Asbuilt Conditions Surveying

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

Why Hire an As-Built Company?

Why should I hire a professional as-built surveying company instead of
measuring my property myself?

 

Professional as-built companies use advanced tools—such as 3D laser scanners (LiDAR), total
stations, and precision laser distance meters—that achieve accuracy within 2–3 millimeters. A DIY
tape-measure approach typically produces errors of 1–2 inches or more, which may seem small but
can cascade into costly problems during design, permitting, or construction. Professionals also know
what to document (structural elements, MEP systems, ceiling heights, window details) and deliver
files in industry-standard formats that your architect, engineer, or contractor can use immediately.
 

How do as-built drawings save me money on my renovation or construction
project?

Accurate as-built documentation prevents expensive surprises. When an architect designs from
incorrect or incomplete information, the contractor discovers conflicts in the field—leading to change
orders, material waste, schedule delays, and rework. Studies across the construction industry
consistently show that design changes during construction cost 5–10 times more than changes made
during the design phase. Starting with precise as-built drawings means fewer unknowns, tighter bids
from contractors, and a smoother permitting process.

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Process & Preparation
 

What happens during an as-built survey? What should I expect?

A small, professional crew arrives at your property with portable scanning and measurement
equipment. For a typical residential project, the on-site visit takes anywhere from a few hours to a full
day, depending on the size and complexity of the building. The team systematically measures every
room, capturing wall locations, ceiling heights, window and door positions, and other architectural
details. If 3D laser scanning is used, each scan position captures a 360-degree point cloud in about
2–3 minutes. The process is non-invasive and non-destructive—there is no drilling, cutting, or
marking of surfaces.
 

How should I prepare my property before the survey team arrives?

Preparation is straightforward. Ensure the survey team has access to every room, closet, and utility
space—unlock all doors and gates in advance. Rooms do not need to be emptied, but the crew
should be able to walk into each space and reach all walls and windows. If your project includes
basements, crawlspaces, attics, or mechanical rooms, please confirm access to those areas as well.
Having any existing plans, permits, or property documents on hand can be helpful but is not required.
 

 

Technology & Deliverables
 

What technology do you use to survey a building?

Modern as-built surveying relies on 3D laser scanning (LiDAR), which emits millions of laser pulses
per second to measure the precise distance to every surface within range. The result is a dense
"point cloud"—a three-dimensional digital replica of the building accurate to within a few millimeters.
Depending on the project, surveyors may also use total stations, laser distance meters, drones for
roof and exterior documentation, and high-resolution photography. This technology captures far more
detail, far more quickly, and far more accurately than traditional hand-measurement methods.
 

What deliverables will I receive?

A standard deliverable package typically includes dimensioned floor plans, reflected ceiling plans,
building sections, and exterior elevations—all produced in CAD (DWG) or Revit (RVT/BIM) format so
your design team can work with them directly. Depending on your project's needs, you may also
receive MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) documentation, roof plans, site plans, and the raw 3D
point cloud data. Deliverables are tailored to your project scope, so you only pay for what you need.
 

 

Cost Timeline & Logistics
 

How much does an as-built survey cost?

Cost depends on the size of the property, the complexity of the building systems, the number and
type of drawings required, and the level of detail needed. Residential projects typically range from a
few hundred to several thousand dollars. Commercial projects are quoted based on square footage,
number of floors, and scope of deliverables. We provide detailed, fixed-price proposals so you know
exactly what you're paying before work begins—there are no hidden fees or surprise charges.
Contact us for a free quote tailored to your project.
 

How long does the entire process take from start to finish?

For most residential projects, the on-site survey can be completed in a single day. Drafting and quality
review typically take 1–2 weeks after the field visit, depending on the scope and complexity. Larger
commercial projects may require multiple days on-site and 2–4 weeks for deliverable production.
Rush turnaround is available for time-sensitive projects. Every proposal includes a clear timeline so
you can plan accordingly.
 

 

Permits, Compliance & Legal
 

Do I need as-built drawings to get a renovation or building permit?

In many jurisdictions, yes. Building departments frequently require existing-condition documentation
before they will accept permit applications for renovations, additions, or change-of-use projects.
Accurate as-built drawings demonstrate compliance with zoning setbacks, building codes, and
fire-safety requirements. Even when not strictly required by code, submitting professional as-built
documentation streamlines the permitting process and reduces the likelihood of plan-check
corrections or delays.

Are as-built drawings useful for insurance or real estate transactions?

Absolutely. Insurers may request accurate floor plans and square-footage verification when
underwriting a policy or processing a claim. Lenders and title companies often require surveys or
as-built documentation before approving financing for commercial properties. For property sales,
having current as-built drawings adds transparency and can increase buyer confidence and property
value. They also serve as a legal record of your property's condition at a specific point in time, which
can be invaluable in disputes or liability claims.
 

My home or building is very old and has no existing plans. Can you still
help?

Yes—this is one of the most common reasons clients contact us. Many older buildings were
constructed before modern documentation standards, or their original plans have been lost over
decades of ownership changes. Our survey process captures the building exactly as it exists today,
regardless of its age or history. The result is a complete, professional set of drawings that your
architect or engineer can use just as they would any other set of construction documents.