Frequently Asked Questions & Downloads
What is a topographic survey?
The survey and production of plans of the natural and man-made features of land, drawn true to scale with height information, contours etc. Please see our topographic survey page for more information.
What is an MBS (measured building survey)?
A measured building survey usually includes internal floor plans and external elevations of the building. We are also able to complete sections and street scenes (which include elevations of adjoining properties). Please see our measured building survey page for more information.
What is setting out?
Setting out is the marking on the ground, both in plan and height, of the position of buildings under construction. This ensures that the new construction is positioned exactly as per the design drawings. Please see our setting out page for more information.
How long will the survey take?
The time each survey takes will of course depend on the size of the job and the level of detail required. Ensuring that the site is as clear as possible and the boundaries are accessible will help keep your costs down. For more information on ways you can help us to complete your survey more efficiently please see ways to minimise your survey costs.
How much will it cost?
We quote for topographical and measured building surveys on an individual basis according to our estimate of the time required to complete the field work. It's really important that you furnish us with as much information as possible; are the boundaries easily accessible; is the area is overgrown or steep etc. It may be necessary for us to come and visit the site to enable us to quote accurately.
Setting out is charged at an hourly rate as there are often unforeseen delays/obstacles on building sites beyond our control. Please see our download: ways to minimise your survey costs.
What kind of survey do I need?
If you are planning to develop a site, build an extension, create a new access, or landscape your garden etc. we can complete accurate and detailed topographic surveys for this purpose.
Have you purchased a house and plan to make internal alterations of any kind? Our surveyors have a lot of experience in creating accurate floor plans using the latest equipment. We are often asked to return to update the plans once the alterations have been made - so you will always have an accurate plan of your house when you come to sell it. For advice on what type of survey you require please call our Salisbury office or get in touch with your architect/solicitor who may be commissioning a survey on your behalf.
I am buying a house and need a survey for conveyancing, can you help?
We do not carry out structural surveys, condition reports or valuations and recommend you contact a building surveyor for this purpose. We can give you contact details for companies in the area who do specialise in this field if required.
What geographical area do you cover?
Our team of surveyors is based in the South of England, however we've completed jobs as far afield as Miami and are prepared to travel if necessary, please remember however that our hourly rate includes travel. We have surveyors based in Salisbury and Poole.
What is the difference between a 'connected' and an 'unconnected' floorplan?
Where the survey is 'connected', the rooms are surveyed by theodolite to obtain pin-point accuracy of the room outlines and levels throughout the building - all connected by instrument to the external survey control. This method is appropriate for older properties where walls are 'out-of-square' or where structural alterations are planned. Where the survey is 'unconnected' the survey is carried out by traditional 'tape and disto' methods with no internal survey control. This method is suitable for more modern buildings where rooms are generally 'square'.
PDF downloads
Tailor-made Drawings
The LDS Checklist lets you specify exactly how your drawing will be presented.
5°