A solid foundation is the key to any successful construction project, especially for new projects like schools, high rises, airports, arenas, commercial developments, and oil and gas facilities. Surveying is the first step to building that solid foundation. However, mistakes in the initial survey can cause huge delays, overrun budgets, and lead to potential legal disputes. Any phase of construction can be costly, but you can avoid mistakes at the start with the right data and a reliable team.
The professional surveyors at Meridian Surveys are trusted and reliable reliable professionals who help prevent costly surprises. We deliver precise, detailed, and up-to-date data so that every decision made is accurate and informed. In this post, we’ll cover the most common mistakes in surveying for construction projects, how reliable surveyors avoid these mistakes and the benefits of choosing the right surveyor for your construction project.
Common Surveying Mistakes
Mistake #1 – Incomplete or Outdated Boundary Data
When older surveys or descriptive plans are used and there isn’t a recent boundary survey it can be common to see issues arise. When this happens, a new construction project is more likely to encroach on neighbouring lots. This forces reworking the placement of structures, delays in the projects, or potentially a legal battle over the land.
Mistake #2 – Missing Topographic Surveys
Topographic surveys are important for construction projects, especially for schools or arenas with large parking lots that need precise cut/fill plans. Without accurate data on a site’s slopes and grades, the area is more likely to have drainage or flooding problems.
Mistake #3 – Inaccurate Construction Staking
Accurate staking is imperative before excavation, for any construction, houses, high rises, large infrastructure, oil and gas facilities. Piling work must be exact because redoing piles is expensive. If the foundations, piles or utilities are built in the wrong place, reworking everything significantly delays production and costs can grow exponentially.
Mistake #4 – No Check-ins or As-Built Surveys
Without regular checks throughout a project, the final product of a construction project likely won’t match the approved plans. If final elevations are unverified, you will encounter issues like drainage long after paving of the lot occurs. Even a few centimetres off on paper can cost thousands of dollars to repair if there are mistakes.
Reliable Surveyor Solutions
Many of these mistakes are avoidable when you have a reliable team that delivers efficient results. Meridian’s surveyorspay meticulous attention to detail and are committed to precision. We ensure that construction activities proceed according to plan, minimizing costly errors, delays, and reworks. These are a few solutions to the common mistakes made by unreliable surveyors.
Solution #1 – Updated Boundary and Legal Surveys
Don’t rely on old data and descriptive plans as accurate determination of boundaries. Before a shovel hits the ground, a professional surveyor will compare old data and review new data to confirm property lines, easements, and right-of-ways. Accurate data is especially important for all construction, where land use agreements are crucial to compliance.
Solution #2 – Topographic and UAV Surveys
Topographic surveys and UAV drone surveys gather high-resolution imaging and data of the site to map the elevations and grading. The point cloud data informs structure planning and grading to prevent drainage, and access issues.
Solution #3 – Precision Staking and Layouts
When everything is done right in preparation for staking, surveyors can stake precise locations for excavation. A reliable surveyor’s attention to detail will significantly reduce delays and avoid reworking piles and utility lines.
Solution #4 – Ongoing Check-ins and As-Built Surveys
Professional land surveys for construction projects are never one-and-done. Reliable and efficient surveyors are part of your project from the start and continue to monitor its progress throughout the process. Our presence and commitment ensure your construction project matches approved designs and make it easier to identify issues before they become big problems.
The Right Land Surveyors for Your Construction Project
There are four things to look for and ask when you’re choosing professional surveyors for construction projects.
- A licensed team with local experience in your industry.
- What tools and systems do they use for data collection?
- Are they offering start-to-finish support for your project?
- Do they know local regulations and compliance standards?
Meridian Surveys is with you from initial site preparation to final as-built documentation. Our experienced team leverages advanced surveying techniques and technologies to provide comprehensive professional land surveying for construction tailored to each project’s unique needs.
When you partner with Meridian Surveys, you’ll benefit from our extensive experience, specialized expertise, and dedication to delivering accurate, reliable, and timely survey data. Our team works closely with you throughout every stage of the construction process, providing expert guidance and support to help achieve project objectives efficiently and effectively. We’ll make sure your project stands on a solid foundation from the first stake in the ground to the sign-off.
Protect your next project with Meridian Surveys. Talk to our team about detailed, reliable land surveys for construction projects. When the survey is right, your foundations are strong, and every beam, pile, and pipe is exactly where they should be.