The Many Types of Construction Contractor

If you are planning to construct a new property, you will need to apply for planning permission from the local authorities. Part of this application will have to include certain surveys. These surveys demonstrate to the local authorities that you have carried out the proper checks to ensure that the new construction will be structurally sound and that it will not interfere with other structures or utilities. Below is a guide to 2 types of survey you may need to carry out.

Feature Survey 

A feature survey is a detailed mapping of any properties which surround your planned construction site. The feature survey will also map any roads, street features such as street lights, drains, trees and any utilities such as water pipes and electrical cables. A surveyor will visit the property to assess the features located in the locality. They may also take various measurements to establish the distances between various types of features. This is because some local laws require that properties are not constructed within a certain distance of certain features.

Once you have completed a feature survey, you will be able to check that the property you plan to build will not cause any issues with the existing surrounding features. It will also help to demonstrate that you will be able to connect your new property to utilities such as sewer pipes, telephone lines and the electricity and gas network.

Contour Survey

A contour survey involves mapping the land on which you plan to build your property using contour lines. A surveyor will take careful measurements of the land and will establish the elevation of different points. These points will then be plotted onto a map, with each contour line showing areas which are at the same elevation. The distance between contour lines shows the gradient of the land. The closer the contour lines are together, the steeper the slope of the land is.

A contour survey can help to establish if you will need to carry out any work to level the land before you begin work. The survey will also highlight any hazards such as steep hills which may create a flood hazard. If these hazards are found, you may need to install additional drainage in order to protect your new property.

If you would like further advice about carrying out surveys when planning construction work, you should contact a professional construction company for more information.