Outside of 3D modelling services, our team of expert surveyors play a critical role in all major renovation, building and development work, both for residential and commercial projects. Throughout the construction process, surveyors work with both property owners and building teams to bring the project to life.
As a surveyor Yeppoon wide, our team will visit your property several times to capture the information you need for the design and approvals processes. The information provided by surveyors helps property owners deliver high-quality, compliant projects. In this article we want to dig deeper into the role surveyors play and see exactly what surveys are conducted on new build and renovation projects.
Surveying for Construction and Renovation Projects
Surveyors will be involved at various stages during construction and renovation projects. Their primary job is to provide the information that the owner, architect, builders and Council certifiers need to design, construct and finalise the property. Using a range of high-tech tools and equipment, a surveying team can accurately measure and assess a property, providing critical details to the project manager. Those details are typically captured at 4 stages throughout the project.
1. Cadastral and Boundary Surveys
A major part of the work involved with new builds and renovations, cadastral surveyors identify and mark out the exact location of a property. Knowing the boundaries of your land is important to utilising the block to its full potential. The exact location of your block also has a major impact on fulfilling Council requirements for any setbacks, restrictions or easements on the property.
For example, if you were subdividing your block and building two homes in its place, a cadastral surveyor would accurately mark out the subdivided properties to ensure they comply with the Queensland Development Code.
2. Contour Surveys and Detail Mapping
Once you know the exact location of a piece of land, you will be able to develop more specific plans that show the major topography and features of the property. Topography and features have a major impact on planning and building requirements, so it’s important to have all features properly identified during the planning phase. Contour and feature surveys are used to show:
- Temporary benchmark for construction
- Details of existing structures
- Details about neighbouring properties and structures
- Major features like fences and retaining walls
- Topography and terrain features on the property
- Vegetation
- Existing utility runs
Along with cadastral and boundary surveys, mapping the terrain and details of a property is the first major step in your home or renovation project. Your builder or architect will rely on these early survey results to design the property, with respect to things like elevation, height requirements, property boundaries and any existing structures.
3. Set-Out and Construction Surveys
Before construction can begin, surveyors will visit the property to perform a range of set-out, engineering and construction surveys. At this point in the process, the surveying team provides the information builders need to get started. This includes marking out the location of the structure relative to the property boundaries, monitoring the site for shifting and locating utilities and other services. If there are existing structures on the property – such as during a renovation – the surveyors may also assess those buildings to provide additional information for the approvals and construction processes.
4. As-Built Surveys
The final piece of the puzzle, surveyors visit the completed building to conduct as-built surveys, commonly known as an Asset Design and As Constructed (ADAC) in Queensland. An as-built survey is used to verify that the building was constructed in the right place as per the plans that were approved by Council. An as-constructed survey also provides the property owner with final plans that show the completed version of their house, including any amendments that may have been required along the way.
An as-built survey shows a range of information, including:
- The final location of the house on the property
- Where any new services or utility runs were added
- Any additions, alterations or improvements made to the property
- Ensuring the building complies with setbacks, easements and height requirements
As-built surveys are common during renovation projects and for newer builds that feature narrow blocks and smaller setbacks along the sides of homes.
Working On Your Next Building Project? Contact Sunrise Surveying Today!
Building projects are only as strong as the information you have at your fingertips. An experienced surveying team can provide accurate data that speeds your project along and allows you to meet all council and planning requirements. The team at Sunrise Surveying is fully equipped and trained to take on residential surveying projects of every size. From individual home renovations and constructions to large-scale residential developments, we can provide the data you need to plan and execute successful projects of all sizes. Contact us today to find out more about our surveying services or to make an appointment!