What to Expect From Your Measured Building Survey With Reeder Surveys
A friendly, down‑to‑earth guide from first hello to final drawings
At Reeder Surveys, we know that commissioning a measured building survey can feel like stepping into the unknown. Whether you’re renovating a cottage in Wells, planning an extension in Honiton, or preparing a planning application for a property in Sherborne, you deserve a process that feels clear, supportive, and genuinely helpful.
This guide walks you through exactly what happens when you book a measured building survey with us - from the moment you get in touch to the day your drawings land in your inbox.
Initial Contact & Clarifying Your Brief: Getting Everything Right From the Start
From the very first conversation, we make sure we fully understand your project and what you need from us. You’re never met with a generic response - you get a real person who knows the quirks of a Bridport townhouse to the charm of a Langport farmhouse.
During this initial chat, we’ll talk through:
What you’re hoping to achieve
Which parts of the building or site need surveying
Any planning requirements, deadlines, or architect requests
Whether you need plans, elevations, sections, roof plans, or level data
Access arrangements and any site quirks (we’ve seen everything from tight staircases to very enthusiastic pets)
If you’re unsure what level of detail you need, we guide you through it - no jargon, no pressure.
We also review any drawings, sketches, or notes you or your architect provide. This ensures the scope is crystal clear before we step foot on site. By the time we send your quotation, everyone is aligned on what will be surveyed and what will be delivered.
This early clarity saves time, avoids misunderstandings, and ensures your project starts on the right foot.
Survey Day: Friendly Faces, Professional Kit, and a Respectful Approach
On the day of the survey, we arrive with a smile, our equipment, and a clear plan. Whether we’re stepping into a stone cottage in Somerton or a bright, modern home in Axminster, we treat your property with care and respect.
Depending on your brief, we’ll capture:
Internal Floor Plans
Including:
True room sizes and layouts
Wall positions and thicknesses
Doors, windows, heights, and opening directions
Stairs, balustrades, and circulation routes
Fireplaces, radiators, built‑ins, columns, structural supports
Visible drainage and service features
External Elevations
We record:
Full façade geometry
Door and window positions
Architectural detailing (lintels, sills, cladding, decorative features)
Rooflines, chimneys, and structural elements
Downpipes, flues, guttering, and drainage features
Ceiling & Floor Levels
We capture:
Floor level variations
Ceiling heights and slopes
Beams, bulkheads, and structural drops
Sections (If Required)
Showing:
Floor‑to‑ceiling heights
Structural relationships between floors
Roof structure details
Voids, mezzanines, and level changes
Roof Plans (If Needed)
Including:
Roof shape, pitch, and ridge heights
Dormers, skylights, chimneys, and roof features
Additional Detail
Depending on your project, we may also record:
Adjoining buildings
Boundary walls, steps, and external levels
Outbuildings and site context
Every survey is tailored - no two buildings are the same, especially in the South West.
Back at the Office: Turning Data Into Beautiful, Accurate Drawings
Once we’ve gathered everything on site, we head back to the office to begin processing your data. This is where the raw measurements become clear, precise drawings that you can rely on.
We:
Register and align scan data
Build accurate 2D plans, elevations, sections, and roof plans
Add level information and height annotations
Check everything thoroughly for accuracy and consistency
We take pride in producing drawings that are clean, easy to read, and genuinely useful.
Delivery: Drawings You Can Trust
Your final drawings are delivered in the formats you need:
PDF for easy viewing
DWG for architects and designers
We take great care to ensure everything is clear, accurate, and ready for your design team to use straight away.
Ongoing Support: We're Here If You Need Us
Once your drawings are delivered, our support doesn’t suddenly stop. If you, your architect, or your builder ever need something clarified, want help understanding a particular detail, or simply have a question about how something was measured, we’re always happy to talk it through.
Whether it’s a quick phone call, an email, or a chat about how the survey ties into the next stage of your project, you can count on us to be approachable, responsive, and genuinely invested in helping things run smoothly.
Projects evolve - and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Why People Across Somerset, Dorset & Devon Choose Reeder Surveys
Clients tell us they appreciate:
Our friendly, approachable communication
Our deep understanding of local building styles
Our accuracy and attention to detail
Our reliability and professionalism
Our willingness to explain things clearly
Our pride in supporting local projects
Whether you’re restoring a cottage near Crewkerne, extending a family home in Chard, or preparing a planning application in Axminster, we’re here to make the process smooth, clear, and stress‑free.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re planning a project and want accurate, dependable drawings you can build your ideas on, we’d be delighted to help. Whether you’re ready to book a survey or you’d prefer to explore things a little further first, you’re always welcome to reach out. Our dedicated Measured Building Survey page has extra FAQs and guidance if you’d like more detail - and if you’d rather speak to a real person straight away, we’re only a call or email away. Let’s get your project moving with clarity, confidence, and a friendly local team by your side.