Building a new house or extending your existing one? There are key surveys and reports that you may need to commission. Tim Phillips advises on what they are and how much they’re likely to cost
When putting a ‘cost plan’ together for your new-build home, it’s not just bricks and mortar and trades that you need to consider. There are several key sur veys and reports you may need to commission to ensure compliance with regulations and assess the condition of the site, or just for your peace of mind to mitigate any future build issues. The specific requirements can vary based on location, type of construction and local regulations, but there are some common ones you may need to consider.
It’s important to note the report and survey costs are estimates, and prices can vary based on location, size and complexity of the project and the specific requirements of each survey. Also, regulator y requirements may change, so it’s advisable to consult with local authorities and professionals to ensure you have the most up-to-date information for your own specific situation.
THE TOPOGRAPHICAL SURVEY
A topographical survey is an in-depth map of the land’s surface that displays both natural and man-made features. It comprises contours, buildings, roads, trees, bodies of water and other pertinent information relating to the site of the property. This survey is important for building and development projects since it provides a thorough over view of the location.
Cost The cost can range quite significantly —from a minimum of £500 to £2,000 or even more, depending on the size and complexity of the site, location and survey provider. Small home sur veys may cost a few hundred pounds, while larger homes may cost a few thousand pounds. To acquire a more accurate price based on your project requirements, always request quotations from at least four sur veying firms.
GEOTECHNICAL SURVEY/SITE INVESTIGATION REPORT
A geotechnical report, also known as a site investigation (SI), is used to evaluate a site’s subsurface. It entails collecting soil and rock samples to evaluate for information about the site’s geology and geotechnical features. Such knowledge is critical for a structural engineer’s ability to design foundations and guarantee structural stability.
It’s one of the sur veys I always advise clients to carry out as it removes any ambiguities as to what the contractor should allow for when it comes to pricing the substructure element of the project. You don’t want your builder hitting ‘rock or boulder clay’ on the first day on site, which then means a costly redesign of the structural foundations and possible delay. If this information was known following a Geo/SI R
