Floor Plan Survey Company: UK and London Guide
Choosing the right measured building survey company for floor plans ensures you get accurate, planning-ready drawings for your project. Here is what to look for, questions to ask, and typical 2025 costs.
Top Measured Building Survey Companies for Floor Plans
| Company | Location | Key Features | Contact | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Plan London Ltd | London | Land Registry compliant lease plans, 3D laser scanning, area calculations | plan-london.co.uk | | Cadmap Ltd | London (Surrey office) | RICS-spec surveys, laser scanning and total station, high-accuracy floor plans | 01483 429385 | | Survey Base (Precision) | Croydon, London | 2D and 3D surveys, RICS accuracy bandings, architect and developer work | 02039 066892 | | Measured Survey 365 | London and UK | Prices from £495, 20-minute turnaround options, 2D AutoCAD and 3D Revit BIM | measuredsurvey365.co.uk | | Sova Surveys | Bristol (nationwide) | Planning-focused surveys, topographical and floor plan services | sovasurveys.co.uk |
What to Look For When Choosing a Surveyor
Key Credentials and Standards
| Factor | What to Verify | | --- | --- | | RICS Membership | Ensure they are Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors members | | RICS Specifications | Surveys should follow RICS Measured Surveys of Land, Buildings and Utilities, 3rd edition | | Experience | Ask how long they have been operating — look for 10-plus years combined experience | | Local knowledge | Choose surveyors with experience in your area | | Insurance | Verify professional indemnity insurance coverage |
Technology and Quality
| Aspect | What to Expect | | --- | --- | | 3D laser scanning | Recommended for accuracy at ±2mm and speed — 5 times faster than manual | | Total station | Alternative for exterior-to-internal traversing | | Traditional methods | Disto laser and tape only — lower cost but higher error risk | | Deliverables | 2D CAD (floor plans, elevations, sections), 3D point clouds, BIM models |
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- What types of surveys do you offer? — Condition Report, Homebuyer Report, Building Survey, measured building survey
- What are your qualifications and experience? — RICS membership, years operating
- Can you provide a sample report? — Review their reporting style
- What equipment do you use? — 3D laser scanner, total station, drone?
- What specific issues will you look for? — Depending on property age and type
- How long will the survey take? — On-site plus delivery timeframes
- What file formats will I receive? — DWG, PDF, RVT, IFC
- Do you have experience with listed buildings or conservation areas? — Important for heritage properties
- What is your revision policy? — How are errors handled?
- Are OS grid coordinates included? — Required for planning submissions
2025 UK and London Costs
| Property Type | Cost (ex VAT) | | --- | --- | | Small residential (up to 2,000 sq ft) | £495–£850 | | 3–4 bed house (plans and elevations) | £800–£2,000 | | Medium commercial (2,000–10,000 sq ft) | £850–£2,800 | | Large or complex commercial | £1,800–£5,500+ | | 3D BIM model add-on | From £550 |
London premium: Expect 10–20% higher due to ULEZ, congestion charges, and higher operating costs.
What a Floor Plan Survey Includes
| Deliverable | Details | | --- | --- | | Floor plans | All levels with room layouts, wall positions, doors, windows | | External elevations | All four façades | | Sections | Cross-sections through key areas | | Roof plan | Essential for extensions and conversions | | Site plan | Building footprint and boundaries |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a RICS-qualified surveyor for floor plans?
For planning applications, RICS membership is not strictly required but is recommended. RICS-qualified surveyors follow consistent standards and carry professional indemnity insurance.
Q: Should I choose laser scanning or traditional measured survey?
Laser scanning is recommended for accuracy at ±2mm and speed. Traditional methods are cheaper but carry higher error risk. Choose based on your project complexity and budget.
Q: What file formats should I request?
AutoCAD DWG (editable) plus PDF minimum. Add Revit RVT for BIM projects. Always confirm compatibility with your design team.
Q: How long does a floor plan survey take?
Site visit: 1–4 hours for residential properties. Drawing delivery: 3–7 working days. Total: typically 1–2 weeks from instruction.
Q: Can I get same-day survey results?
Some companies offer express turnaround (24–72 hours) with a surcharge of approximately 40–50%.