What Surveys Do I Need for a New Home on my Land?
Taking on any type of building project can feel like a daunting task. You may be questioning how to hire an architect, or whether your house could achieve whole life zero carbon. One question at the top of any prospective client’s list is what type of surveys might I need?
This article outlines some of the common types of surveys you might need when building a new home. Working with an existing building requires different surveys. Find a resource on surveys for an existing building here.
Early Stages
Early Stages
Measured / Topographical Survey
Estate agent plans can be inaccurate and to ensure that a design can be developed accurately and to scale, we recommend a full measured survey of any surrounding grounds relevant to the project.
Drainage utilities search
A desktop search should identify which pipes are owned by the water company and to what extent, and indicate whether or not a build-over agreement may be required.
Mid Stages
Mid Stages
Trial pits / ground condition survey
Typically instructed by the structural engineer in order to design foundations suited to the specific ground conditions of a site.
Ecological appraisal
This appraisal can help understand if there are any sensitive ecological factors to the site, and help inform a design response.
Arboricultural (tree) survey
This will look at the condition, ecological value and root protection areas of existing trees on site.
Phase 1 contamination survey
This desktop-based study is used to identify whether land contamination is likely to be an issue on site.
Flood Risk Assessment + Hydrology
If your site is in a nutrient neutrality zone, there is some further work that you will need to commission in order to demonstrate compliance at planning stage.
Landscape Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA)
For Paragraph 84 or countryside schemes more generally, the visual impact upon the surrounding context can be a key consideration. An LVIA is typically prepared by a qualified Landscape Architect, and often needed to accompany the planning application.
Highway Survey and Technical Note
If the site access is constrained, difficult or deemed to be an issue by the highways authority, you may need some supporting evidence and a short report. This is typically prepared by a highways consultant.
Heritage Assessment + Statement
If working with or building in proximity to a heritage asset (listed or unlisted), it’s very likely that some form of heritage assessment and statement will be needed to accompany your planning application.
Post-Construction
Post-Construction
Airtightness test
For a passivhaus project, a mid-build test is needed prior to final fix and finishes. More typically an air leakage test is conducted at the conclusion of construction.
