Have you ever wondered why any project you have worked on has encountered issues when it comes to the construction phase such as encountering design issues that could have been identified earlier and mitigated, or having access issues that could have been planned better?
One of the ways we can combat this, and it is an essential thing you need to do before starting the design of any project is to gather as much detailed information upfront.
The more information and detail you gather will help your designer to develop a more concise and detailed construction design, and will aid the deliver contractor to plan the project effectively.
One of the best ways to gather this information is through upfront surveys. By investing in detailed surveys, you can mitigate any potential issues that may arise not only in the construction phase, but in the feasibility and design phases.
So what advantages are there?
1. Identify project requirements and feasibility
Surveys are an excellent way to identify project requirements. A survey can help you gather information about the client's needs and preferences, the site's condition, the existing layout, the construction of existing buildings, infrastructure and assets, and will help identify any potential obstacles.
With this information, you can develop a better understanding of what the project requires, which will allow you to design and plan the project more effectively and efficiently.
A detailed survey will also help you determine the feasibility of the project and aid the direction in which you need to take the design by collating more information and gather a better baseline of information.
2. Determine the budget
Surveys can also help you determine the budget for the project. By collecting data on the project's requirements, specifications, and overlaying the existing topography or buildings and assets, you can firstly develop a better understanding of how to plan the project in construction and this will help create a more accurate estimate of the materials, labor, and equipment needed to deliver that project.
This information is crucial in developing a budget for the project, which will help you manage costs throughout the construction process.
3. Avoid project delays
Surveys can help you avoid project delays by identifying potential issues early in the process.
By gathering information up front, you can identify potential problems that may arise during construction, such as site constraints, access routes, environmental concerns, or other factors that may impact the project timeline.
This information can help you develop a more detailed construction phase plan to address these issues before they become major problems.
4. Improve communication
Surveys can also improve communication between stakeholders. By gathering more detailed information upfront that can be shared with clients, contractors, and other stakeholders, you can ensure that everyone is on the same page regarding project requirements, timelines, and budgets.
This improved communication can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that the project runs smoothly.
5. Provide a baseline to track progress.
Upfront surveys can be used as a baseline to track progress and aid better quality as builds by establishing a clear understanding of the project from the outset.
By gathering detailed information about the site, the survey can serve as a reference point throughout the construction process to ensure that the build is meeting the original design intent.
This can help identify any deviations that may occur during construction and make sure that they are corrected captured and accounted for.
By using upfront surveys as a baseline, it is easier to track progress against the original plan, helping to ensure that the project stays on track and meets the required quality standards, and complies to the client's specifications.
6. Improve project outcomes
Ultimately, surveys can help you improve project outcomes by providing you with the information you need to design and plan the project effectively.
By gathering information up front, you can develop a more accurate budget, avoid delays, and ensure that the project meets the needs of you as the client or if you are the contractor, your client's needs and expectations.
This can help you deliver a successful project that is delivered on or ahead of time, and to or under budget.
In conclusion, surveys are an essential part of the feasibility and design process. By gathering as much detailed information up front, you can identify project requirements, determine the feasibility of the project, determine the budget, identify and avoid project delays, improve communication, and improve project outcomes.
So if you're planning a construction project, make sure to invest in surveys to help you gather the information you need to deliver a successful project.
If you are now thinking this sounds good, please don't hesitate to get in touch and see if we could help you on your current project, or your next project.
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