Measured building surveys of existing buildings
Floor plans, elevations, sections and roof plans of existing buildings, drawn from laser scan and total station data. Used for extensions, refurbishments, fit-outs, floor area measurement and heritage records.
- Residential drawings often in 3 to 5 working days
- DWG and PDF as standard, Revit on request
- Occupied and listed buildings surveyed routinely
TSA member
Full member of The Survey Association, the UK trade body for survey companies.
Quotes in 24 hours
Fixed price, confirmed timescales, no surprises on the invoice.
Since 2013
Over 2,000 surveys, from home extensions to nuclear power stations.
Fully insured
£1m professional indemnity and £5m public liability cover.
What a measured building survey is
A measured building survey records an existing building accurately enough to design from. We produce floor plans, elevations, sections, roof plans and as-built drawings for residential, commercial and specialist buildings, typically in DWG and PDF, with E57 point clouds and Revit models where needed.
Depending on the building, we capture it with 3D laser scanners, total stations and conventional measurement. Laser scanning is our default on most jobs because it records every surface on the first visit, which means fewer return trips when the design develops.
When you need one
Most measured surveys are commissioned for one of these reasons:
- Planning and building control. Accurate existing drawings reduce design errors and avoid re-submissions.
- Extensions and renovations. Your designer works from exact dimensions, so new work ties into the existing structure.
- Floor areas. Measured drawings support valuations, leasing and NIA and GIA calculations.
- Heritage and conservation. Listed buildings recorded in detail before work starts, using non-contact measurement.
- Fit-out and facilities management. Accurate records for space planning, refurbishment and asset management.
Measured survey or 3D laser scan?
Both can produce plans and elevations. A measured survey is the right service when you need traditional architectural drawings and nothing more. If you also need a registered point cloud, a Revit model or clash detection, start with 3D laser scanning instead.
Who does the work
Our in-house team handles both site capture and drawing production, so the people who measured your building are the people who draft it. We have been doing this since 2013, and we are members of The Survey Association.
Types of measured building surveys
Floor plans
Accurate floor plans of existing buildings, showing walls, openings, stairs, floor levels and visible structure, drawn in layered DWG and PDF for design and coordination.
Elevation surveys
External and internal elevations, sections and roof plans of existing buildings, drawn from laser scan data so every opening, cornice and level is in the right place.
Area measurement (NIA, GIA)
Gross and net internal areas measured to the RICS Code of Measuring Practice or IPMS, with area schedules and marked-up plans for valuation, leasing, rating and sales.
Net sales area surveys
As-built net sales areas for new-build apartment schemes, measured by 3D laser scan and compared unit by unit with your design schedule, so commercial teams can value and report with confidence.
Listed building surveys
Detailed, non-contact measured surveys of listed and historic buildings, capturing irregular walls, mouldings and fabric for listed building consent, repair and conservation work.
How it works
Scope and quote
Send the address, the drawings you need and your deadline. If your architect has a brief or mark-up, send that too. We reply with a fixed quote.
Survey on site
We capture the building with the right mix of 3D laser scanning, total station observations and hand checks, and take photographs and notes to support drafting.
Processing and checks
Scan data is registered and checked for coverage and alignment before drafting starts, so the drawings rest on reviewed information.
Drawings issued
You receive the agreed package in DWG and PDF, with point cloud or model files where ordered. We will walk your team through anything that needs clarifying.
What it costs
Cost depends on the size of the property, the drawings required, the level of detail, access and whether point cloud or BIM outputs are needed.
| Typical job | Guide price |
|---|---|
| Smaller residential property | From £600 |
| Larger, complex or commercial buildings | Quoted to scope |
Prices exclude VAT.
Who we work with
Homeowners
Accurate plans, elevations and sections for an extension, refurbishment or planning application.
Architects and designers
Reliable existing information for concept, planning and technical design.
Developers
Existing building data to assess, plan and coordinate redevelopment across the project team.
Commercial and fit-out teams
Offices, retail units and other commercial space surveyed for fit-out and reconfiguration.
Heritage and conservation projects
Listed and historic buildings recorded before repair, restoration or alteration.
Consultants and property professionals
Engineers, project managers and asset teams who need dependable as-built information.
Where we work
We carry out measured building surveys across the UK from our office in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. Local pages:
What clients say
Read our reviews on Google★★★★★
Having worked with THS for several years now, each project is treated with high professionalism every time. We would highly recommend their team.
★★★★★
I was impressed by THS Concepts topographical survey services' professionalism and accuracy. They were efficient and reasonably priced. I highly recommend them.
★★★★★
We recently approached THS Concepts to carry out a level survey of the screed to the ground floor of a large residential property we were Project Managing. The property was undergoing extensions and refurbishment work. We had a tight timescale to receive the information, and THS Concepts delivered quickly and efficiently to meet our deadline. This is the second time we have used them and would highly recommend.
Measured building surveys: common questions
What is a measured building survey?
It records the existing layout and geometry of a building so accurate drawings can be produced for design, planning and construction. Typical outputs are floor plans, elevations, sections and roof plans. Our guide What is a measured survey? explains it in more detail.
What is the difference between a measured survey and an as-built survey?
The terms overlap. As-built usually describes a record of what has actually been built, often after construction or alteration. See our as-built survey guide.
Can you survey an occupied or furnished property?
Yes, we do it regularly. Furniture and access can limit detail in some areas, so mention any restrictions when you ask for a quote.
What do you need from me to quote?
The property address, building type, the drawings you need, any access constraints and your timescale. An architect's brief or mark-up helps.
Should I choose a measured survey or 3D laser scanning?
If you need standard architectural drawings of a straightforward building, a measured survey is usually the most cost-effective option. If the project has any BIM involvement, or the building is complex or services-heavy, 3D laser scanning is the better starting point.
What areas do you cover?
Mostly London, Essex, Kent, Hertfordshire, Sussex, Surrey and Buckinghamshire, and further afield in the UK and abroad when projects need it.
Guides
Related services
- 3D laser scanning
Point clouds and BIM models of buildings, plant and structures.
- Topographical surveys
Site levels, features and boundaries for planning and design.
- Building height surveys
Height and storey measurement for the Building Safety Act.
Tell us about your site
Send a location, a rough brief and your deadline. We reply with a fixed quote within 24 hours.