Interior Survey

Interior surveys play a crucial role in understanding and documenting the spatial characteristics of indoor spaces. Here are the key tasks involved in interior surveys:

• Equipment Preparation: Before visiting the site, gather essential tools, including a tape measure, lead clutch pencil, fine pens, eraser, sketchbook, camera, clipboard, tracing paper, grid-line paper, calculator, ruler, compass, laser pointer, spirit level, string, tape recorder, and phone. Obtain any available OS map of the site to consider sunlight angles, views, and planning issues.
• Research and Familiarization: Conduct thorough research on the building and its spaces. Review photographs, old maps, and planning application documents (if available) to understand layouts and prioritize rooms for surveying..
• Purpose Clarity: Define the purpose of the survey. Consider the planning drawing requirements and the level of detail needed for interior spaces (both existing and proposed). Tailor your survey approach based on the project brief.
• Writing a specialized description for the plan.Symbols and Legend Creation: Develop a legend of symbols you’ll encounter during the survey. Standardize symbols for internal and external walls, doors, stairs, windows, basic furniture, and measurement styles (such as ceiling heights).
• Building Familiarization: Walk around the entire building before starting the survey. Note peculiarities in individual rooms that may require extra attention during measurement.
• Room Sketches: Create oversized sketches for each room to record measurements. Label each sheet by room name or number.
• Measurement Process: Begin with overall dimensions (length of corridors, walls, diagonals). Subdivide these dimensions to include windows, doors, and other fixtures. Maintain a clockwise approach for detailed dimensions.
Remember, meticulous interior surveys contribute to accurate design, planning, and decision-making. Let’s shape spaces together.