Whether you are planning a residential extension, a commercial fit-out, or renovating a heritage property, a measured building survey is the critical foundation of your project. Relying on outdated plans or manual measurements can lead to costly delays and construction errors.
In this comprehensive guide, we explain everything you need to know about commissioning a measured building survey in London, what deliverables to expect, and why 3D laser scanning is the industry standard.
Table of Contents
- 1. What is a Full Measured Building Survey?
- 2. Why Do You Need a Measured Survey in London?
- 3. What Does a Measured Building Survey Include?
- 4. Our 4-Step Surveying Process
- 5. How Much Does it Cost?
1. What is a Full Measured Building Survey?
A full measured building survey is a highly accurate digital representation of a building’s existing structure and architectural features. Using advanced terrestrial 3D laser scanners, surveyors capture millions of data points to create a “digital twin” (Point Cloud) of the property.
This data is then translated into precise 2D CAD drawings (floor plans, elevations, sections) or 3D BIM models, providing architects and engineers with the exact dimensions required for design and planning.
2. Why Do You Need a Measured Survey in London?
Conducting a measured building survey london presents unique challenges that require local expertise and advanced equipment. Here is why precision is vital in the capital:
- Planning Permission & Rights of Light: London boroughs have strict planning regulations. Accurate elevations and roof plans are essential to prove your extension won’t block a neighbour’s light or violate local guidelines.
- Complex Heritage Architecture: London is full of Victorian, Georgian, and listed buildings. Walls are rarely straight, and floors are often uneven. Only a 3D laser scanner can capture these historic anomalies accurately.
- Tight Urban Spaces: Terraced houses and dense commercial streets make access difficult. Modern scanners allow us to capture data safely from limited viewpoints without disturbing neighbours.
- Party Wall Agreements: If you are building near a shared boundary, accurate structural data prevents disputes with neighbours.
3. What Does a Measured Building Survey Include?
The deliverables depend on your specific brief and the Level of Detail (LOD) requested by your architect. A standard comprehensive package typically includes:
- Floor Plans: Exact internal layouts showing walls, doors, windows, staircases, and structural columns.
- External Elevations: Highly detailed vertical drawings of the building’s facades, including brickwork, rooflines, and window heights.
- Internal Elevations: Often required for heritage buildings or complex commercial fit-outs to map features like fireplaces, panelling, or exposed ductwork.
- Cross Sections: Vertical cuts through the building showing floor-to-ceiling heights, floor slab thicknesses, and roof structures.
- Reflected Ceiling Plans (RCP): Mapping out lighting fixtures, smoke detectors, and HVAC systems.
- Roof Plans: Detailing chimneys, parapets, roof pitches, and drainage.
4. Our 4-Step Surveying Process
At Measured Survey 365, we ensure a seamless and efficient workflow:
- Initial Consultation & Quote: We review your brief (or property address) and provide a fixed-price quotation within 30 minutes.
- On-Site Data Capture: Our surveyors visit your site with FARO/Leica 3D scanners. Most residential properties are fully scanned in 2 to 5 hours with zero disruption.
- Data Processing (Point Cloud): Back at the office, the millions of data points are registered into a single, millimeter-accurate 3D Point Cloud.
- Drafting & Delivery: Our CAD technicians trace the point cloud to create your exact 2D drawings (DWG/PDF) or 3D Revit models, typically delivered in 3 to 5 working days.
5. How Much Does it Cost?
The cost of a measured survey varies based on the property size and the level of detail required. For a standard residential property in London, prices typically start from £495 + VAT.
Commercial properties, complex heritage sites, or full 3D Scan-to-BIM requirements will require a bespoke quote. We guarantee transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Ready to Book Your Measured Building Survey?
Provide your architect with the exact data they need. Our expert surveyors are ready to deploy across London and the UK.
