This post will look at the cost of as-built survey and drafting rates at architecture firms. Almost all construction projects, especially those that are commissioned, necessitate proper documentation in the form of as-built drawings.
What is a final as-built survey cost?
The owner must submit an accurate survey for the lot, which must include the following: All contour lines, topography, inlets, catch basins, cleanouts, and associated piping are all one-foot contour lines. The entire site has inclining swales, retaining walls, drainage infrastructures, the elevation of all drainage breakpoints, and drainage patterns throughout the lot. This survey is also referred to as the final survey.
It is completed during or immediately following the completion of the construction. The Final Grade Survey is frequently presented as an overlay over existing design plans, allowing for direct comparison with design data.
Required
1. Any building permit application involving the construction of a free-standing building on vacant land, an accessory building (over 625 square feet in construction), or an addition laying in a common side yard, all with finished floors, must include one digital copy of fully engineered site development drawings containing the following information:
- Site elevation as it stands now (U.S.G.S. or C.D.)
- All contiguous property’s current elevation
- Elevated foundations, retaining walls, and other site improvements are proposed.
- Surface runoff and downspout runoff
- All contour lines are visible on the final elevation for lot grading.
- Location and elevation of culverts, as well as altitudes of all drainage structures
- The nearest suitable permanent structure will be used as a benchmark.
- Any pipelines and/or landscape constructions
- Statement of drainage certification
A registered engineer must seal and sign these documents.
Note: If all of the above data is present, an engineer may substitute a septic field design paper signed and sealed by an engineer.
2. A Building Spot Survey must be filed to the Chief Plan Examiner of Building & Zoning after the foundation has been constructed and before the installation of flooring or walls. The survey must pinpoint the foundation’s location on the property, including the front, side, and back yard dimensions, the length of each wall segment, and the elevation at the top of the foundation. A registered land surveyor or engineer must seal and sign the survey. THE CONTRACTOR MUST NOT BEGIN CONSTRUCTION UNTIL THE SPOT SURVEY HAS BEEN APPROVED AND THE APPLICANT HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE BUILDING INSPECTOR.
3. Survey of Final Grades Prior to the granting of a Certificate of Occupancy, the builder/owner must submit to the Chief Plan Examiner of Building & Zoning an accurate survey for the lot, which must include the following:
- All one-foot contour lines, topography, inlets, catch basins, clean-outs, and plumbing are included.
- Swales, retaining walls, and drainage infrastructure are all components of the property.
- The elevation of all drainage break points and arrows is within the property.
- “The grading of the lot and drainage therefrom has been completed and fully complies with the design engineering drawings dated filed for the lot,” stamp and signature of a licensed land surveyor or a registered professional engineer. The signing date, license number, and expiration date must all be included.
- It is necessary to submit your application electronically.
How much does the final as-built survey cost?
There are no set prices for as-built drawing services. The cost is determined by several factors, including the size of the building, the complexity of the installed equipment, the number of drawings required, and the level of detail. As-built drawings for a residential building are average at $700 to $1,300, or $0.40 to $2.50 per square foot. An on-site visit is required to track the changes from the original plan to the current configuration of the building.
The cost of as-built Autocad drawing services for older buildings with out-of-date documentation can be prohibitively expensive. Electrical and plumbing systems, for example, may have been significantly upgraded despite being decades old. If the original building plan cannot be found, tracking the alterations requires extensive research. A surveyor will need to contact the architect (or architectural firm) who owns the original design rights. Such an effort can result in significant additional work hours and thus cost.
