Measured Building Surveys


A Measured Building Survey is an accurate representation of the building’s floor layout, showing all structural elements and architectural features including walls and ceilings, doors and windows and more.

Using the combined benefits of traditional surveying methods along with the latest technology, we are able to produce highly accurate and informative floor plans, sections and elevations of existing structures and buildings.

Measurements for the survey are captured using a wide variety of techniques and tools. They are typically delivered as 2D CAD drawings, 3D Revit models, IFC files and other 3D BIM formats. Our method involves a mixture of fast and accurate terrestrial laser scanners, digital photography, GPS satellites, and sometimes a good old reliable tape measure.

Sova Surveys are expert providers of Measured Building Surveys for property clients in the South West, Greater London and other parts of the UK. This type of survey is tailored to individual client requirements and specifications. It is particularly valuable for proposed major works or redevelopment and is suitable for any residential or commercial building. Whether you are looking to update existing plans or create a brand new set of ‘as-built’ drawings, our team of professional surveyors has the experience and the know-how to deliver fast, reliable results.

An example of a floor layout from a measured building survey

An example of a floor layout from a survey.

The benefits

Some of the key benefits of having a survey carried out include:

  • Conducted by highly experienced professional surveyors
  • Accurate floor plans, cross sections, elevations and more
  • Position and dimensions of structural features and architectural elements clearly shown
  • Full reports available in digital and hard copy form
  • Highly detailed
  • Tailored to suit the exact needs of the client
Topographical survey of Knowle Farm.

Topographical survey of Knowle Farm.

What types of property can be surveyed?

Whether your property is residential, commercial, healthcare or education-related, or in a different sector altogether, you can count on Sova to quickly and accurately get pin-point precision measurements of your project.

We can survey any size or shape of property and building. Some examples include:

  • Houses and flats
  • Farmsteads and agricultural buildings
  • Schools and universities
  • Hospitals and healthcare facilities
  • Offices and commercial spaces
  • Warehouses and industrial units
  • Derelict properties
  • Development opportunities
Measured building survey of Holburne Museum

Holburne Museum

How we work

Our team will cause minimum disruption at your premises when carrying out your survey, making the entire process as efficient and discreet as possible. We also understand the need for flexibility in today’s busy lifestyle, so although we usually operate on an 8am – 6pm schedule, we can arrange out of hours services, and often at short notice.

Our team consists of friendly staff offering the highest quality customer service – we have a proven track record and have built up an excellent reputation. We are based in Bath, and have taken on projects across the South West and Bristol, as well as in London and other parts of the UK.

How much does a survey cost?

This depends on a number of factors including the size and shape of the building being surveyed, as well as the needs and requirements of the client.

Projects are always quoted individually to ensure that we can provide you with the best value for money, as well as making sure that you are getting all of the aspects of the survey that you need for your work.

Get in touch

If you would like to learn more about what our building surveys entail, or if you would like a free, no-obligation quote, contact our experienced team today. You can call us on 0117 248 2222, email ask@sovasurveys.co.uk or send us a message through our contact page.

Related Services

Recent Reviews

Sova is a great team to work with. They always supply great data, which is very flexible and cost-effective. I would recommend it without hesitation.” – OliverJ (Local Architect)


I approached Jared Matthews of Sova about surveying services in respect of the subdivision of a field which I am buying.  He suggested to me a way by which an accurate scale drawing could be produced without the cost of a site visit.  By this method he produced a drawing showing several different parcels of land, the extent of which was determined by pre-agreed sizes in acres which the intended parties had agreed.  His plan also showed by different colours other required features.  I was very pleased with the end product and the relatively inexpensive method by which, at his suggestion, he was able to produce it. My conveyancing solicitor then requested the addition of some extra features on the plan.  I was concerned that this would lead to delays in the conveyancing process.  But Jared Sova produced a revised plan incorporating all the new features within 90 minutes of me sending an email requesting it.  It was a good piece of work, produced at impressive speed.” – Anthony Speaight (Private Client)

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    FAQs

    When would you need a measured building survey?

    This type of survey is required if you are looking to have extensive work carried out on a property, such as extending or redeveloping. They are also used for quantity surveying, estimating, property valuation and more.

    What sort of plans are produced?

    Our surveys work around your needs and requirements – we always work closely with our clients to understand their needs. Typically, however, our surveys will produce:

    • Floor plan
    • Roof plan
    • External elevations
    • Internal elevations
    • Ceiling plan
    • Sections

    What equipment is used?

    On-site measurements are taken with a variety of instruments to capture measurements at the required accuracy – these include laser measures or ‘distos’, optical total stations, digital cameras and laser scanners (Lidar). All of these methods allow as minimal intrusion as possible.

    Once all the data has been captured on site, the surveyor will process and interpolate the on-site measurements back at the office into a usable format in either 2D to produce floor plans, elevations, sections etc, or 3D as a model with varying degrees of Level of Detail (LOD).

    What measurements do surveyors use?

    Our surveyors work to a standard specification as recommended by the RICS for surveys of land, buildings and utilities. Alternatively, we can take instruction on client requirements whose own specifications may be needed as the basis for the survey.

    What information is included?

    We offer floor plans, sections, elevations, and orthographic images, depending on your unique requirements. We can also tailor our service to heritage standard and listed buildings, where that extra detail within the building survey can make all the difference.

    Who would commission a measured building survey?

    Measured building surveys may be required for property renovations, redevelopments and extensions, and may be commissioned by a variety of stakeholders, including architects and interior designers, property developers and building contractors, private homeowners and private estates. They’re a useful way to record key ‘as is’ information such as internal and external elevations, floor plans and cross sections. Traditionally, surveys are produced as 2D CAD drawings, but the industry is moving more and more towards 3D BIM.

    Helping You To

    Survey Your Space

    We take pride in having surveyed a wide range of different projects for numerous happy clients. Get in touch and find out how we can help.

    What We Do

    Our Related Projects

    Our surveys differ hugely as do our clients and here are some of our projects for you to see.

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