Introduction

Here at SolidPoint, we strongly believe in adding innovation and value to your project. This applies to any and every stage, whether that may be the research, planning or execution. 

By following this ethos, we value sharing information to better your understanding of what the services we provide entail, along with the benefits of using them. This includes the risks you will be avoiding by using our services for your project.

Utility Surveys highlight the need for thorough planning and risk assessment to avoid potentially severe consequences.

Conducting a thorough utility survey is considered best practice in construction and building projects, as they enable you to help mitigate risks and avoid potentially severe consequences, along with any costs that are a result of this.

Overall, a utility survey supports a safer, more efficient project execution.

What Is a Utility Survey?

A utility survey provides information on buried services on your site. They are essential because they help prevent any hits on utilities when performing excavation on site or help to identify where services run to avoid interference when planning.

We have qualified surveyors that work and collect data to the British standard PAS 128. This means that your land/area will be surveyed according to tried and tested techniques to ensure that the results are as accurate as possible.

Below are 12 risks that NOT conducting a utility survey poses:

1. Utility Damage
2. Safety Hazards
3. Environmental Impact
4. Legal & Financial Penalties
5. Obstruction of Emergency Services
6. Project Delays

7. Interruption of Services

8. Resource Wastage

9. Insurance Complications

10. Increased Project Costs

11. Loss of Historical Data

12. Reputational damage

Now let’s go into more detail…

1. Utility damage

Striking underground utilities like gas, water, electricity, or telecommunications lines can lead to costly damages and service disruptions.

Repairing these utilities can be expensive and delay the project.

2. Safety Hazards

Hitting electrical lines poses serious safety risks, including electrocution or explosions, especially when dealing with gas lines.

This not only endangers the workers on site, but could also affect nearby residents and properties.

3. Environmental Impact

Damage to utilities can also cause environmental harm, such as when chemicals or sewage are inadvertently released into the surrounding area, leading to potential regulatory and cleanup costs.

6. Project Delays

Encountering unknown utilities during construction often leads to unplanned work stoppages.

Resolving these surprises can significantly delay project timelines, leading to increased labour and management costs.

7. Interruption of Services

Accidentally damaging utilities can lead to widespread service outages, affecting not just the project site, but also neighbouring areas.

This can strain relationships with the local community and municipal authorities.

8. Resource Wastage

Hitting unexpected utilities often results in wastage of resources, such as water from broken pipes, which not only affects the project, but also the environment and resource conservation efforts.