What Surveys Do I Need for a New Home on my Land?
Early Stages
Measured / Topographical Survey
Estate agent plans can be inaccurate and to ensure that a design can be developed accurately and to scale, we recommend a full measured survey of any surrounding grounds relevant to the project.
Drainage utilities search
A desktop search should identify which pipes are owned by the water company and to what extent, and indicate whether or not a build-over agreement may be required.
Mid Stages
Trial pits / ground condition survey
Typically instructed by the structural engineer in order to design foundations suited to the specific ground conditions of a site.
Ecological appraisal
This appraisal can help understand if there are any sensitive ecological factors to the site, and help inform a design response.
Arboricultural (tree) survey
This will look at the condition, ecological value and root protection areas of existing trees on site.
Phase 1 contamination survey
This desktop-based study is used to identify whether land contamination is likely to be an issue on site.
Post-Construction
Airtightness test
For a passivhaus project, a mid-build test is needed prior to final fix and finishes. More typically an air leakage test is conducted at the conclusion of construction.
