Measured Building Surveys in Oxford
SIAD Studio can provide accurate and timely measurements for your next construction project with our measured building survey.
Why Choose SIAD Studio for Measured Building Surveys
At SIAD Studio, we combine state-of-the-art surveying technology, including advanced 3D laser scanning and total stations, with a deep understanding of architectural and construction requirements. This fusion ensures that whether you need comprehensive floor plans, precise elevations, intricate sections, or full 3D Revit models, our outputs are meticulously accurate and perfectly tailored to your specifications. We pride ourselves on capturing every critical dimension and detail, from structural elements to intricate architectural features.
Companies across Oxford and the UK choose SIAD Studio for our unwavering commitment to quality and our client-centric approach. We know that timely and accurate information is paramount, which is why we prioritise efficiency without ever compromising on precision. Our experienced team works closely with architects, developers, property managers, and private clients, ensuring clear communication and bespoke solutions for projects of all scales. When you partner with SIAD Studio, you’re not just getting a survey; you’re gaining a reliable partner dedicated to the success of your vision, built on the bedrock of exact measurements.
How We Leverage 3D Laser Scanning
At SIAD Studio, our measured building survey process is meticulously designed for accuracy and efficiency. It begins with a thorough pre-survey consultation to understand your project's specific needs and required level of detail. On-site, our expert surveyors deploy advanced technology, primarily 3D laser scanners and total stations, to capture millions of precise data points of both the interior and exterior of your building.
How SIAD Studio Ensure Meticulous Detail
This cutting-edge equipment allows us to swiftly and comprehensively record all architectural and structural elements, from wall thicknesses and floor levels to intricate features like door and window placements. Back in the office, this raw data is processed using specialised software, transforming the point clouds into highly accurate 2D drawings (floor plans, elevations, sections) or detailed 3D models (BIM/Revit), ready to integrate seamlessly into your design and planning workflows.
Frequently Asked Questions about Measured Building Surveys
A measured building survey is a highly accurate process of capturing the precise dimensions, layout, and architectural features of an existing building, both internally and externally. It creates a detailed "as-built" record. You need one because it provides the essential, accurate data for any project involving an existing structure, such as:
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Renovations or Extensions: To ensure new designs fit seamlessly and avoid costly clashes or errors.
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Space Planning: For commercial properties, to accurately calculate areas for leasing or internal reconfigurations.
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Planning Applications: Local authorities often require detailed existing drawings.
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Historic Preservation: To meticulously document a building's current state before restoration.
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Structural Modifications: Engineers rely on precise data for structural analysis and design.
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Facilities Management: For managing building assets and maintenance schedules.
Without an accurate measured survey, you risk making design errors, facing unexpected construction issues, budget overruns, and delays.
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We tailor our deliverables to your specific project needs, but common outputs include:
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Detailed 2D CAD Drawings:
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Floor Plans: Comprehensive layouts of each floor, including walls, doors, windows, and fixed features.
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Elevations: Accurate external views of all facades, showing heights, architectural details, and openings.
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Sections: Vertical "slices" through the building, revealing floor and ceiling heights, structural elements, and vertical relationships.
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Roof Plans: Detailed layouts of the roof structure.
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3D Data and Models:
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Point Clouds (.LAS, .RCP, etc.): Raw 3D data captured by our laser scanners, providing a rich, unedited representation of the building's geometry. This is ideal for importing into BIM software.
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3D Revit Models (BIM): Fully intelligent 3D models with parametric data, perfect for Building Information Modelling workflows, clash detection, and advanced design.
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3D CAD Models: Simplified 3D representations for general visualisation and design.
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Area Referencing: Calculated areas (e.g., NIA, GIA, GEA) in accordance with RICS Property Measurement standards.
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Our process combines advanced technology with expert surveying methodologies:
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Consultation & Planning: We start by discussing your project requirements, desired level of detail (LoD), and delivery timelines.
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On-Site Data Capture: Our highly skilled surveyors visit your site equipped with state-of-the-art instruments:
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3D Laser Scanners: These rapidly capture millions of precise data points, creating a comprehensive "point cloud" of the entire building, both internally and externally. This is incredibly fast and accurate, minimising disruption.
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Total Stations: For extremely high-precision control and detailed measurements where required.
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Digital Cameras: For photographic documentation and additional context.
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Data Processing & Modelling: Back at our Oxford studio, our technical team meticulously processes the raw point cloud data using specialised software. This data is then converted into your specified deliverables – whether it's detailed 2D CAD drawings, or a comprehensive 3D Revit (BIM) model.
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Quality Control & Delivery: All outputs undergo rigorous quality checks to ensure accuracy and compliance with relevant standards before final delivery to you in your preferred format.
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A point cloud is a dataset consisting of millions of individual data points in a 3D coordinate system (X, Y, Z). Each point represents a measured location on the surface of the building. Captured by our 3D laser scanners, a point cloud is essentially a highly detailed, 3D digital replica of your building.
It's useful because:
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Extreme Detail: It captures every visible detail, even intricate architectural features.
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Unbiased Data: It's a raw, objective record of existing conditions, free from interpretation errors.
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Future-Proof: The raw point cloud can be used to generate various outputs now and in the future, even if initial requirements change.
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Foundation for BIM: It's the ideal starting point for creating accurate 3D BIM models.
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Absolutely. At SIAD Studio, all our measured building surveys are carried out in strict accordance with the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Measured Surveys of Land, Buildings and Utilities guidance notes. This ensures our work meets the highest industry standards for accuracy, methodology, and deliverables, providing you with confidence and peace of mind.
The duration of a survey depends on several factors, including:
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Size and Complexity of the Building: Larger or more intricate buildings naturally require more time.
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Required Level of Detail (LoD): A simple floor plan takes less time than a full 3D BIM model with services.
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Accessibility: Ease of access to all areas of the building.
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Occupancy: Whether the building is occupied or vacant can affect on-site efficiency.
We provide clear, realistic timelines in our project proposals after our initial consultation, and we always strive for swift turnaround times without compromising accuracy.
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The cost of a measured building survey is determined by the factors mentioned above (size, complexity, required outputs, site conditions). We provide bespoke quotations tailored to your specific project. Please contact us with details of your building and requirements, and we'll be happy to provide a competitive, no-obligation estimate.
We have extensive experience surveying historic and listed buildings. Our non-intrusive 3D laser scanning technology is ideal for sensitive structures, capturing precise detail without causing any damage. The detailed data we provide is invaluable for conservation, restoration, and sympathetic renovation projects.
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Local Expertise: As an Oxford-based surveyor, we have excellent local knowledge and can respond quickly to your needs.
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Advanced Technology: We invest in the latest 3D laser scanning and surveying equipment for unparalleled accuracy and efficiency.
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RICS Compliant: All our surveys adhere to the rigorous standards set by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
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Tailored Solutions: We understand every project is unique and offer bespoke deliverables to perfectly match your requirements.
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Reliable & Professional: Our experienced team is committed to delivering high-quality results on time and with clear communication throughout the process.
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Client-Centric Approach: Your project's success is our priority, and we work collaboratively to provide the foundational data you need.
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