Measured Building Survey Brief Template: What to Include
A measured building survey brief should specify exactly what you need. Use this template to commission the right survey for your project.
Your Brief Template
Project Information
| Item | What to Specify | | --- | --- | | Purpose | Planning application, extension design, heritage consent | | Property address | Full address with postcode | | Building type | Victorian terrace, 1930s semi, listed building | | Approximate floor area | Approximate sqm | | Number of floors | Basement, ground, all upper floors | | Conservation area / listed building | Yes / No | | Planning authority | Confirm LPA validation requirements |
Access Requirements
| Item | What to Confirm | | --- | --- | | Occupancy | Occupied and furnished or vacant | | Key holders | All doors accessible | | Loft / roof access | Hatch available or scaffolding needed | | Basement / cellar | Accessible or not | | External areas | Gardens, outbuildings, boundaries |
Required Deliverables
| Deliverable | Required? | Format | | --- | --- | --- | | Floor plans (all floors) | Yes / No | DWG + PDF | | External elevations (all four sides) | Yes / No | DWG + PDF | | Cross-sections (minimum 2) | Yes / No | DWG + PDF | | Floor levels | Yes / No | Annotated on drawings | | Point cloud (E57/RCP) | Yes / No | E57 / RCP | | Revit BIM model | Yes / No | LOD 200 / 300 / 350 | | Reflected ceiling plans | Yes / No | DWG + PDF |
Technical Standards
| Standard | Requirement | | --- | --- | | RICS specification | RICS Measured Surveys 3rd Edition | | Scale | 1:50 or 1:100 | | Scale bar | Visual scale bar on every drawing | | Coordinate system | OS National Grid or local grid | | Accuracy class | Confirm with surveyor |
Surveyor Requirements
| Requirement | Why It Matters | | --- | --- | | RICS regulated | Professional accountability | | PI insurance | £10M+ minimum | | Sample drawings | Verify quality | | Turnaround | Standard 2–3 weeks / Express (+40–60% premium) |
Programme
| Milestone | Typical Timing | | --- | --- | | Quote response | 20 minutes – 2 days | | Site visit | 1.5 hours (flat) to 8 hours (house) | | Drawing delivery | 3–7 working days post-visit | | Total programme | 2–3 weeks standard |
Questions to Ask the Surveyor
| Question | Good Answer | | --- | --- | | Are you RICS regulated? | RICS registration number provided | | What accuracy do you achieve? | ±2–3mm | | Do you follow RICS 3rd Edition? | Yes | | What's your PI insurance? | £10M+ | | Revisions included? | Yes — within scope | | OS National Grid coordinates? | Yes / Local grid only |
2025 Costs
| Property Type | Cost (ex VAT) | | --- | --- | | Small flat / bedsit | £350–£700 | | 2–3 bed house | £600–£1,200 | | 4–5 bed house | £900–£1,800 | | Listed / heritage | +30–50% | | London average | +20–30% on UK average |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I specify the coordinate system in my brief?
Yes — specify OS National Grid for planning applications. Local grid is acceptable for non-planning uses.
Q: What happens if I commission without specifying deliverables?
You may receive only floor plans when you needed elevations. Commission everything upfront.
Q: Can I add deliverables after commissioning?
Yes — but at additional cost. Commission everything upfront.
Q: What if the surveyor misses something in the brief?
Contact immediately and request correction. Professional surveyors include revisions within scope.
Q: Express turnaround — when is it worth the premium?
Express turnaround (+40–60%) is worth it for urgent planning deadlines. For standard programmes, book 2–3 weeks ahead to avoid the premium.