Building Corners; we endeavour to always survey the physical extreme of the building using our laser theodolites as shown in the photo below. We have found that this can be consistently and accurately surveyed without the need for offset measurements etc that can introduce errors. It is critical that allowance is made for the cladding (and as in this case corner box) thickness on architectural drawings!

Minimising risk in your work is vital to help avoid costly problems on your projects, when choosing your surveying partner look for a company that is also risk averse. At BCL we go to great lengths to minimise risk and to provide you with a complete survey package. All of our surveys are run through our quality assurance process, we survey specifically for you – for design purposes, this means more accuracy and more shots in critical hard to survey areas (such as on the boundaries, and ridgelines); it means simply better information.

All of this means less risk to us, to you and to our mutual clients.

During landscape design projects the position of the ‘legal’ boundary is often overlooked or assumed to be on existing fence lines. It is certainly not unusual to find a fence half a metre or more off the legal boundary! Call us to define your boundaries to ensure that your fabulous landscape design and features are located correctly. Why take the risk?

We also offer high-quality topographical surveys for your landscape designs.  Call us for an estimate today.

Know your boundaries, call the experts call BCL FOR SURVEY on 09 630 9512.

Our survey teams have been working hard (nationwide) with one of our busiest New Year periods ever. This time (photo below) it was the beautiful Kaikoura and although the team had no time for whale watching they did enjoy the sunny days and mountain views.

If you require consistent high detail surveys and full information packs for properties throughout New Zealand then talk to us. Our ability to apply our unique processes to your survey gives us a competitive edge in this type of work.

Don’t hesitate to contact our team for all of your survey requirements.

We have seen an increasing number of developments recently where height in relation to boundary infringements have arisen resulting in very costly remedial works and significant time delays. These infringements have arisen for a number of reasons that fall into 3 key areas:

Inadequate Information, the lack of good spatial information such as the correct boundary position, appropriate ground levels and building setout positions leads to problems at compliance sign-off.
Misinterpretation, this relates to District plan rules and definitions, architectural and survey plans.
Post Consent Changes, changes to the design made after the consent has issued are not always scrutinised with an eye for compliance.

A full list of common causes has been tabulated below.

The usual options available (after a problem has been identified) are:

Remove the offending part of the building (redesign and re-consenting may be required).
Obtain consent for the infringement (neighbours approval will be required).

Why take the risk? Our solution to minimise risk is outlined below.

1. Start with a quality topographical survey, call BCL for SURVEY.
2. Have BCL Surveyors carry out a pre-lodgement compliance check, we are increasingly being requested to check and certify compliance of designs prior to the consent being lodged. This not only provides a fresh and independent check of the Council controls and interpretation of ground levels, but can also remove a significant risk from the architect. Calculation of height in relation to boundary compliance not only requires an understanding of 3-dimensional calculations, but also the interpretation of the site topography and the “natural” ground level (not necessarily the actual ground level). Councils require certifications to be done by Licensed Cadastral Surveyors because of our knowledge and sound understanding of spatial information and cadastral boundaries. Getting a surveyor involved earlier in the process makes the final certification so much easier.
3. Setout survey at foundation stage (if required).
4. Compliance check at framing stage.

This process will be cost effective for your client and reduce risk for all parties. Please don’t hesitate to call our team to discuss your specific requirements on (09) 630 9512.

Remember, if it doesn’t comply, we cannot certify.