As Built Survey Near Me: UK and London Guide

As Built Survey Near Me: UK and London Guide

Searching for "as built survey near me" and wondering what you will actually get — and what you should be looking for? This guide explains what an as built survey is, how to find a local surveyor, what questions to ask before you instruct, and what you should expect to pay.

What Is an As Built Survey?

An as built survey measures a building as it actually exists — capturing floor plans, elevations, sections, and site boundaries to verified dimensions. The survey data is processed into CAD drawings, BIM models, or point cloud data depending on what you need.

The word "as built" means the survey reflects the building as it is now — not as it was designed, not as the plans from the 1980s suggest it should be, but as it actually stands on the day the survey is carried out. This matters enormously for any project where the design needs to work with reality rather than an assumption.

How to Find an As Built Surveyor Near You

The search "as built survey near me" returns a wide range of firms — from one-person operations with a total station to large surveying companies with laser scanners and BIM capability. Here is how to narrow it down:

Define what you need first Before searching, know what output format you require (DWG, PDF, Revit), what accuracy standard is needed (RICS Level 2 or Level 3), and what the deliverable is for (planning application, building control, BIM coordination, contractor handover). A clear brief gets you accurate quotes and fewer surprises.

Check they work in your property type Not all survey firms specialise in all property types. If you have a Victorian warehouse, a listed building, or a modern commercial shell, find a firm with relevant experience. Ask about similar projects they have completed in your area.

Ask about RICS membership RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) is the professional body for surveyors in the UK. Using a RICS-regulated firm gives you recourse if the work is not completed to standard.Icelabzis RICS-regulated and all surveys include signed accuracy statements.

Check turnaround times If you are working to a planning deadline or a contractor's programme, confirm the survey firm can deliver within your timeframe. Many firms are booked two to three weeks out — ask about availability before instructing.

As Built Survey Services in London

icelabz provides as built surveys across all London boroughs. Our survey teams work throughout Greater London without postcode surcharges.

London borough coverage: We cover every London borough including Barnet, Brent, Camden, Croydon, Ealing, Enfield, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Harrow, Havering, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Kingston upon Thames, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Newham, Redbridge, Richmond upon Thames, Southwark, Sutton, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth, and Westminster.

We also serve the City of London, the Thames Valley, and the wider South East for larger development projects.

What Does an As Built Survey Include?

A standard as built measured building survey includes:

• Floor plans — Room layouts, dimensions, and floor area measurements. Delivered as DWG drawings and PDF.
• Elevations — All accessible external faces of the building.
• Sections — Cross-sections through the building showing floor-to-ceiling heights and structural zones.
• Site plan — The position of the building relative to the site boundaries.
• Accuracy statement — Signed confirmation of the survey accuracy standard.

Additional deliverables available:

• BIM model (Revit) — 3D model from laser scan data at LOD 300 or LOD 350.
• Point cloud data — Full-colour laser scan data in RCP/RCS format.
• Area measurement schedule — RICS-compliant NIA and GIA measurements for commercial property.

As Built Survey Costs

As built survey costs depend on property size, survey type, and output format. General guide prices for London:

| Property type | CAD drawings | BIM model | |---|---|---| | 2-3 bed house | £550–£900 | £900–£1,500 | | 4-5 bed house | £900–£1,500 | £1,500–£2,500 | | Commercial unit (up to 500m²) | £800–£1,800 | £1,500–£4,000 | | Large commercial/industrial | £2,000–£10,000 | £4,000–£20,000+ |

Prices vary by property type, access complexity, and output format required. For an accurate quote, provide the property address, approximate floor area, and output format needed.

When Do You Need an As Built Survey?

Planning applications Most planning applications for extensions, change of use, or new builds require existing drawings as part of the submission. The planning authority will validate the application against accurate measured drawings.

Building control Loft conversions, extensions, and basement works require accurate record drawings for the building control completion certificate. These must reflect the building as it exists, not the approved planning drawings.

BIM projects If you are working in a BIM environment, the measured survey provides the existing building model. This eliminates the need for the design team to model the existing building from scratch — saving significant time on complex projects.

Commercial property transactions RICS-compliant floor area measurements (NIA/GIA) are a standard requirement in commercial lettings and sales. The measured survey provides these alongside the drawings.

Contractor handover At practical completion of a new build or major refurbishment, verified as built drawings demonstrate that the works have been completed to the design specification. This is a standard requirement in most construction contracts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I find a reliable as built surveyor near me?

Look for RICS-regulated firms with experience in your property type. Check reviews, ask for examples of similar completed projects, and confirm they can deliver within your programme.Icelabzprovides fixed-fee quotes within one working day and has delivered as built surveys across all London boroughs and the wider UK.

Q: How long does an as built survey take?

For a standard residential property, the site survey typically takes half a day to one day. Drawing delivery is usually 5–7 working days from the survey date. For larger properties and commercial buildings, timelines are agreed at scoping stage.

Q: What is the difference between a measured building survey and a floor plan?

A floor plan is simply a drawing of the room layout. A measured building survey captures verified dimensions, floor areas, section cuts, and elevation data — all to a specified accuracy standard. For any project where design decisions depend on accurate dimensions, a measured building survey is the minimum standard required.

Q: Do I need a laser scan or is a total station survey sufficient?

For most residential properties and straightforward commercial buildings, total station survey is sufficient and more cost-effective. Laser scanning is recommended for complex geometries, heritage properties, large commercial buildings, and projects where a BIM model is required. We advise on the appropriate method when you provide the brief.

Q: Can an as built survey be used for a planning application?

Yes. Measured building surveys are the standard requirement for planning applications in England. We deliver drawings in the format that London planning authorities accept — typically DWG with a PDF version. Our drawings are accepted by every London borough planning department.