What is a Contour Survey?

What Is a Contour Survey?

Understanding the contours of your land is essential in the world of construction and development.

A contour survey is a comprehensive process undertaken by a registered surveyor to map the contours or outline of the land. But what exactly is it, and why is it so crucial, especially when planning to build a new home?
 

What is the Purpose of Contouring?

The primary purpose of contouring is to create a detailed map that illustrates the contour lines of a plot of land. These lines indicate areas of the same elevation, and they are instrumental for architects and engineers to visualise the site's topography. 

A contour survey delineates closely spaced contour lines to reflect steep slopes and wider spaces for gentle slopes. 

This is invaluable in planning for site works , which includes anything from laying the foundation to determining the location of buildings to vegetation preservation or removal. It’s also essential for designing efficient drainage systems and retaining walls to manage soil erosion, particularly in areas of different elevations.

For a vivid illustration of how a single contour line can indicate a change in elevation and affect your building plans, consider how contour surveying can impact the decision-making process in construction.

Why Do You Need a Contour Survey When Building a New Home?

Imagine planning to build your dream house. You have the design phase completed, and you're ready to begin construction. Here's where a contour survey comes into play. 

It will provide you with a wealth of elevation data, revealing how much site work will be required before the first brick is laid. It's a critical step in understanding the land, which, coupled with a soil test, can be essential in avoiding unforeseen problems during development. 

It’s also important to note that most local councils require a contour survey as part of their regulatory process. This isn’t just a formality; it's a necessary component to ensure that your building meets local regulations and is suited to the site's elevation and topography.

What About Knockdown Rebuilds?

For a knockdown rebuild, a contour survey helps in understanding how the new structure will fit into the existing terrain, avoiding issues such as water pooling or soil erosion. It also aids in legal compliance, as building regulations often require consideration of landforms to minimise environmental impact. 

By providing a detailed layout of the land, contour surveys inform critical decisions regarding building placement, orientation, and the design of retaining walls, driveways, and landscaping, leading to a safer and more cost-effective construction process.

For deeper insights into the necessity of a contour survey in Australia, especially as a legal requirement, explore the perspectives on local council regulations.

When is a Contour Survey Carried Out?

Contour surveys are usually one of the first actions taken after acquiring a site and before the construction phase begins. They are part of the early site survey processes that collect existing features and detail surveys. 

A reputable contour surveyor will use tools such as laser scanners to gather accurate elevation data across the site—from the higher ground to the lower ground. This step is paramount for builders and developers to plan effectively and avoid costly mistakes during construction.

If you need an example of when a contour survey is carried out in a structured building process, we provide a clear outline during Step 2 of our Pre-Build Journey. To explore this further and understand how we facilitate this critical step, visit our building process guide.

With the right preparation and survey work, you're not just preparing to build a new home—you're laying the groundwork for a well-planned, secure, and legally compliant development. 

Whether it's about accuracy, meeting the expectations of local councils, or ensuring that your property is ready for the future, a contour survey is an indispensable part of the journey.

How Do You Read a Contour Survey?

Reading a contour survey requires understanding the contour lines that indicate elevation. Each contour line on a survey map represents a level of the same elevation. 

By examining these lines, one can determine the slope of the land: closely spaced contour lines suggest a steep slope, whereas lines that are further apart indicate a gentler slope. 

Features such as retaining walls, vegetation, and existing features of the property are often marked, providing a comprehensive view of the site. 

It's the detail within these surveys that aids builders, architects, and engineers in planning and determining the scope of site works required for construction and development.

Kickstart Your Home-Building Journey with Brighton Homes

Embarking on creating your new home or a knockdown rebuild is an exciting endeavour, and having a partner like Brighton Homes to guide you through the process can be incredibly reassuring. With expertise in everything from site surveys to the design phase, Brighton Homes is equipped to bring your dream to life with precision and care. 

Ready to take the first step? Get in touch with us today and let us help you turn your vision into a reality.