As-Built Survey Template: What to Ask Your Surveyor
Use this template when commissioning an as-built measured building survey in the UK. It covers everything you need to specify — from deliverables to file formats — so surveyors can give you an accurate quote and you get the right data for your project.
1. Purpose and Use
| Item | What to Specify | | --- | --- | | Primary purpose | Planning permission, extension, refurbishment, listed building, BIM, legal record | | End user | Architect, interior designer, structural engineer, contractor, client | | Required accuracy and tolerance | Planning (1:100–1:200) vs detailed design (1:50) vs fabrication (tighter) | | Software workflow | AutoCAD, Revit BIM, ArchiCAD, other — specify version |
2. Property Details
| Item | What to Include | | --- | --- | | Full address | Include postcode for access planning | | Property type | Residential, commercial, industrial, listed, historic | | Number of floors | Including basement, attic, and roof space | | Gross Internal Area (GIA) | Approximate m² or ft² if known | | Occupancy status | Vacant, occupied, furnished, restricted access areas | | Access restrictions | Locked rooms, safe access times, health and safety issues |
3. Drawing Deliverables
| Deliverable | What to Specify | | --- | --- | | Floor plans (all floors) | Walls, doors, windows, stairs, columns, partitions | | Window and door details | Sill heights, head heights, architraves, glazing type | | External elevations (all 4 sides) | Full detail vs outline — specify which | | Roof plan | Ridges, valleys, chimneys, skylights, parapets | | Reflected ceiling plans (RCP) | Beams, bulkheads, lighting positions, ceiling heights | | Cross sections | Number and location (e.g., 2 sections through stairwell) | | Internal elevations | Specify which walls and rooms if not all | | Site plan | Building footprint, boundaries, neighbouring buildings | | 3D point cloud | RCP or RVT format for verification | | 3D BIM model | LOD 200, 300, or 350 — specify | | File formats | DWG, PDF, RVT, RCP, DXF — specify versions |
4. Feature Detail Level
| Feature | Include in Survey? | | --- | --- | | Structural walls and columns | Yes — always | | Door and window openings | Yes — always | | Staircases and balustrades | Yes — always | | Ceiling heights and floor levels | Yes — always | | Sanitary equipment (WCs, sinks) | Yes — always | | Fixed joinery and built-in furniture | Optional — specify | | Surface finishes and materials | Optional — specify | | Service routes and utilities | Optional — specify | | Roof structure and insulation | If accessible — specify |
5. Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail | | --- | --- | | Scale | 1:50 (detailed design) or 1:100 (planning) | | Accuracy | ±10mm (manual) or ±2mm (laser scanned) | | Coordinate system | OS National Grid and datum, or project-specific | | Drawing standard | RICS Measured Surveys of Land, Buildings and Utilities | | Layering | BS1192 Part 4 or project-specific standard | | Version control | Issue numbers and dates on all drawings |
6. Timing and Programme
| Item | What to Confirm | | --- | --- | | Survey date | Preferred date and access time | | Site visit duration | 1–4 hours depending on property size | | Drawing delivery | Typically 3–10 working days | | Urgent turnaround | 24–72 hours available (express premium applies) |
7. 2025 UK Cost Guidance
| Property Type | Cost (ex VAT) | What's Included | | --- | --- | --- | | Small residential (2–3 bed) | £800–£2,000 | Floor plans plus 4 elevations | | Medium residential (4 bed) | £1,500–£3,500 | Plans, elevations, sections, roof plan | | Large or listed building | £3,500–£20,000+ | Full scope with heritage detail | | BIM model add-on | £7–£15/m² | LOD 300–350 |
Express delivery: Adds 20–50% to standard rates.
8. Questions to Ask Surveyors
Before commissioning, ask your surveyor:
- What survey method will you use — manual measured or 3D laser scanning?
- What accuracy can you guarantee?
- Will all areas be accessible on the survey day?
- What file formats will you deliver?
- How long will drawing delivery take?
- Do you have RICS accreditation?
- Do you have experience with listed or heritage buildings?
- What is your revision policy if drawings need changes?
- Are OS grid coordinates included?
- What is your cancellation policy?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I specify 1:50 or 1:100 scale?
1:50 for detailed design work and complex projects. 1:100 for planning applications and general reference.
Q: Do I need a point cloud or just CAD drawings?
CAD drawings are sufficient for most projects. Point cloud is useful for complex geometry, heritage projects, or if your team has in-house Revit modelling.
Q: What is LOD in BIM?
Level of Development — LOD 200 for feasibility, LOD 300 for design, LOD 350 for coordination, LOD 400 for fabrication.
Q: Should I specify internal elevations?
Only if you need detailed joinery, feature walls, or heritage detail. Standard surveys include external elevations only.
Q: What if areas are inaccessible on survey day?
Notify your surveyor in advance. Some inaccessible areas may need return visits or alternative measurement methods.