Also known as ‘As Constructed’ surveys, this type of survey is usually produced at the end of a construction phase or when construction is complete. They are a definitive record of where buildings and other permanent features such as roads, pavements, walls and other aspects have been built. However, they can also be carried out at specific points in a project, to provide a digital record at a given point in time, such as at the end of the groundworks phase, or at the end of the first or second fix phase. Having such a record can be useful in the future, when further development takes place at the site, for example, or clear and accurate plans need to be drawn up for road or drainage adoption.
Measurable benefits
As-built surveys have a range of benefits. They can be used to demonstrate to regulatory bodies, such as building inspectors, that the project has been built to conform to the design and any codes of practice have been adhered to. They also provide a clear and accurate depiction of the size and scale, with all the necessary dimensions. This is particularly practical when they are submitted alongside Matterport 360 walk throughs of a site, so that the drawing’s dimensions can be viewed with photographic evidence of what exists at that point of time. This is great if there is the possibility of litigation further down the project, as drawings and photographs can be used as evidence of where a project was up to on specific dates.
As a result of the data capture, the information can be digitised, used and shared across multiple formats and devices. In this way, it can be easily accessed from any location, by many means, by anyone that requires it. Having workable and adaptable data at your disposal is invaluable, not just at the end of a project but during one too. They can be used – as an audit by a quantity surveyor would – to illustrate the progression of work and also the quantities of material used. The measuring of dimensions also demonstrates the extent of completion, the progress across timescales made and the timeline of work so far. Thinking beyond the usual application of as-built surveys can pay dividends – this is especially true on lengthy, interrupted or complex projects.
A range of applications
Beyond residential and commercial construction programmes, as-built surveys can be used for a wide range of land projects, including roads and rail construction, utility improvements and changes in industrial or manufacturing plant – such as warehouse storage or large factory projects. They can be also used to obtain a completion certificate, which allows the return of retention funds.
Local drainage authorities or utilities providers may require as-built sewer records before they can officially adopt a drainage network. These would be combined with underground utilities surveys and existing historical data to create a complete picture of a site, demonstrating where new drainage meets existing drainage networks. Highways authorities require them, prior to the adoption of completed works on new developments – such as new road networks or junctions adjoining existing roads. In all these instances, data captured can be cross-checked with the original proposed layouts, to highlight any anomalies or potential challenges.
If you think you require an as-built survey for your construction project, then why not get in touch with one of our experts to find out how we can help you – at whatever stage your project has reached.
