, elevations, floor plans and roof plans. Once we’ve confirmed the specifications and level of detail, we’ll set a delivery timeframe.

Get SDS in for a Measured Building Survey

At SDS, we’re a long-standing, dedicated surveying business, delivering our services to private and public sectors across Kent and beyond. We specialise in measured building surveys, assisting architects, designers, landlords and property developers with accurate surveys for their property renovation projects.

Whether you’re expanding your current property, renovating an old building or working on a redevelopment project, we focus on delivering quality and reliable services using the latest surveying technology for your project. 

Contact our team today for more information about our surveying services or to book your measured building survey.