Importance of Site Survey
Site surveys are inspections of an area where work is proposed, to gather information for a design or an estimate to complete the initial tasks required for an outdoor activity. (Wikipedia)
It is a most important part of the design process without which the planning, designing, and execution would not begin. A site survey is used to measure and draft a plan to scale that forms the base for the complete interior project. We use the measurements to gain a basic idea of the space, placement, arrangement, and its use, but it is also equally important to collect other data and information that will help us tackle the design process, quotations, renovation of a property successfully.
What are the things included in a site survey?
The width and depth of a room are not the only things included while taking measurements on the site. Various other factors are required to take a note of; like door and window openings, floor to ceiling measurements, window widths and heights, beams and columns indication (very crucial) etc. All the walls, columns, beams will not be consistent it depends on the age of the property, construction methods, possible subsidence. For e.g. a wall might be slant, or might not be flush, the floor to ceiling height might also differ at times, these are the sorts of architectural construction features that you need to take note of when compiling your on-site drawings.
Survey drafting is mostly rough sketches and designs drawn manually on site which includes all the dimension and required notes, as this is more practical. The accurate plans are later drawn in the office or studio with help of a software.
How do we conduct site survey?
Firstly, walk around the entire site, acquaint yourself with the place. Next, take a measurement tape, paper/sketchbook (suitable size) and pen, start to draw the outline of the site indicating all the existing opening of the doors and windows. Make sure there is space to indicate the dimensions in the layout. You can always use different color pens to indicate different information on the paper, like the electrical points and light points, ceiling heights, plumbing points, window and door heights. This help you mostly while you translate the rough sketches into the final drawing.
While stating the dimensions always measure it in a fixed unit of measurements either millimeter or inches and keep it consistent. Always make it a point to take an overall dimension as well as the individual dimensions. In case you go wrong, you can always work around if you have the overall dimensions of the space. At times even drawing a rough elevation of a wall helps to understand the various heights in the room.
Lastly, indicate the direction where north is, take a note of all the existing finishes present on the site tile flooring, fixtures, ceiling, furniture, timber, hardware’s, paneling etc. It is always good to take pictures and videos of the site as it is very useful and acts as a reference when we start to draw.
With all the above information you can now draw the existing floor plan, electrical and ceiling plan on AutoCAD and draft your proposal with the necessary alterations.
Rеасh out to us on social media or in the соmmеntѕ below and let us know what you think.
