Drafting Services in Sydney explains: The importance of a detailed site survey!

Often, when our clients come to us and ask for a design and DA package, either for a residential extensions in Penshurst, new home designers in Penshurst, or help with DA applications in St George Sydney area, we tell our clients that a detailed site survey is required.

It is of no surprise that the clients will ask "what is that, why do I need it?", now let us explain the importance of site survey (a DETAILED one) and why is it critical for your new home extension, granny flat, or new home design.

What is a site survey?

A site survey is an inspection of the site (which is where the development going to be) by a registered site surveyor; sometimes also known as a land surveyor.  Site surveyors visit your site, gather information of the land where the development is going to be built, and shows all necessary information drafted on a properly scaled plan. 

When do I need it?

A site survey is required when a development is proposed, particularly to granny flats, first floor additions, new dwellings, extensions and sometimes landscape design.

What does it show?

Site survey should be measure and drawn with very precise location points, access points, best orientation for the site and the location of obstacles. In fact, the best site surveyor also offered levels to Australian Height Datum, boundary dimensions & ashown to the subject property, location of existing buildings, trees inc. diameter, height, spread, spot levels, kerb details, any visible services such as man holes and pits, indication of adjoining properties, location of residence, window positions (facing the subject site, ridge level and gutter level. Below is an example of a detailed site survey.

How much does it usually cost?

In NSW, the estimate cost of a site survey ranges from $1100 to $1500 + gst for a single standard site. Of course the larger and more complex the site, the dearer it gets. Clients who wish to do a site survey of 2 or more consecutive properties may incur a higher cost starting from $2000 + gst up.

Is it compulsory?

Besides exempted development, both CDC and DA will required a detailed site survey. This is to help the approval authorities to understand the nature of the land and how your design will suit the land. It also allows your residential drafting design team to indenitfy issues that there may be on the site; which can significantly affect your overall dwelling design.

I've got a sketched survey, does this work?

Depending on the level of information provided on your sketch survey, it is hard to tell. However generally the sketched survey found on your contract of sales are not sufficient to provide enough details for the approval authorities to say yes. Talk to us and we can let you know whether your documents are enough to be used.

I am planning to develop, what should I do next?

Contact us at Go Design Solutions, the Sydney's specialist in residential drafting design. Located in Penshurst and Sutherland Shire, Go Design Solutions are experts in residential drafting services in sydney and any general drafting services in Sydney. We provide an on-stop shop from Sydney residential drafting, to DA submission and liasise with all consults to get your residential extension in Sydney or a new home building in Sydney done in the proper way! We know what we do best and provide residential drafting services for our Sydney clients.