Surveyors are responsible for many different types of surveys, but their greatest contribution to construction projects is made before the shovels hit the dirt. They perform pre-construction surveys and as-built surveys.
These surveys establish reference points to transfer design plans onto the worksite and guide contractors throughout the building process. These surveys also check to make sure new structures are built per specifications and avoid costly mistakes.
Pre-Construction Surveys
Construction surveys play an important role throughout a construction project by identifying any potential problems that may occur at a site. They ensure safety and compliance, facilitate better planning and execution, and contribute to cost reduction.
A pre-construction survey is conducted before construction begins. It reviews the condition of a property adjacent to a construction site and looks for any signs of damage or structural settlement. It also identifies the presence of any utilities, monuments or existing structures that need to be retained.
By providing a detailed record of pre-existing conditions, a pre-construction survey protects developers and contractors from claims during and after construction is completed. For adjacent property owners, the report serves as a baseline against which any damage or movement can be attributed to construction activities and thus a developer or contractor’s responsibility to remediate, according to Castle Surveys.
The survey also identifies “zones of influence,” which are areas where it’s likely that blasting, pile driving or other construction activities will cause structural settlement or damage to buildings and utilities. It helps contractors implement measures to minimize the impact of these activities on surrounding structures, and communicates these risks with adjacent property owners before construction starts.
Having professional pre-construction surveys performed and documented prevents the common practice of “he saw, she saw” counterclaims from adjoining property owners when they claim to have seen or experienced construction damage. It can also save time and money by eliminating the need for a lengthy litigation process if a dispute arises.
For developers and contractors, a pre-construction survey provides loss control and a predictable claims defense mechanism. If an adjacent property owner makes a claim that they have sustained damage due to construction activities, the survey can be used to show that any damage or movement was already present prior to the start of construction.
Once a construction project is completed, a post-construction survey is conducted to compare the adjacent property’s condition with its pre-construction state. This type of survey is particularly important for projects that involve significant excavation, demolition or the relocation of existing utilities or other infrastructure. It also helps ensure that the new construction is constructed according to the original design.
As-Built Surveys
An as-built survey is a post-construction assessment that verifies the constructed elements of a construction project align with the design plans. This process involves surveyors measuring the final dimensions, locations and other attributes of buildings, infrastructure, roads, utilities and other components to determine if they match the design.
This is a vital part of the construction process, as discovered errors are very costly to correct and can lead to delays, budget overruns and potentially even structural failures. By identifying and documenting any discrepancies between the original design and the actual installation of the construction project, as-built surveys are able to reduce rework costs and improve overall quality.
Surveyors are able to verify the construction of a project against the original plans by collecting data on the final dimensions, location and other attributes of the construction, such as the position and level tolerances of different components. The data is then compared with the design plans to identify any differences and report on them.
As-built surveys are often required by contractors and building owners as part of the project delivery process. They are also used by facilities managers for ongoing maintenance, renovations and expansions to help ensure that all data pertaining to the construction is documented accurately in an easy to locate and manage fashion.
When do you need an As-Built Survey?
As the project nears completion it is imperative that an as-built survey be commissioned. This is because the as-built survey will record the final positioning and level tolerances of differing components and elements of a construction project, such as buildings, waterways, roads, infrastructure, steel frames etc.
This information can be compiled at the end of the project, or as it is being built. It is a useful tool for the contractor, engineers, architects and project managers to reference against the original design and plans to resolve any issues as they occur during the construction phase of the project.
Architects, Engineers, Main Contractors, and Sub-Contractors all use as-built surveys on a regular basis for verification purposes. They are also essential for facilitating project closeout. Surveys can also be utilised for existing buildings, or to update documentation in preparation of renovations, or when the property is being sold.
Monitoring Existing Structures
Once construction has begun, surveyors continue to monitor progress and check that the project is being built according to design plans. Using tools like GPS devices to measure distances and create visual maps, surveyors are able to keep an eye on the entire worksite. Having access to this information throughout the process ensures that the finished project will match its original blueprints and keeps crew members safe while on-site.
In addition to ensuring that construction is being done as intended, monitoring also helps to identify any issues before they cause major problems. This can include identifying underground fuel tanks or contaminated groundwater. Performing due diligence is vital to protect the safety of workers and nearby residents while minimizing additional expenses.
Surveyors are also responsible for assessing the condition of a piece of land before it is developed. This is especially important for commercial buildings and roadways, where a construction survey can help determine whether the location of the new facility will be within flood zones or other regulations. This information is necessary to avoid costly construction errors and potential legal issues.
In the final stage of construction, a surveyor can provide an as-built survey report that provides proof that the completed project is in accordance with the original design. This is often required by regulatory bodies and lenders, and it can save money by avoiding unnecessary rework and cost overruns.
Construction surveys are a crucial step in every building project. General contractors should embrace the role of the surveyor and work closely with them to maintain accurate measurements, reduce rework onsite, and deliver projects that are on-time and on-budget. By fostering a positive relationship with surveyors and supporting their work with modern systems, GCs can greatly reduce risk factors and ensure successful outcomes.
In addition to using modern technologies, surveyors still rely on traditional tools like measuring tapes and wheels. These are useful for making quick measurements, especially when high precision is not needed. Many surveyors also use data collectors to store and manage the results from their various instruments, enabling them to produce maps, reports, and other deliverables on-site.
Final Reports
Surveying plays an important role in construction projects. Large-scale projects often include highways, buildings, pipes, and other man-made structures that need to be surveyed in order to ensure that they are located accurately and are built according to the intended plans. However, smaller-scale projects can also benefit from the services of a qualified surveyor.
Professionally conducted surveys can help developers avoid costly mistakes that may require expensive rework and delay project completion. In addition, a thorough survey can provide valuable insight into obstacles and constraints that could negatively impact a construction site. With the right knowledge and experience, a surveyor can help a developer understand a property’s topography, soil conditions, drainage patterns, and existing features.
The first step of any construction project is a pre-construction survey, which examines the condition of the property before any work starts. This typically includes a topographic survey that locates all surfaces and depicts natural and man-made features and elevations of the land. The results of this survey are then mapped and can be used for reference during the construction process.
During the construction phase, surveyors use stakes to mark the location of roads, utilities, and other structures on the ground. This allows builders to build in the most efficient manner possible while ensuring that all of the construction is done according to the original design. Surveyors also monitor the progress of construction and adjust stakes as needed to maintain proper project control.
As with all types of surveys, construction surveys require a combination of skilled technical skill and attention to detail. By partnering with experienced surveyors, GCs can reduce the risk of costly rework onsite and ensure that their construction projects are completed on time and within budget.