- Home
- Guides
Guides to surveys for your building project
Plain-English guides to party wall surveyors, measured and topographical surveys, structural calculations, tree surveys and planning an extension, so you know what to expect before you get quotes.
Browse by topic
Party wall
Notices, awards, surveyor fees and dealing with neighbours
Measured and topographical surveys
Drawings of your home and plot for architects and planning
Get quotes for every survey your project needs
Measured surveys, party wall, structural calculations and tree surveys. One form, local professionals.
Structural calculations
Beams, knock-throughs, lofts and working with an engineer
· 5 min readLoft Conversion Structural Calculations: What the Engineer Designs
Converting your loft? Nearly every loft needs a structural engineer. Our guide explains new floor joists, steel beams, dormers and roof changes, what the engineer...
Read the guide ›
· 5 min readSteel Beams and RSJs Explained: What Homeowners Need to Know
Planning an open-plan kitchen or wide rear opening? Our guide explains steel beams and RSJs: how engineers size them, what padstones do, how beams are installed and...
Read the guide ›
· 6 min readKnocking Through a Wall: A Step-by-Step Guide for UK Homeowners
Planning to knock through a wall for an open-plan space? Our step-by-step guide explains load-bearing checks, structural calculations, building control, party wall...
Read the guide ›
· 8 min readStructural Calculations for Knocking Through a Wall: A Guide
Knocking through a wall or adding a big new opening? Structural calculations specify the beam and supports your builder installs and building control checks. Our guide...
Read the guide ›
Trees and planning
BS5837 surveys, root protection and protected trees
· 5 min readArboricultural Impact Assessments Explained: Trees and Your Planning Application
Trees near your planned extension or new build? Planning officers may ask for an arboricultural impact assessment. Our guide explains what an AIA covers, method...
Read the guide ›
· 5 min readRoot Protection Areas Explained: Building Near Trees Safely
Planning to build near a tree? Root protection areas often decide where you can build and how. Our guide explains the BS 5837 calculation, building near trees and...
Read the guide ›
· 8 min readBS5837 Tree Surveys Explained: A Guide for Homeowners
Trees near your planned extension or new build? A BS5837 tree survey records each tree, its condition and root protection area so your design can work around them. Our...
Read the guide ›
Planning your project
Extensions, lofts, basements, permissions and the order things happen in
· 5 min readGarden Rooms and Outbuildings: The Surveys and Approvals You May Need
Planning a garden room, office or annexe? Our guide covers the surveys and approvals that often come up: topographical and tree surveys, drains, foundations, permitted...
Read the guide ›
· 5 min readRear Extension Checklist: Every Survey and Approval Before You Build
Planning a rear extension? Our checklist covers every step before the builder starts: measured surveys, planning or permitted development, structural calcs, party wall...
Read the guide ›
· 5 min readPlanning Permission vs Building Regulations: What Is the Difference?
Planning permission, building regulations, permitted development and party wall: what is the difference? Our plain-English guide explains what each covers, who decides...
Read the guide ›
· 8 min readThe Surveys Involved in Planning an Extension: A UK Guide
Planning an extension? Most involve more than one survey, from measured drawings and structural calculations to party wall and tree surveys. Our guide explains what...
Read the guide ›
No guides match your search. Try a different word, such as "cost" or "party wall".
Ready to compare quotes?
Tell us about your project and get quotes from local professionals for each survey it involves.
Get my survey quotes