This is a question we hear too often. Starting a new build is an exciting time for any project, but it’s also the time when you must make sure that all preparation is done right.
Before the first foundations are laid, one crucial step that will make all the difference is surveying, which is something that should always be a key part of your planning and preparation stage. A proper survey will make sure that your project will be fully accurate, legal, built to last, and will avoid any sudden expenses.
Let’s go over a few reasons why surveying for a new build matters… and what could go wrong if you go without it.
Getting an accurate (and precise) positioning of the building
If you’re planning a build or development project, chances are that you’re already aware of the Golden Rule of construction: if a building is placed correctly on the site, everything else falls into place.
Surveying is what makes sure this happens, providing you with the exact measurements needed to position the structure exactly according to the design.
Without the assurance of this level of precision, mistakes can unfortunately happen pretty easily – and what might seem at the outset like a small error or miscalculation can soon snowball into expensive delays, legal disputes, or even having to redo parts of your build.
Compliance with all regulations and certifications
When you’re building, it’s vital to always keep in mind the fact that all local councils have strict guidelines around how and where buildings are permitted to be constructed. But opting for a professional surveying team takes this worry off your plate, since they’ll make sure that your project meets all the necessary regulations from the outset.
In Queensland, for example, a common set-out survey needs to be followed by a Form 12 Certification, which includes:
- The address of the project
- The date of the survey
- Scope of the project (e.g. the setout of the slab and footings)
- Relevant approved design plan number and approved date
- The relevant building type
- A signature from a Cadastral Endorsed Surveyor (from the Surveyors Board of Queensland)
Skipping this step and forging ahead without all these details carries the risk of non-compliance, which itself can lead to anything from expensive fines to delays in approvals and final certifications, and a whole host of other needless complications.
Avoiding boundary disputes
Nobody likes arguments, which is why it’s unfortunate that one of the most common (and avoidable) causes of construction-related legal trouble is building over a boundary line.
These disputes aren’t just time-consuming and budget-affecting, but they can also risk damage to your reputation. And nobody wants any of these messy difficulties when all you’re trying to do is to get your build finished on time and to budget.
This way, you can be sure your project stays entirely within its own correct footprint – and your neighbours won’t have any cause to raise concerns about overstepping your boundaries.
Making sure that you’re building to the right dimensions
It shouldn’t have to be said that in construction, even a small mistake in measurements can lead to the potential for big issues down the line.
The accuracy from a proper survey means that you get to sidestep problems like misaligned walls, wasted materials, or needing to redo work because dimensions don’t add up.
Remember: surveying means a lot of things, but at its core, it means giving you a way of building with confidence and of knowing that what’s being constructed on site is exactly what’s been pre-approved on paper.
Ticking all the boxes and making the right choices for a smart build
While it might be tempting to try and save money by skipping a professional survey, the cost of potential legal problems and non-compliance can end up racking up far more than you might have anticipated in the long run.
After all, surveying isn’t just a box to tick at the start of a project. It’s a foundational requirement for any new build project, guaranteeing that you’ll be able to protect your investment and have a top-quality result at the end of construction.
So if you’ve decided that you want to avoid costly mistakes and ensure total accuracy yourself, the next step is to choose the best surveyors to get the job done. That’s why, at Sonto, we give you complete confidence from day one.
Get in touch with Sonto today to book a site survey now. We’ll help you lay the groundwork for a build that’s not only compliant, but is done right and won’t leave anything to chance.