Measured Building Surveys
A MBS (measured building survey) is an accurate representation of a building, typically a digital drawing that features structural and architectural elements. It commonly refers to measured floor plans of a building, building façade elevations and an internal short and/or long cross sections. We also occasionally provide other associated survey drawings such as reflected ceiling plans, floor flatness surveys, internal wall/room elevations and M & E service layout plans.
Floor plans
Floor plans are highly accurate plans of a building in drawing/digital format. Room layouts and features would be surveyed including details such as walls, columns, door positions inc size and swings, window positions and attributes, staircases and steps, sanitary fittings, floor to ceiling heights and window sill & head heights. Various other features may also be surveyed and placed on drawings determined by client requirements, budget and timeframe.
Elevations & Sections
Elevations are an accurate representation of an existing building façade, its shape, size and features including windows, doors, architrave, services, roof details and levels. Internal cross sections represent a slice through a building a given location. This allows the viewer a quick and clear understanding of external, floor, ceiling and roof level differences. Our measured building surveys are typically established and surveyed on OS grid allowing accurate levels relative to O.D.N.
With many years of experience in surveying buildings and structures such as farmhouses, terrace homes, offices, swimming pools, barnes, schools, factories, bridges, hotels, churches and retail premises, we can provide you with the drawings you require.
What’s Involved?
- A bespoke specification or our pre-determined comprehensive survey specification can be used as a checklist to ensure the details you require are included in the survey. Or as some of our clients prefer, can be customised with options to better suite individual priorities such as a more cost-effective or time-effective solution.
- Following an initial consultation, our surveyor would familiarise themselves with the site and explore the variety of methods and work flows best suited to survey the site. An on-site risk assessment would also be completed. Site work is typically carried out by initially establishing an OS site control grid using our survey grade RTK GPS unit. Survey details would typically be collected via the latest high-definition 3D laser scanner and/or total station. In some situations, a traditional hand sketching and using a tape and disto operation, is still a more convenient and suitable form of MBS.
Our surveyor would move throughout the building measuring all areas in a typically sequential pattern, where conditions allow. By utilising a 3D laser scanner, this allows us to accurately observe and record any angular anomalies along walls, irregular shaped rooms and account for walls that are not plumb. This information can be collected quickly and vastly minimise human errors when measuring. On-site photographs are also taken and shared with the client. - Following the site operation, an accurate survey plan could be used for refurbishment projects, renovation projects, space planning or historical archiving. Architects, developers, planning professionals, project managers, builders and any individuals seeking a fuller understanding of a building would hold floor plans as an integral and critical part of any redevelopment project.
What’s provided?
- Survey data is processed using specialist techniques and the latest point cloud registering, editing and publishing software. When a high level of iteration integrity is achieved a model can be published for plotting and editing in an AutoCAD format.
- Drawings are scrutinised for clarity and verified before being issued. These typically provided digitally in 2D format as well as in PDF. Paper/hard copies can also be issued upon this request.
At Site Focus Surveys we understand the importance of integrity, accuracy, and trustworthy plans. With over 20 years of field and office experience on small, medium and large scale measured building surveys, we pride ourselves in delivering high quality drawings and empowering our clients with reliable and clearly presented data. Our survey practices and plans are generally in accordance with RICS and TSA best practice guidelines.
