What are Pre-Construction Surveys?

What are Pre-Construction Surveys and Why are They Important?

Life is fluid and full of change. What was here one day, is sometimes different, obsolete, or gone the next. When things do change problems can arise if there is a discrepancy over the impact of that change.

It's common for construction, projects to have an impact on surrounding buildings and property. Sometimes this impact is minimal. Sometimes, it's so drastic that it creates disagreements and conflict. In order to help protect both property owners and contractors/developers, Preconstruction surveys offer a variety of benefits and assurance.

For property owners the surveys establish a baseline of the existing conditions so that if any new damage or structural settlement is caused by the construction, it is directly attributed to the construction activities, and therefore, the responsibility of the contractor/developer to repair. For contractors and developers, the survey provides loss control and a predictable claims defense mechanism. If a property owner alleges that damage was sustained due to construction activities, the pre-construction survey can serve as a reference to confirm what visible damage pre-existed the construction activity. This process allows for fair and prompt settlement of third-party property damage claims. At the conclusion of construction, a post construction survey is then conducted to close out any potential impacts on the property.

Many engineering firms offer these services. Woman-owned WBE, Foundation Test Group in Owings Mills, Maryland specializes Pre-Construction Surveys. According to President Diana Goodwin, "FTGs highly trained staff routinely performs preconstruction surveys, and we are committed to delivering quality always."

What exactly are Pre-Construction Surveys?

A pre-construction survey is a thorough field review of the existing conditions at a property adjacent to a location where construction activities are about to begin. The goal of the survey is to visually identify all existing signs of exterior and interior damage and any signs of structural settlement before construction begins. When offered, most engineering firms recommend that property owners take advantage of them, since most projects will refuse claims if a preconstruction survey is refused.

Pre-construction surveys are typically performed where a project is expected to have a potential impact. The most typical type of projects that utilize them are transportation, infrastructure, or construction in an urban environment.

Are Pre-Construction Surveys time consuming and expensive?

A PCS is very affordable usually taking a half day or less to perform. As a value, they are the clear way to be able to easily determine if claims made for damages arising from adjacent construction are valid.

Why Foundation Test Group?

Aside from their other core services, FTG performed over 700 pre-construction surveys for the Purple Line Transportation Project around the Washington, D.C. Beltway. During these surveys Team FTG assessed and recorded current conditions of structures (including homes) where construction was going to occur. FTG was able to coordinate, perform and document these surveys without impacting construction schedule.

If you want to read more about Pre-Construction surveys, click here (https://foundationtestgroup.com/pre-construction-surveys/). If your organization or property needs Pre-Construction services, email dgoodwin@foundationtestgroup.com or call 410-517- 0715.

We are available to you any time! Please call us at 410-517-0715, email info@foundationtestgroup.com or click here. Our clients are of the utmost importance to us and we take special pride in putting you first.