The site is identified by the client depending on parameters of usage, cost, accessibility etc.
The site is then inspected for measurements to prepare existing layout. Various elements of
the site such as the services, surrounding areas, elevations etc. are documented. The condition
of the site is observed and recorded. Following points shall be kept in mind during site
survey.
Site condition & measurements
- Positions of columns or structure members, walls, windows (size, sill, lintel), doors,
openings and detail measurement of site. - Position of beams and their height from the ground, the depth and width of the beams.
Height of the slab, sunk slab position, note difference in height of slab and floor. - Check for any structural problems like cracks, unevenness in alignment, sagging and
deformation. Check termite or pest problem in site and surrounding. - Position of beams and structure members below the site (in case the site is at upper
floor) Check the use of the premises above the site. - Thickness of walls, slabs above and below and the material of construction.
- Structure stability certificate from structure designer is possible or not in case of
heavy load of equipment or construction. - Check the thickness of existing flooring and flooring bed. Level of floor from road
level. Whether it is prone to flood. - Evenness of plaster and its strength.
- Check any services passing through the site which belong to others.
- Position of service shafts such as plumbing, fire and electrical or shaft for ventilation.
Position of external shade and its height and depth. Any loft inside the premises. - Check for dampness, water leakage, flaking of paint, rust in the structural steel or
reinforcement, source of dampness- monsoon, water line, drainage line of toilet, AC
drain pipe, landscaping water, water tank leakage etc. - Check whether the site is at right angle by cross checking the diagonals.
- Position of staircase, type of staircase structure. If two floors are to be connected
internally, then cutout position possible structurally. - Window and ventilator openings. Type of windows, doors, shutters, rolling shutters,
glazing etc. - Type of existing finish of flooring, wall and ceiling.
- Note the open or common area around the site which can be used for ventilation or
locating services such as outdoor air conditioners, DG sets, earthing, stabilizer,
parking for visitors and staff. - Note whether the site is being used for any other purpose earlier and what are its
effects, any changes done from the original condition of the site by the previous
owner, which need to be restored for better functioning. - The outside, inside temperature.
- Availability of adjoining site for storage of material or doing site work during
execution. - Legal aspects: Check whether the plans are approved and the construction is as per
plan or not. Note the deviations. Check ‘Building Use ‘permission is obtained. Check
type of use such as residential, commercial, industrial etc. - Possibility of ramp, or provision for disable persons.
- Margins around site and its condition
- Position of sign board
- Rules and regulations of the building.
- Climate data including North direction, wind direction.
Sewerage & Rain water - Location of toilets, external connection, manhole or IC for connection.
- Type of treatment- septic tank, municipal sewerage line.
- Check for rainwater ingress in the site and location of any rain water pipe passing
through the site - In open area around the site, check for provision of storm water drain, slope and finish
of the site.
Water supply- - Duration of water supply, type of water- municipal, borewell and its TDS level and
quality. - Type and size of the supply pipe, position of the pipe.
- Possibility of taking water supply from any other location.
- Location of water tank (at which floor), pressure of water.
- If there is no water supply, how the water can be managed during construction,
availability of temporary connection.
Electricity- - Existing load available, single phase or three phase.
- Meter location and reading, existing cable size from meter to the premises.
- Existing DB, type and make of switches and switchgears,
- Electrical fittings, fans, exhaust fans or any other electrical fitting.
- Supply of electricity is continuous or detail of load shedding (to ascertain requirement
of generator) - Location of earthing – existing if any.
- Number of meters or electrical services connected to the premises. Name in which
electrical service is registered. Any pending bills. - If there is no electrical connection, whether temporary electrical connection is
available or to manage at site during construction. Time for getting electrical
connection. Name of service provider. - Location of shaft for electrical cable in the building.
- Route of main cable and DG set cable. Suitable position for electrical panel, meter,
earthing, DG set etc. Position of DG set. If there is floor below DG set than structure
stability to be checked.
LV cabling- - Telephone main cable route,
- Possible server location, VSat location, Vsat cabling. Any cutouts to be done or
available for continuity. - Location of shaft for LV cabling.
Air conditioning (HVAC)- - Possible location of outdoor units, possibility of servicing the units. Length of the
copper pipe etc. - Drainage location for indoor unit.
- Any service access is available apart from the main access.
Building Exterior and details-
- Landlord and builder’s, architect and Structure engineers, utility designer’s contact
details. - Plan of the site along with the surrounding areas. (e.g., leaflets, drawing of the
building) Use of terrace for services purpose. - Visibility form outside and various angles.
- North direction to understand heat gain or climate design and vastu design.
- Existing vegetation in and around the area.
- External finish.
- Location in terms of Longitude and Latitude (google map)