An essential part of the garden design process
Garden surveys are an essential part of the garden design process and where the design journey begins. On occasion, you may be able to provide us with one (maybe you’ve had some plans drawn up by an architect too). On most occasions we request one be done by a professional surveyor. Even for smaller scale sites we insist on a survey, in our experience it will save you money and time in the long run.
What are garden surveys and how much do they cost?
Known as a topographical survey and supplied in dwg as well as a pdf, the document captures data such as heights of existing features including walls, steps and fences. Other features include the house and any outbuildings, inspection chambers, trees, borders, patios and outbuildings.
The surveys so not name individual plants, do not show the location of underground services and will only indicate key plants and shrubs rather than individual specimens.
The topographical survey provides the basis for all construction drawings, planting and lighting plans our team produce.
A professional survey costs between £350 and £850 for most average gardens, around £650 to £1200 for larger sites and a few thousand for large estates with wooded areas and sprawling acreage.
Each company varies, but the usual turn around time from booking a surveyor to obtaining the drawing is around 2 weeks and we’d recommend allowing 4 weeks for the process including quoting.
Expect your plans to arrive digitally unless you’ve specifically paid for paper copies, and if you’re organising this yourself, be sure to obtain a pdf and dwg, because this is what architects and garden designers require to be able to build on the plans. We can provide a list of necessary features on request.
GARDEN SURVEY FEATURES
A key element of garden surveys is the topography of the outdoor space – that is, the lie of the land. It’s significant as it affects drainage, siting and design of new features, and the amount of effort needed for earthworks.
Here at Bestall & Co we use photographs to aid recollection and support any garden surveys performed. They’re indispensable when it comes to filling in the blanks or clarifying existing features.
Photos are also brilliant at capturing every step along the design process.
Don’t hesitate to contact us at Bestall & Co to arrange the first step in the creation of your dream garden
