Measured Survey & Existing Conditions Drawings Sydney

What's included in the service

• Detailed existing measurements & photographic survey — on-site measurement of the area subject to design, supported by a complete photographic record
• Preparation of an Existing Floor Plan at Scale 1:100 covering the area subject to design, including (but not limited to):
  • Opening locations, including head and sill heights; door swings indicated
  • Overhead features — beams, bulkheads, skylights, manholes and similar
  • Stair locations and directions
  • Significant joinery items and features — kitchens, wardrobes, fireplaces and similar
  • Wall thicknesses
  • Floor-to-ceiling heights
• Payment terms — paid in advance of the site visit, with a fixed-fee quote issued after scope confirmation
• Variations — additional reports, site visits, changes or items not listed above are treated as variations and invoiced separately at the prevailing hourly rate
• Hourly rates & T&Cs — subject to the Terms and Conditions in our engagement agreement; any specific agreement takes precedence over standard hourly rates

When do you need a measured survey?

How giantA delivers measured surveys

1. Scope confirmation — brief phone call to confirm the area, building class, deliverable and any special features (mezzanines, heritage fabric, services risers). We issue a fixed-fee advance invoice.
2. Site visit — detailed measurement with total station, laser distance meter and 3D scanning where geometry is complex, plus photographic survey.
3. CAD drafting — Existing Floor Plan drafted at Scale 1:100 with all mandated elements (openings, head/sill heights, door swings, overhead features, stairs, joinery, wall thicknesses, FCL).
4. Internal review — cross-check against photographic survey and client brief; quality-assured before issue.
5. Issue — PDF + CAD (DWG) delivered, ready for your designer, certifier or for our own fit-out, renovation or Registered Architect review services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a measured survey and when do I need one?

A measured survey is a detailed on-site measurement of an existing building, producing an accurate Existing Floor Plan showing openings, head and sill heights, door swings, overhead features (beams, bulkheads, skylights), stair locations, joinery, wall thicknesses and floor-to-ceiling heights. You need one before any renovation, fit-out, alteration, or change-of-use project — and especially before signing a commercial lease or purchasing an existing property for refurbishment.

What's included in a giantA Existing Floor Plan?

Each Existing Floor Plan covers: opening locations with head and sill heights plus door swings; overhead features including beams, bulkheads, skylights and manholes; stair locations and directions; location and size of significant joinery items (kitchens, wardrobes, fireplaces); wall thicknesses; and floor-to-ceiling heights. All drawings are prepared at Scale 1:100 in CAD format.

How much does a measured survey cost in Sydney and how is it charged?

Measured surveys are charged on an hourly rate basis, paid in advance of the site visit. Costs vary with floor area, complexity (heritage features, mezzanines, irregular geometry) and access constraints. A single-storey residential survey is typically 3–5 hours on-site plus drawing time; commercial or Class 2 regulated buildings require longer. giantA provides a fixed-fee quote after scope confirmation. Additional reports, site visits or items not listed in the original scope are treated as variations and charged separately.

How long does a measured survey take from booking to drawings?

Typical turnaround is 5–10 business days from site visit to issued drawings. Single-storey residential: 3–5 days. Multi-residential or commercial (Class 2, 5, 6, 9): 7–14 days depending on size. Heritage or complex geometries may take longer. We confirm the timeline in the fixed-fee proposal before any site visit.

Do I need a measured survey before a fit-out or renovation DA?

Almost always yes. Council DAs for alterations and additions require an accurate existing-condition plan as the base canvas for the proposed design. Without one, the certifier or council cannot verify compliance with setbacks, floor-space ratios, or fire egress. For Class 2 regulated buildings under the DBP Act 2020, an accurate measured survey is also the foundation for the Design Compliance Declaration — our Registered Architect design review service relies on it.

What happens if I need extra drawings or site visits beyond the original scope?

Any reports, site visits, changes or items NOT listed in the original scope are treated as variations and charged separately at our standard hourly rate. Hourly rates are subject to the Terms and Conditions in our engagement agreement; if a specific agreement is in place, its terms take precedence over the standard hourly rates. We always confirm variations in writing before proceeding so there are no surprise invoices.