How Long Does an As-Built Survey Take?
A measured building as-built survey in the UK typically takes half a day to 2 days on-site depending on property size and survey method, with 5–7 working days for drawing delivery afterwards. Total project time from enquiry to drawings is usually 2–3 weeks.
Key Timelines by Property Type
| Property Type | On-Site Time (Traditional) | On-Site Time (Laser Scanning) | Drawing Delivery | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 1–2 bed flat or small house | 3–5 hours | 2–3 hours | 1–3 days | | 3–4 bed house | Full day (6–8 hours) | 3–5 hours | 3–5 days | | Large house or small commercial | 1–2 days | Full day | 4–7 days | | Large commercial building | 2–3+ days | 1–2 days | 5–10 days |
Laser scanning is faster on-site for medium and large buildings but requires 1–2 extra days for point cloud processing.
Typical Project Timeline
| Stage | Timing | | --- | --- | | Day 1 | Enquiry received | | Day 2–3 | Quote provided | | Day 5–10 | Survey visit | | Day 10–17 | Drawings delivered | | Total | 2–3 weeks from enquiry to delivery |
2025 Cost Guide (ex. VAT)
| Property Type or Scope | Price Range | | --- | --- | | 1–2 bed flat (plans only) | £350–£450 | | Small residential (up to 2,000 sq ft) | £450–£1,200 | | 3–4 bed house (plans plus elevations) | £500–£1,800 | | Small office or retail (<100m²) | £450–£650 | | Medium commercial (2,000–10,000 sq ft) | £850–£2,800 | | Large or complex commercial (10,000+ sq ft) | £1,800–£5,500+ | | 3D BIM model add-on | From £550 |
Average cost: ~£1,400 nationally, higher in London (£750–£850+ for home surveys). Surveyors typically charge £500–£800 per day on site.
What Affects Duration and Cost
| Factor | Impact | | --- | --- | | Number of floors | Each floor adds measurement or scanner positions | | Access issues | Locked rooms, clutter, restricted perimeter increase time | | Complexity | Irregular geometry, listed buildings, split levels add time | | Deliverables | Plans-only vs. elevations, sections, ceiling plans, 3D model | | Expedited delivery | Available in 72 hours with ~40% surcharge |
On-Site vs. Office Time
| Activity | Time | | --- | --- | | On-site measurement or scanning | 2–8 hours depending on property | | Point cloud processing (laser scanning) | 1–2 days extra | | CAD drawing and QC | 3–7 days | | Revisions and sign-off | 1–2 days if needed |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get a faster survey?
Yes — expedited delivery is available in 72 hours with approximately 40% surcharge. For standard turnaround, plan 2–3 weeks from enquiry to delivery.
Q: Does laser scanning take less time on site?
Yes — for medium and large buildings, laser scanning is faster on-site because it captures millions of points quickly. However, point cloud processing adds 1–2 days to office time.
Q: How do I prepare for a measured building survey?
Clear access to all rooms, remove furniture where possible, ensure loft access if applicable. Notify the surveyor of any locked areas in advance.
Q: Do I need to be present during the survey?
Not necessarily — the surveyor needs access to all areas, but you do not need to be present throughout. Discuss access arrangements with your surveyor.
Q: How long does a survey take for a 4-bedroom house?
Approximately 1 day on-site for a 3–4 bed house. Drawing delivery: 3–5 days. Total: 1–2 weeks from instruction.