How are As-Built Surveys Conducted?
posted 19th July 2024
Unplanned changes are not uncommon during a construction project. Changes can be due to a change of heart or unknown variables, this is where as-built surveys come into play. Accurate as-built surveys provide you with the buildings story, even if it includes a number of changes along the way. It also provides drafts, helping you come to the best conclusion.
Originally, as-built surveys were done manually, a very time consuming process. Today they are easy and seamless, thanks to advancements in technology.
What is an As-Built Survey?
The best way to describe an as-built survey is to visualise it as an as-is blueprint of your project. The survey provides valuable information on how the project exists after changes have taken place. This is an in-depth record of the structures as they are built, not planned, including final utility locations, materials, measurements, and more.
As-built surveys are the first part of a two-step process, making it possible to have as-built plans available, ensuring accurate measurements and placement data. These surveys are accompanied by as-built drawings or models, which provide a visual record on any changes to the original plans. It is a complete record keeping solution of your construction project, ensuring future renovations or maintenance are carried out with all the information needed.
Why Are As-Built Surveys Important?
As-built surveys are essential to all construction projects, whether you are renovating your home or building a new office complex. Without these surveys, you are relying on blueprints and as-designed documentation, where you have to guess based on what you can see, rather than what has been documented.
As-built surveys provide:
- Accurate verification – measurements are accurate and surveys are completed as the construction project goes ahead, documenting any changes. They are also completed once the project is finished.
- Document changes as they occur – you use these surveys before, during, and at the end of your project. It provides detailed notes from on-site staff, providing thorough documentation of changes that took place during the build.
- Future renovations – The information provided in an as-built survey is valuable when it comes to any future renovations or modifications, providing accurate information to reduce the risk of costly mistakes in the future.
How Are As-Built Surveys Conducted?
The aim of an as-built survey is to ensure the project was completed to the highest standards and any changes were documented. The methodology for the survey has changed over the past few years and is known broken into a variety of steps:
Planning
The survey team visit the construction site, gathering land surveying information, including blueprints and as-planned documents. They meet with engineers, contractors, and architects, ensuring that their questions are answered.
On-Site Survey
After the planning stage, the surveyor measures all land and structure surfaces, using digital and manual tools. They take note of any existing conditions, including environmental risks, utility locations, water quality and more.
Capturing the Data
The next step is to capture the data that they have collected. In the past this was done manually, increasing the risk of error. Today, surveyors used advanced technologies, such as 3D laser scanners that can capture millions of data points in a second. Once the team return to the office, they use specialist software to download the information that they collected while on site.
Drafting
With the data now gathered, the surveyor will create the as-built survey, telling your projects story from beginning to end, along with any changes made.
Review
The survey is reviewed to ensure its accuracy. If they feel there are discrepancies, they return to site and review it again.
Delivery
Once the as-built survey has been reviewed and the surveyor is happy, it is delivered to you.