Written by: J.Jackson | Published: 20th August 2026

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Discover 10 of the most common mistakes made when commissioning a measured building survey & how to avoid them:

1. Not defining the scope clearly

One of the most common mistakes is asking for a “measured survey” without clearly explaining what is needed. Different projects require different outputs and levels of detail.

2. Choosing the cheapest option without checking what is included

Price matters, but the cheapest quote is not always the best value. A lower price may mean fewer deliverables, less detail, limited site time, no point cloud, fewer revisions or a less suitable output format.

It is important to compare quotes properly. Check whether the price includes floor plans, elevations, sections, roof plans, point cloud data, 3D modelling, BIM outputs, travel, revisions and support after delivery.

A survey that misses important information can cost more in the long run if the design team needs further site visits or additional drawing work later.

How to avoid this:

Compare quotes based on what is included, not just the final price.

Check the deliverables, level of detail, file formats, site coverage, travel costs and whether any post-delivery support is included.

A cheaper survey can become more expensive later if important information is missing.

3. Relying on old or existing drawings

Existing drawings can be useful for reference, but they should not always be trusted as accurate. Buildings change over time. Walls are moved, extensions are added, services are altered and layouts are adapted.

4. Not telling the surveyor how the data will be used

The way the survey data will be used should influence how it is captured and delivered. A drawing for simple space planning may not need the same level of detail as a model for a major refurbishment.

If the surveyor knows the purpose of the project, they can recommend the most suitable approach. This could affect the level of detail, the areas captured, the drawing types and the file formats provided.

How to avoid this:

Share the project purpose at the start. Let the survey provider know whether the information is for planning, refurbishment, fit-out, BIM, heritage work, construction or general records. This helps them capture the right level of detail and deliver the data in the most useful format.

5. Missing important areas of the building

Another common issue is not surveying enough of the building. Sometimes the focus is only on the obvious project area, but surrounding areas may also be needed for context.

For example, an extension may require external elevations, roof information, floor levels and adjacent rooms. A refurbishment may require sections to show ceiling heights and level changes. Missing these details can slow down the design process.

How to avoid this:

Think beyond the immediate project area. Ask your architect, designer or contractor whether surrounding rooms, roof areas, external elevations, access routes or adjoining spaces are needed for context. It is often more efficient to capture these areas during the first survey visit than to arrange a second visit later.

6. Not considering access before the survey

Surveyors need safe and suitable access to capture the required information. Locked rooms, occupied spaces, roof areas, plant rooms, basements, ceiling voids and restricted areas can all affect what can be surveyed.

Before the site visit, it is useful to confirm access arrangements, parking, working hours, escorts, keys, permits and any site restrictions. This helps the survey run smoothly and reduces the chance of missed areas.

How to avoid this:

Plan access in advance.

Make sure keys, escorts, parking, permits, site inductions and working hours are agreed before the survey date. If there are locked rooms, occupied areas, roof spaces, basements, plant rooms or restricted zones, tell the survey provider early so they can plan the visit properly.

7. Requesting the wrong level of detail

Not every project needs a highly detailed survey. Equally, some projects need more detail than clients first expect.

Requesting too little detail can leave the design team without the information they need. Requesting too much detail can increase cost unnecessarily. The best approach is to match the level of detail to the project.

For example, a basic office layout may only need general arrangement plans, while a heritage refurbishment may need detailed elevations, sections and architectural features

8. Forgetting about file formats

Survey data needs to be delivered in a format the design team can actually use. Common outputs include DWG, PDF, Revit models, IFC models, point clouds and other 2D or 3D formats.

Before commissioning the survey, it is worth checking what software your architect, designer or contractor uses. This helps avoid delays or conversion issues after delivery.

How to avoid this:

Check which software your project team uses before the survey is commissioned.

Confirm whether they need DWG, PDF, Revit, IFC, point cloud files or another format. Agreeing this upfront helps prevent delays, compatibility issues and extra conversion work after the survey has been delivered.

If you require a file format that isn’t our standard deliverable, there's a high chance that SolidPoint can fulfill the request - just reach out to the team, who will make reasonable adjustments to fit your scope.

9. Leaving the survey too late

A measured building survey should usually happen early in the project. If it is left until after design work has already started, there is a risk that the design has been based on incomplete or inaccurate information.

Commissioning the survey early helps the project team work with confidence from the beginning.

How to avoid this:

Book the measured building survey as early as possible, ideally before design work begins. This allows architects, engineers and contractors to base their decisions on accurate information from the start.

Early survey data can help prevent redesigns, delays and avoidable site issues later in the project.

10. Not asking questions after delivery

A good survey is not just about receiving drawings and files. Sometimes the client or design team may need clarification on what has been captured, how to use the information or whether additional data is needed.

It is worth choosing a survey provider who can support you after the deliverables are issued, especially on projects where the information will feed into design, planning, BIM or construction work.

How to avoid this:

Review the survey information as soon as it is received and share it with your project team. If anything is unclear, ask questions early.

A good survey provider should be able to explain the deliverables, clarify what has been captured and advise whether any additional information may be needed.

Commission the Right Survey from the Start

Most problems with measured building surveys can be avoided through clear communication and careful planning before the site visit takes place.

Defining the scope, explaining how the information will be used, confirming the required deliverables and arranging suitable access all help the survey provider capture the right information first time.

The aim is not simply to commission the most detailed survey available. It is to commission the right survey for the project. By asking the right questions at the beginning, you can make sure the finished survey provides a clear and dependable foundation for the work ahead.