Remodel Design Guide: Asbuilt Survey
The asbuilt survey is an important part of the remodel design process. It allows your design team to inspect your home in preparation for designing the remodel of your dreams. In order to have the most successful remodeling experience, it’s important that you and your design team are set up for success in this part of the process.
At Lamont Bros., we’ve transformed hundreds of homes across the Portland area. Our team knows that it takes a lot of trust to hire a company to renovate your home. You expect the work to be done correctly with outstanding attention to detail. One of the ways that a competent remodeling team ensures that your remodel is designed well and runs smoothly is by conducting an asbuilt survey.
In this article, you can read about what to expect during your asbuilt survey. You can use this information to make sure you and your home are prepared so that your design team can gather all the information they need to make your remodel a success. Here’s what you can expect to read about:
- What is an asbuilt survey and why is it important?
- What to expect during the asbuilt survey
- How to prepare for your asbuilt survey
- Future steps
What is an asbuilt survey and why is it important?
An asbuilt survey is an on-site inspection of your home by the design team. The goal of this visit is to take measurements and detailed notes in order to fully understand the space before beginning the design.
The designers will use the information gathered from this survey to create a design model of the current home. This model will serve as the basis for the remodel designs. By better understanding the structure and design of the current space, the designers can more accurately plan a remodel that actually works within the confines of the original design.
Without an asbuilt survey, the design team may have to make assumptions about the existing structure. This may lead to inaccurate plans, avoidable errors, and costly mistakes. An asbuilt survey ensures that the design team has a complete understanding of the existing structure, reducing the likelihood of mistakes further down the road.
What happens during an asbuilt survey?
As the homeowner, the asbuilt survey will be the first time your remodeling team comes to work in your home. Here’s what to expect during the process.
Who will be there during the asbuilt survey?
Typically, an asbuilt survey will include a design consultant, designer, and project manager. These members of your remodeling team will take ownership of inspecting the home to gather all of the information required to begin drafting designs.
What is the process for conducting an asbuilt survey?
During the asbuilt survey, the designer will take several detailed measurements of the home, including room dimensions, wall heights, and window and door placement. They will also take note of the finishes in the home, such as drywall texture, flooring material, cabinet styles, and lighting fixtures.
While the designer takes measurements, the design consultant and project manager will inspect the property for any issues that may impact the remodeling process. This can include plumbing leaks, rodent infestations, mold, dryrot, or structural failures. The team will also locate all the utilities, including water, gas, and electrical lines.
Where will the asbuilt survey take place?
In order to get the most accurate plan set for your remodel, your design team will need to inspect and measure every area that might be affected by the renovations. Obviously, this requires measuring the dimensions of the living space itself. Your design team may also need to measure the exterior, foundation/crawl space, attic, and any adjacent rooms, as well.
How long will the asbuilt survey take?
Depending on the size and complexity of the space being measured, the asbuilt survey can take anywhere from 3 to 8 hours. The larger the remodel scope, the more time you can expect the survey to take. An asbuilt survey for a 1000-square-foot addition will likely take much longer than one for a guest bathroom remodel.
How Can You Prepare for your Asbuilt Survey?
While most of the responsibility for the asbuilt survey falls to your design team, there are a few things you can do to make sure they have everything they need for the job.
Make sure your design team has access to all the necessary areas
Keep in mind that the design team will need to measure more than just the space getting remodeled. Your primary responsibility as the homeowner is to provide your team with access to the spaces they need to measure.
The design team will need to take measurements in the spaces directly above, below, and around the renovation area. This may require them to enter the attic and crawlspace, as well as have access to the mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems in the home.
Give your design team space and time to work
Inspecting the home and taking accurate measurements will require intense focus and attention to detail. As a result, your design team will do their best work when the space is free of distractions.
During the asbult survey, there shouldn’t be anything else going on in the space. You’ll also help your team along by cleaning up any clutter and making sure the floors are clear. During the inspection, the homeowner does not need to be present as long as they are able to provide access and information to the design team.
Provide any relevant information about the home
Since you likely know your home better than your design team, you should share any relevant details that might help them better understand the space they’ll be working in. Important information may include the home’s age, history, and any previous renovations. If you have the home’s original plans, that could also come in handy. This information can help the team identify potential challenges and areas that require special attention during the survey.
What happens after your asbuilt survey?
After the asbuilt survey, the design team will use the information they’ve collected to begin planning your remodel. The next step in the design process will be to develop a handful of different design concepts for you to consider as your remodel begins to take shape.
Want to learn more about the remodeling process?
Now that you have a firm grasp on what to expect during your asbuilt survey, you can begin to formulate a plan to prepare. As you move forward, it’s important to continue educating yourself about the design-build process and the different steps involved in transforming your home.
If you haven’t already, subscribe to our 5-Minute Remodeling Masterclass to further explore the remodeling process and get a better sense of how a design-build firm like Lamont Bros. can help you transform your home. Click the button below to learn more.
