Why You Need a Measured Building Survey

Understanding the Measured Building Survey Process

Client asked me: In the past, I have simply engaged an architect who drew up the plans of my house, including revisions for my renovation requirements.

Why do I need a measured building survey?

You might think that the only thing that changes in the renovation process is who carries out the work. However, the quality and efficiency of the process rely heavily on the expertise of the professionals involved.

Planning and Construction Project Visual Timeline

While you can measure the house, create drawings, develop ideas, translate them into plans, and even submit planning applications yourself, it is often unnecessary. After all, different experts have skills that lead to better outcomes.

Just as many of us would refrain from fixing our own cars, even if we could, we tend to seek help from professionals. This is precisely because their expertise allows them to achieve better results more efficiently.

Specialization in Measurement

Likewise, whether it’s you or an architect measuring the house, it's not just about who can do it. It's about who can do it with better quality and speed. Professionals possess the right tools, have the necessary understanding of the job, and know how to allocate their time effectively.

This is where a measured building surveyor comes into play. We specialize in accurately measuring houses and land. We don’t design or manage planning applications. While I could invest time learning about those areas, it would detract from my focus, which is precise measurement.

If an architect spends time on measuring and drafting, it diminishes the time they have available for design work. Thus, a surveyor is essential to enhance the process of architectural projects.

Accuracy and Efficiency in Large Projects

Especially on larger projects, it's not just about whether one person can do everything. It's about who can actually do it accurately and efficiently. This ensures that the process remains smooth.

The only difference in the process is who does what part. That's where we come in. Our tools, experience, and specialized team allow us to measure houses precisely. After our survey is completed, the architect can perform their job effectively.

Despite our capabilities, I firmly believe we should focus on what we excel at. When we spread ourselves too thin and deliver average results in areas outside our expertise, it leads to frustration, delays, and even financial losses.

Free Price Quotes with No Obligation

Our free price quotes come with no obligations. If you find that someone else can perform the work better, that's perfectly fine. Just let us know. We will remove the quote from our system and redirect our focus to projects where we can provide genuine help.

Benefits of Hiring Measured Building Surveyors

We help save time and prevent mistakes in the initial drawings, ensuring that the final design is accurate from the start. This stage is crucial, as it forms the foundation of the entire design and construction process.

Guidance and Support for DIY Enthusiasts

If you prefer to conduct the surveys yourself, we are happy to offer guidance and support. In some cases, we can assist in converting survey measurements into CAD drawings or 3D models. Whether the data comes from a laser scanner or hand measurements, we are here to help.

However, beyond that, our ability to assist diminishes if someone chooses to manage the work independently.

Accuracy in Plans for Regulations

Our plans comply with building regulations and construction standards. However, you might discover that you only need approximate plans for planning purposes, which do not require the same level of accuracy; they serve as illustrative guidelines.

Plans submitted for planning permission must be accurate, but they don’t need the technical precision mandated for construction drawings.

The Role of Measured Building Surveyors in the Process

This clarifies the role of measured building surveyors. We are an essential part of the process from week 1 to week 3 of any project. It’s often best for the remaining tasks to be handled by professionals—such as architects, planning consultants, structural engineers, party wall surveyors, and builders.

In many scenarios, the architect may act as the project manager, coordinating everything and acting as your main point of contact.

Read more in a blog post “What is Measured Building Survey?”

I hope this explanation helps clarify why a measured building survey is crucial. If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out.

Peter Bauman