A measured building survey is a detailed representation of a building’s floor layout, structural elements and architectural features, from doors and windows to ceilings and walls. Using the expertise of a skilled surveyor and the latest in technology, measured surveys are highly accurate and very informative for a range of sectors, including facilities management. Facilities management surveys can be used for a variety of buildings and properties, from multiple occupancy housing and real estate to agricultural buildings, schools and universities, offices and commercial properties, healthcare facilities, and industrial units. They can assist with effective ground maintenance, repairs to the structure for health and safety purposes or assess the measurements for the positioning of certain systems such as power supplies, electricity cables and air conditioning.
What are the benefits of a facilities management survey?
A measured building survey can be used for a variety of purposes, from supporting architects and structural engineers with the planning and design of redevelopments and refurbishments, to supporting decision-making for conversions and extensions. The detailed nature of a construction survey means they can be used for development projects and support property consultants in calculating rent reviews. Some of the benefits of using a measured building survey include:
- Having accurate floor plans and cross sections of a building
- The position and dimensions of structural elements and features
- Full reports in both digital and hard copy formats
- Surveys can be tailored to the needs of the project, based on your requirements
This type of survey can inform anything from the sale, leasing or registry of a property, to valuations or establishing tax requirements, health and safety planning, floor plan drone surveys for creating fire plan layouts, fulfilling licensing requirements, and resolving party wall issues that might occur as a result of property redevelopments.
What techniques are used in a facilities management measured building survey?
Facilities management involves the maintenance, operation and management of buildings and other facilities. Measured building surveys can be a valuable tool for facilities managers because they provide detailed information about the building’s physical characteristics and conditions, which can help inform maintenance and repair decisions.Data is collected via a range of techniques, depending on the purpose of the survey, from construction drone surveys to simpler 2D plans and basic photographic reports. Data is collected using specialist software, like laser scanners and drone equipment, which is then processed and transferred to CAD or Revit software to develop into 2D or 3D plans. Depending on the client’s needs, a survey might be delivered as a 3D model or rendering, a wireframe, as point cloud data using laser scanning equipment, or a combination of visualisations and fly-through plans. The format depends on the purpose of the survey and who needs access, such as whether architects and property developers will be involved in the project.
What information does a measured survey provide?
Buildings can be incredibly complex in their design, with hidden areas that might not be easily accessible or able to be reached via traditional surveying methods like scaffolding or mast photography. Using the latest in drone and surveying equipment, measured building surveys can be carried out much more easily and safely, with clearer and more accurate results. A drone survey is perfect for facilities management purposes because it allows clear visibility of every aspect of a building, from roofs and chimneys to unsafe, derelict properties, high rise buildings and more unusual structures like stadiums or hard to reach buildings. The extent of the detail needed depends on the purpose of the survey, but a measured survey might comprise of:Inspections: Building inspections enable facility specialists to monitor the condition of the property over time and carry out preventative maintenance to ensure it stays in a safe condition. Drone surveys make this process very easy, measuring distances and volumes in a short space of time, compared to traditional surveying techniques, and accessing high-risk areas that human surveyors would struggle to do safely.
Thermal imaging: A measured building survey may require thermal imaging inspections to be carried out to detect damp, assess a building post-flood, analyse structural problems or component failure, or look for areas of energy or heat loss. Using state of the art thermal imaging cameras, all areas of the building can be inspected to incredible detail, including areas which are invisible to the human eye.
Mapping data: Mapping data is collated to produce maps, 3D models and accurate layouts, which can be shared with customers and clients, collaborators and third parties, and stakeholders. It provides an in-depth, 360-degree view of the project and allows all parties to explore a site remotely to enable informed decision-making. Having access to detailed, accurate measurements and recordings makes it easier for those in the facilities management field to develop, refurbish or renovate a property, taking into account all the features, materials and utilities information required. Measured building surveys for the commercial sector are convenient, whether you’re submitting a planning application, developing a lease plan or starting work on redesigning a property. From thermal imaging to drone roof surveys, a measured building survey can take various forms depending on your needs and delivers an accurate assessment of the building’s condition without the need for scaffolding.
Final thoughts
Overall, measured building surveys can be a valuable tool for facilities managers to ensure the safe and effective operation of buildings and facilities. For example, it can identify areas of a building that require maintenance or repairs, such as structural damage or wear and tear on fixtures and fittings. This information can be used by facilities managers to prioritise maintenance tasks and allocate resources more effectively.In addition, measured building surveys can also be useful for planning and implementing building upgrades and renovations. By providing detailed information about the building’s layout and dimensions, a measured building survey can help architects and designers create more accurate plans and designs, and management teams make decisions based on the condition of a property. To learn more about how we can help, please contact us!
