Survey cost estimates?

[Andehh]

Just had confirmations on the cost of surveys ahead of kicking off our project, they seem high - but google is always a dangerous tool for this.

 

It is a big, mature, garden of 0.75acres in the midlands, and it is for a 130sqm bungalow extension, with a new driveway. Garden does consist of several mature trees , 2 in close proximity of the extension inc a very mature Willow tree (worryingly so at this stage...)

 

Topographic and Measured building survey - £1250 +VAT

Tree Survey - £950 +VAT

Ecology Survey - £1200 +VAT

 

Many thanks,

[Ferdinand]

 To me that looks pricey, bit depends on the scope.

 

Can the tree survey be done by the ecologist in one package?

[Temp]

Did you tell the last two you would provide a site survey? Perhaps the tree surveyor was expecting to have to make his own?

Edited October 27, 2020 by Temp

[Andehh]

Thanks both, these prices were from the architects.  They have said they can get a few more quotes, but broadly speaking they wouldn't expect much price fluctuations. 

[Russell griffiths]

Are you sure you need all them, who said you would, it’s an extension so you already have a house to measure from. 

Unless the land is very uneven surely it will be set out from the house with floor level finishing level with existing. 

[Andehh]

Thanks Russell,

 

The garden is on a noticeable slope away from the house, with the new extension needing to be 1-2ft higher then the existing house (provisioning for 2-3 steps in the entrance hall). There are also a few contours within that slope as well.

 

Architect confirmed all would be required for the planning app.

 

 

[Conor]

I know it's a bit like comparing apples and oranges, but we had to do all of the above as well for our 1/2 acre site, and our costs were one third of your quoted numbers above. Have a look yourself for independent self employed people - a day's surveying and drawing should be about £400, ecology survey and report around £600.

 

I would ignore you're architect's advice - only do the surveys that the planners request and deal with it then. Apart from the topo, that will be a definite. You could spend £2k on ecology and tree surveys that might never be needed.

[Andehh]

Thanks for the advice!

 

Due to being a mature plot and there being two mature trees within 10m of where we want to extend to. Combined with punching through a very mature & large hedgerow for a new driveway we do need the tree survey. Likely to need piles just because of the willow tree alone!

[Mr Punter]

Can you remove the trees that are causing an issue BEFORE you do your planning application?  In my experience, the willows could cause major issues and would be better off removed.

[Moonshine]

Have a look at BS5387, this is found on line.

 

The root protection zone extends to a circle of a radius 12 times the stem diameter.

 

 

So if you have 10m space, you only have problems if the circumfrance of the tree 1.5m above the ground is 2.6m, which is a stem diameter of 0.83m.

 

Basically you need to have bloody big trees to have an issue on your site 

Edited October 28, 2020 by Moonshine

[scottishjohn]

where in uk are you 

I got a topographical one done on two plots i was looking at - before and it cost £300

he lives in glasgow area

 he will be doing my current site If i have to do one 

[Russell griffiths]

our topo was £1200, half acre plot  over 1000 points plotted, invaluable piece of information if you then use the same surveyor for setting out. 

 

Trees and hedges, as has been said, get the hedge removed now it is not bird nesting season, once you hit March you won’t be able to remove it regardless of if you have consent or not. 

If you haven’t removed it by March ensure you cover it in netting to prevent bird nesting or it could cost you 6 months before you can remove it again. 

 

Trees, if you like them ok, if not look at getting them removed early, check for TPO and conservation areas. 

[Temp]

7 hours ago, Mr Punter said:

Can you remove the trees that are causing an issue BEFORE you do your planning application?  In my experience, the willows could cause major issues and would be better off removed.

That depends on the soil type. On some clays removing a willow could lead to heave. 

[Andehh]

Thanks very much for the comments, the architect got a few more quotes for each but there is little saving to be had (they used the quotes to get another 10% knocked off). Does seem that's the going rate for the area, garden size & market demand!