For use on Garden Surveys and Reports
The following notes are intended for use by Designers and Contractors when tendering for projects, both domestic and commercial. The format is progressive, and therefore some of the information indicated in the survey questionnaire will not be relevant to all schemes.
Similarly, there will be occasions that you may identify, that require you to add more information than shown. Such is the nature of a template – it is purely intended as a guide, forming only a part of your tender documentation.
In all instances however, it is essential to record as much information as possible, discovered at the time of your visit. This document may form part of your quotation, as it is the basis upon which you have quoted. A copy should be placed in the client file at the office, for reference in case of any queries that may arise in the future.
ESTABLISHING THE CLIENT AND SITE DETAILS
Name of Client (This may not be the property owner or person issuing instructions, but is the person nominated by the owner for the purpose of this survey)
Address of the Property subject to this survey. Include post code and any other relevant information clearly showing the property and area/s to which this survey relates to.
Names and Addresses of Owners and Clients if different from those previously shown.
Date of Enquiry, plus details of person making the enquiry. Also record any third party involvement/recommendations.
Date of Site Visit
Weather and Site Conditions noted at the time of such visit.
Identifying Number of the Scheme or part thereof. This reference number should be unique to that particular site and quotation, especially if other works may arise from the same source to avoid any confusion.
NOTES PRIOR TO SETTING FOOT ON SITE
Width of access roads/parking problems/overhead cables/turning problems/schools or hospitals/any other potential hazards or threats to the smooth running of your intended works.
ARRIVING ON SITE
Width of access into site
Turning difficulties or height issues ref. crane offload etc
Condition of roadside fences/walls/gates
Condition of driveway
(As in all surveying matters, ensure you take plenty of time dated photographs of each area, especially noting any existing damage)
BUILDINGS
Overall impression – Tidy, well maintained?
Damp proof courses – visible, 150mm above ground? Condition?
Air Bricks – Clean, clear, dry?
Gutters and downpipes – clean, unbroken, secure?
Windows and doors – Chipped glass or paintwork? General condition?
Brickwork/stonework/rendering – signs of movement or damage?
Taps – Number and location. Condition of pipework? Water pressure? Permission to use?
Power points – Voltage limitation, circuit breakers? Permission to use?
SITE IN GENERAL
Oil tanks? Location? Condition? Any signs of leakage/spillage? Emergency cut off?
Gas inc Propane tanks – pipe runs likely? Emergency cut off location?
Trees – Sizes and types. Surface roots? Location issues? Shade problems? Leaf drop issues re. gutters and pools etc?
Manhole covers (inc BT etc) Location and numbers. Depth of drainrun if applicable ref damage by vehicles/weight/vibration. Condition of covers and drains.
Swimming Pools – General condition. Paving condition inc. sinkage/movement. Soft areas nearby? Size of pool? Gallonage? (Ditto reference fishponds and swimming ponds)
Water off site – Location and instructions ref. water disposal/pool emptying.
Fences and walls – Condition and type/s. Neighbour issues likely? Overhanging branches or encroachments on to clients curtilage?
Hedges – Type and size? Width, height and length? Bulking issues if reducing/cutting. Arisings left on site or remove off site?
Soil type – Depth of topsoil? Soil analysis undertaken – results? Bulking factor issues? Spread on site or remove off site? Weed seed or root contamination requiring removal off site? Shrinkage or heave problems identified?
Site Grounds – Soft areas requiring ground boards? Water run off? Drainage problems?
Existing Rubbish on site – amount? Client to remove?
Storage Areas – Dry cover? Access to store for delivery lorries? Area available?
PRELIMINARIES/COSTS
(These items will form part of any quotation, shown as Prelims, with separate costs shown against each)
Site Office inc temporary telephone and First Aid Washing Station
Toilet Hire
Scaffolding inc. weather cover for works areas plus low lift work e.g. walling projects.
Ground Boards for traversing site.
Protection of areas/trees/shrubs/windows/driveways etc
Licences and Special Insurances
Removal of rubbish from site (volume to be assessed and agreed beforehand if impossible to evaluate) Skip hire or grab lorries?
Site dewatering, temporary measures inc pumping equipment.
Specific Hire Charges
Banksmen
Road sweeping or tidying of works external to site (during works or end of project)
Costs of setting up works (1) and Site clearance/final tidy (2)
NOTES
Clients comments ref. timing/problem neighbours/quiet times/restrictions on access or working times etc.
Any existing plans or drawings available (do not accept responsibility beyond checking them as a guide only)
Any ALARM BELLS! Are you completely comfortable with your survey?
Don’t forget to date and time the survey.