Measured building surveys

Need a precise, professionally delivered measured building survey? At Terrain Surveys, we provide detailed floor plans, elevations, and cross-sections for buildings of every type – from historic properties and private homes to large commercial sites and public facilities.

Our measured surveys are trusted by architects, engineers, planners, and developers across the UK. Whether you need plans for refurbishment, redevelopment, record-keeping or compliance, we capture every essential detail to scale using the latest 3D laser scanning and total station technology.

Fast Response – Nationwide
Scaled Drawings in 2D CAD or 3D BIM Formats
Clear Fixed, & Competitive Pricing
ISO 9001 & RICs Certified
CICES Approved

From planning applications to preservation projects, our surveys ensure that you begin with reliable, professional documentation—minimising risk, saving time, and keeping your project on track from the start.

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What customers say about Terrain Surveys

Reviews

Eddie

14:51 08 Aug 24

Terrain Surveys Ltd have carried out a first class service of locating a drain pipe under my garden. Particular praise must go to Gareth and Euan, the onsite operatives who performed a first class survey on an extremely hot day. Consideration and care was exercised in my and my neighbours garden. Praise must also go to Sue in the office. All requests and questions were quickly responded to. Thank you.

Tye A.

23:28 28 May 24

Terrain Surveys have provided consistently high quality digital surveys for us for over a decade and we continue to use them through our work all over the UK - highly recommended

Mark S.

15:03 15 Mar 24

Always complete the works to an excellent level, on time and as quoted.

Amethyst S.

13:32 27 Apr 23

We have been working with Terrain surveys for more than 15 years. Terrain provide us with Topographic Surveys, Measured Building Surveys, 3D Revit Models and BIM, to an extremely high standard. They always provide excellent service and guidance throughout the entire process, and I would highly recommend their services.

Josh R.

11:22 27 Mar 19

Great surveys at competitive prices. Have used on two large jobs now and work has always been completed on time with the detail required. Recommended.

Shiraz K.

10:54 09 May 18

I gained quotes from 5 different surveyors for the same job, terrain came £700 cheaper then competitors.

What You'll Get

Every project is different, but what stays consistent is the clarity, quality, and usability of our deliverables. We tailor every measured building survey to meet your project requirements.

Here’s what you can expect:

Accurate floor plans, elevations, and cross-sections
Survey-grade 2D CAD drawings or fully modelled 3D BIM outputs
Clear presentation and measurement of structural features and levels
Customisable drawing packages – we deliver exactly what you need
Engineer walk-through - so you understand your drawings
Drawings accurate to the millimetre—delivered on time and ready to use.

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Why you need a measured building survey

Measured building surveys are essential when accurate, up-to-date building information is needed to inform design, refurbishment, legal documentation or asset management. We regularly support a wide range of professionals and property types with tailored survey data.

Before Building Works or Renovations

To ensure accurate planning and design, architects and engineers need detailed floor plans, elevations, and sections of the existing structure. Measured surveys provide this essential base data.

Planning Applications

When submitting a planning application, particularly for extensions or changes to existing buildings, local authorities often require precise drawings showing existing and proposed conditions.

Restoration or Conservation Projects

For heritage buildings or listed properties, a measured survey helps document the existing condition in detail before any sensitive work is undertaken.

Selling or Leasing

Measured surveys provide a precise record of internal areas, which is especially useful for lease plans, marketing documentation, or resolving discrepancies with floor area calculations.

As-Built Record Keeping

Where no reliable plans exist or if previous drawings need to be verified against the actual build, a measured survey provides a trusted reference point for future works, facilities management or compliance.

Valuation or Disputes

For commercial leases, dilapidations, or rights-of-light assessments, precise internal area measurements help ensure transparency and reduce the risk of disputes.

Accreditations

6 key reasons to choose Terrain Surveys

Why us

Experienced
Established in 2004 by three founding directors determined to improve surveying standards, Terrain Surveys Ltd was created with a commitment to excellence.
Highly rated
Terrain Surveys strives to be the survey company of choice through a wide scope of knowledge and a constant drive for excellence. We pride ourselves on the quality of service provided, including customer service, survey deliverables, training, education, and the systems we operate.
Focus on sustainability
As a leading provider of measured survey services, Terrain Surveys understands the critical role our work plays in shaping the built environment. We are committed to integrating sustainable practices into every aspect of our operations.
Qualified and accredited
Terrain Surveys Ltd holds the ISO 9001:2015 accreditation, reflecting our commitment to quality management systems and consistent service delivery. Additionally, our team includes professionals with various industry-specific qualifications and certifications, such as membership in the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES).
Diverse and growing team
Our strength lies in our team, whose experience and knowledge, coupled with investment in training and technology, enable efficient work and the production of high-quality, accurate measured surveys that meet clients' strict deadlines.
Nationwide coverage
Terrain Surveys provides comprehensive national coverage across the UK, ensuring clients receive consistent, high-quality surveying services wherever they are. With strategically located offices, the company is well-positioned to deliver efficient and tailored solutions to meet a variety of client needs.

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Measured Building Survey FAQ

FAQS

If you’ve got a question about a measured building survey before you enquire, here’s some of the ones we’re most commonly asked.

How much does a measured building survey cost?

The cost of a Measured Building Survey in the UK typically starts from £1000, but it depending on several key factors such as the property size and what drawings you want. At Terrain Surveys, we tailor each quote to your requirements and property. Get in touch for a free, no obligation quote.

What information is required to carry out a Measured Building Survey?

To carry out a Measured Building Survey, we typically need:

Site address and access details
Type of building (residential, commercial, etc.)
Scope of survey (floor plans, elevations, sections, etc.)
Purpose of the survey (e.g. planning, design, refurbishment)
Level of detail required
Preferred file formats (e.g. DWG, PDF, Revit)
Any existing plans or photos (if available)

How long does a Measured Building Survey take?

Most surveys take 1–3 days on site, depending on the building size and complexity.
The full turnaround, including drawings, is usually 3–10 working days, but urgent surveys can be prioritised on request.

What format are the drawings?

We typically deliver drawings in AutoCAD (DWG) and PDF formats.
BIM projects can be supplied in Revit (RVT) format, and point cloud data is available in E57, RCP, or LAS on request.

How accurate are the drawings?

Our drawings are typically accurate to within ±5mm, in line with RICS and TSA guidelines.
We use high-precision total stations and 3D laser scanners to ensure exceptional reliability for design, planning, or construction.

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