Building Setouts

Protecting Your Building Investment

A surveyor will be involved in several stages of a building construction; some of which are mandatory while most others are for the cautious owner.

Size & Type

Before designing a building for a particular property; a surveyor should be consulted to determine the size and nature of the building. The actual size of the land and any easements affecting it must be taken into account. We are familiar with all the regulations relating to building lines and distances to boundaries. On most sites a contour plan will be necessary to determine the most appropriate building plan.

Application

Some sites may require a DA (Development Application) while others may only require building plans to be submitted. Some designs; particularly more than one storey, may also need engineering design plans to be made by a structural engineer. The final building plan needs to be prepared by a reputable design draftsman – a number of whom can be recommended by us.

Set-Out

A surveyor is the only person legally permitted to position building set-outs in respect to boundary offset and distances. Offset distances are used to allow marks to remain after footings are dug for use by the builder. An appropriate survey report is issued to the builder.

Drainage

Some designs especially larger buildings; need drainage layout & pipe design plans to accompany the proposal which we can provide.

Check Survey

It is advisable to check during the early stages of construction that the building is being erected exactly as it has been set out. This point is when the walls are in the earliest stage of construction.

Final Check Survey

A Final Check Survey is recommended after the roof and any attached overhangs have been erected. Lending authorities usually require this final survey and it is a prerequisite for a Council Building Certificate. A final check survey is in the interests of any party who has a financial stake in the building.