Are you in the early stages of planning a new development or construction project?
Maybe you’re planning to subdivide your property, doing a knock-down rebuild … or even just thinking about a new renovation to your property?
If so, it’s likely that your architect or a town planner has recommended a contour or detail survey, which provides a detailed map and plan of your land’s natural slopes, elevations, and existing features. This gives architects, town planners, engineers and builders essential information to design in harmony with the existing landform and property features.
Understanding what a contour survey involves and the vital information it provides to your project will help you move forward in building your project with confidence and avoid the threat of any unexpected (and potentially costly) hitches.
Here’s what you need to know about contour surveys, and the impact they have on your overall project planning and development:
What’s the purpose of a Contour and Detail Survey?
In essence, a contour and detail survey maps out both the natural and man-made features of a property in precise detail.
It maps out levels and slopes across the total area of land, marking where the ground is raised or lowered in elevation, and detailing aspects like trees, fences, driveways, and other neighbouring structures.
Architects, town planners, engineers and developers use this topographical area data to then design structures that suit the land’s specific layout, taking into account factors such as neighbouring structures, water drainage, accessibility, views, and anything else that’s relevant to the property.
Why is a Contour and Detail Survey important?
Contour and Detail Surveys play a foundational role in the planning and design phase of any development or proposed construction project, providing a clear and detailed picture of how a site’s natural features and geographic elevations will affect potential design and construction.
This information helps to:
- Guide the design and placement of new buildings or construction extensions to best make use of the surrounding landscape and built form.
- Support town planning applications by showing how a new structure will fit within the land and neighbouring properties.
- Minimise the risk of costly delays or variations by uncovering land and property-based constraints early in the project.
When do I need a Contour and Detail Survey?
A contour survey is typically required for residential, commercial and industrial projects, such as knock-down rebuilds, multi-use developments, work sheds, land subdivisions, or renovations and modifications to existing buildings.
For a knock-down rebuild or renovation project, a contour survey allows architects to design a structure that fits naturally with your land’s slopes and features. In subdivisions or for larger construction projects, it helps planners assess how different sections of the land will work as separate lots – as well as to make sure any new additions align with the existing landscape and meet any necessary council requirements.
How do you read a Contour and Detail Survey?
- Contour lines show elevation levels. Lines close together indicate a steep slope, while lines further apart represent a softer or more gentle slope.
- Spot levels are numbers on the map that represent specific points of elevation on the property.
- Feature annotations are key landmarks such as trees, driveways, structures or retaining walls, which are noted for consideration in design and construction.
- Services, including above ground and underground infrastructure located onsite or derived from council records to show the location and depth of these assets.
Finding the right Surveyor for your job
Remember, an accurate, detailed contour survey plan is what lays the groundwork for a successful project. Not only does it provide you with the most fundamental, key survey and property data to get your project done right, but it also avoids the potential costs or mishaps that come from poor planning.
This means that it’s essential to not only get a Contour and Detail Survey completed at the right stage of your project, but also to choose a team of surveyors that you can trust who can give you the best and most valuable land and property data.
So, if you’re ready to get your project started the right way, get in touch with Sonto today for a quote and let us help you make the most of your property with Brisbane’s most comprehensive and precise Contour and Detail Surveys.