Compare quotes for the surveys your project needs
Measured surveys, party wall, structural calculations and tree surveys. Tell us about your project and we match you with local professionals for each one.
Free and no obligation
Quotes for each survey you choose
Free to use, no obligation
Quotes for each survey your project needs
Local professionals near you
Takes a few minutesMost building projects need more than one professional before work starts: accurate drawings of the property, structural calculations for new openings or beams, a party wall surveyor for work near a neighbour, and sometimes a tree survey. Building Work Surveys lets you compare quotes for each one from a single form.
One form. Quotes for each stage of your build.
Most extensions and conversions involve more than one professional. Answer a few questions and choose which quotes you want.
Measured & topographical surveys
Accurate drawings of your property and plot, used by architects and designers.
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Party wall surveyors
For work on or near a shared wall or boundary with a neighbour.
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Structural calculations
Beam and wall calculations from a structural engineer for your builder and building control.
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Tree surveys (BS5837)
Arboricultural reports when trees are on or near the site of the work.
Get quotesWhich surveys does your project need?
Surveys commonly involved in typical home projects. Every project is different, so the wizard asks about yours and a professional will confirm what applies.
| Project | Measured / topo |
Party wall |
Structural calcs |
Tree survey |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rear or side extension | Commonly involved | Sometimes | Commonly involved | Sometimes |
| Loft conversion | Commonly involved | Sometimes | Commonly involved | Rarely |
| Basement | Commonly involved | Commonly involved | Commonly involved | Sometimes |
| Knocking through a wall | Sometimes | Sometimes | Commonly involved | Rarely |
| Garage conversion | Commonly involved | Sometimes | Sometimes | Rarely |
| Garden room or outbuilding | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| New build | Commonly involved | Sometimes | Commonly involved | Sometimes |
What affects survey costs
Prices depend on the size of the property, the work and your area. Comparing quotes for the same scope is the most reliable way to see what your project should cost.
Party wall surveyor
~£1,000 + VATPer surveyor for a straightforward extension (published guides). Two surveyors or more neighbours cost more.
Measured survey
By size and scopeFloors covered, elevations and sections, and CAD or 3D outputs drive the price.
Structural calculations
By number of beamsOpenings, loads above, site visit and drawings needed.
Tree survey
By trees and reportsNumber of trees, and whether you need a constraints plan or impact assessment.
Three steps to your quotes
Tell us about your project
A few quick questions about your property and the work you are planning.
Choose your surveys
We show which surveys your answers point to. Untick any you do not want.
Compare your quotes
Receive quotes from local professionals for each survey you chose.
Received a party wall notice from a neighbour?
You have 14 days from the date the notice was served to respond. Get quotes from a surveyor to act for you.
Know what to expect before you get quotes
Common questions
Which surveys do I need for an extension?
Most extensions involve accurate drawings of the existing house, structural calculations for new openings, and a party wall surveyor if the work is on or near a shared wall or boundary. Trees, drains and ground levels can add more. Answer a few questions and we show which surveys your project points to; a professional will confirm.
How much does a party wall surveyor cost?
Published guides put a straightforward appointment for a single extension at around £1,000 plus VAT per surveyor. Total party wall costs for most homeowners fall between roughly £700 and £3,500, depending on the work and the number of neighbours.
Is it free to use Building Work Surveys?
Yes. Comparing quotes is free for homeowners and there is no obligation to go ahead with any professional.
How many quotes will I get?
You choose which surveys you want quotes for. Local professionals for each survey you pick then contact you with their quotes.
Do you carry out the surveys yourselves?
No. We introduce homeowners to independent local professionals. We do not provide surveys or professional advice ourselves.
What is the difference between a measured survey and a topographical survey?
A measured survey records the building itself: floor plans, elevations and sections. A topographical survey records the land: levels, boundaries, trees and drains. Many projects use both.
Do I need structural calculations to knock through a wall?
Removing or altering a wall that carries load normally needs an engineer's design, and building control will want to see how the new structure works. Your builder or building control body can confirm what your project requires.
When should I get surveys done?
Usually before design work goes far. A measured survey tends to come first, then tree and topographical information, then structural calculations, with party wall notices served well before the build starts.