SELF SURVEY GUIDE DYI
Below is a simple survey form which allows you to make a sketch of your property, add measurements and describe the extension you require.
Safety
Prior to undertaking your own measurement survey you should satisfy yourself that you can complete the activity safely. The survey can be completed with the survey form, a camera, a pen or pencil and a tape measure. An assistant may prove to be useful when measuring. It should not be necessary to use ladders when completing the survey as measurements can be made from ground level and from inside the property. Take particular care if making measurements within a loft to ensure that you have secure access and that the floor is secure and able to support your weight.
I can not accept any responsibility for your safety when completing the Self-Survey Planning Application Form. If you are not able to undertake the survey in a safe manner then you should not undertake the activity.
STEP 1: External Elevations
Your planning application must be supported by drawings of each side or “elevation” of your property as it currently stands and also with the proposed changes. The elevations show the basic shape of each side of the property as seen when looking directly at that side. This includes the shape of the walls and roof.
To allow us to produce these elevations we request that you provide a quick sketch of each side of your property. These should be drawn on the Self-Survey form in the “STEP 1: External Elevation” sections for the each side of the property (front, left, rear and right). Each sketch is similar to what would be seen in a photograph looking directly towards the side of the property from the center of that side (in practice neighboring properties, trees etc. can make taking such a photograph difficult). If you do have suitable photographs these could be used instead of a sketch. An example sketch is shown in Figure 4.1.
Whether you provide a sketch or a photograph it is important that they are then labelled with the measurements described below.
To allow us to draw the elevation to the correct scale you must measure the length and height of the wall and the distance between “features” (such as doors, windows, edges of walls, drain pipes etc.) on each side of the property and add these to your sketch or photograph. All measurements should be made in metres and recorded to the nearest centimetre. These measurements should include:
The width and height (from ground level to height of roof or gutter) of each wall.
The overall height of the building (from ground level to the top of the roof) (see Section 4.3.3 for hints on how to measure this).
The width and height of all windows and their position on the wall (measured both horizontally and vertically).
The height and length of any ground level changes (e.g. if the ground level changes across a wall) -see Section 4.3.1 for details.
The positions of any other features and areas of different wall finishes.
The positions and sizes of all doors and windows that are on that side.
The position and sizes of any other features on that side (e.g. rainwater down pipes).
Any regions of the side that have different finishes (e.g. brick, cladding etc.).
Figure 4.2 shows the elevation sketch shown previously but with the measurements added. This sketch is referred to later as a “dimensioned elevation sketch”.
Whether you have produced a dimensioned sketch of an elevation or a dimensioned photograph please also send me a couple of photographs of that elevation without measurements.
STEP 2: Floor Plans
Your planning application must be supported by drawings which show the floor plans of each storey of your property as it currently stands and also with the proposed changes. The sketches do not need to be particularly neat however please be as detailed as you can.
To allow me to produce these floor plans, please provide a quick sketch showing the floor plan of each storey of your property. The floor plans shows the layout of the rooms i.e. where each of the rooms are in relation to one another and it also shows the positions of windows and internal doors. In the bathroom or cloakrooms, kitchen and any en-suite rooms the plans also often show the locations of the fixed fixtures (e.g. baths, sinks, cupboards etc.). These should be drawn on the Self Survey form in the “STEP 2: Floor Plans” sections for each existing storey of the property (ground floor, first floor, second floor). For each storey you need to produce a sketch which shows: The shape of each of the rooms and where they are positioned relative to each other and to the exterior walls. The positions of the doors and windows and their direction of opening. The position of the stairs (where applicable). The name of each room (e.g. Kitchen, Bedroom 1, Study, etc.). For kitchens and bathrooms it can be helpful to show the approximate positions of built in fixtures (cupboards, sinks, baths etc.) but this is not essential.
To allow us to draw the floor plans to the correct scale you must measure the length and width of each room and include these on your sketches. Your sketches should show:
The length and width of each wall.
For rooms which are not square or have alcoves or other features (e.g. built in cupboards) please provide extra dimensions for these.
The length of all windows and door and their position from a corner of the room.
For stairs please measure the width and depth of each step and also record the number of steps.
The thickness of the walls (for both internal and external walls). This can be measured at the positions of doorways and windows.
The height of the room and details of any steps or significant floor level changes.
STEP 3: Site Plan
Your planning application must be supported by drawings which show the location of your buildings, areas of hard standing (e.g. drives and patios), and trees and their relationship to adjacent buildings and the public highway.
This is shown on a map known as the site plan or block plan.
Step 3 of this form is used to provide me with the necessary information to produce this plan drawing in conjunction with a small scale map which we will obtain from one of our mapping suppliers.
The sketches do not need to be particularly neat however please be as detailed as you can. Photographs showing a general overview of the site can be very useful here. Existing ordnance survey maps will likely show neighboring properties and therefore details of distances to neighboring properties are not required unless there have been recent changes that are not yet shown on the maps.
Please provide the google address of where your property is located or you can also sketch which shows a plan view (i.e. a sketch showing a “birds eye” view) where any buildings are located within your property boundary and the approximate location of buildings neighboring properties.
