What is a Land Surveyor (Initial Site Survey)?

A Land Surveyor is a licensed professional who measures, maps, and documents land boundaries, site features, and elevation details. Their Initial Site Survey is essential for design, engineering, planning, and construction — providing the base data needed for architectural drawings and approvals.

What does a Land Surveyor do?

Your Land Surveyor will complete works according to your agreed scope of works.


Typically, a Land Surveyor performing an Initial Site Survey will:

  • Visit your property and carry out precise measurements of boundaries, levels, easements, and features
  • Identify and mark existing utilities, trees, structures, or other site constraints
  • Prepare a digital survey drawing (usually in DWG and PDF format) to be used by your designer, architect, or engineer
  • Highlight property boundaries, contours, slope gradients, and adjoining properties where relevant


They provide the foundational data required for compliant and accurate design, engineering, and council submission.

Barry's Toolbox

Check your survey includes RLs (Reduced Levels), contours, and location of services — many designers will reject a basic sketch survey and ask you to redo it properly.

What to look for in a Land Surveyor

When reviewing quotes, look for:

  • Licensing: Must be a registered surveyor in your state or territory
  • Accuracy: Their output should be suitable for design, engineering, and council submission
  • Format delivery: Ensure they can provide files in both DWG (for designers) and PDF
  • Prompt turnaround: Ask about timeframes — delays at this stage can ripple into DA and design hold-ups
  • Local experience: Familiarity with your LGA’s planning overlays is a bonus

Before You Begin: What You’ll Need Ready

To get quotes from Land Surveyors for an Initial Site Survey, you’ll need:

  • Site address and lot/DP number
  • Suburb and council area
  • Any existing documentation (e.g. title, old survey, subdivision plans)
  • Notes on known features to include (e.g. trees, sewer lines, slope details)
  • Your preferred timeline for design or DA submission

Average Timeframe

For this task, Pros typically provide quotes within 3-5 business days.

When Can I Expect Quotes?

Timeframes often vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g. a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

 

Don't be alarmed if you don't receive quotes or communication from any Build Buddy Pros straight away. Some work is more complex and the Pro may need time to comprehend your documents or scope of work. Depending on the job, there may even be some work required by the Pro before they are able to quote (e.g. a site visit might be required).

 

If the average timeframe indicated here has passed, and you have not received any messages or quotes, please feel free to contact the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team for an update on quoting for this task.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is the Initial Site Survey required before design starts?

    Yes. Architects, engineers, and certifiers all rely on accurate survey data to prepare plans, assess feasibility, and apply for approvals.

How to Complete this Task?

STEP 1

Review and Adjust the Scope of Works

Timeframes may vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g., a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

STEP 2

Confirm Required Documents Are Uploaded

Check that the following required document(s) are uploaded for this task. These are essential to proceed:

STEP 3

Update the Quality Assurance Checklist

Go to the Quality Assurance tab in this task and review the checklist. Edit any details to suit your project requirements. Being clear and upfront helps set expectations with the Pro. Updating the checklist before requesting quotes ensures everyone is aligned.

STEP 4

Request Quotes

Click the orange ‘Request Quotes’ button to start the quoting process.

STEP 5

Review the Quotes

Once you receive quotes:

  • Review each one carefully, including the payment schedule and any special terms
  • Download attached quote documents for detailed review
  • Check each Pro’s profile and read past client reviews

STEP 6

Communicate with the Pro

If needed, message or call the Pro to clarify details or negotiate terms.

STEP 7

Accept a Quote

Choose the quote that best suits your needs. Once you accept a quote, any other pending quotes will be automatically declined. An agreement will automatically be generated.

STEP 8

Complete the Tasks In Your App

New tasks will appear to guide you through this job — follow each step carefully. Make sure to use the Quality Assurance Checklist, and refer to your contract and final Scope of Works whenever needed.

NEED HELP?

Reach Out to Your Build Buddy Pro

If you have any questions or need a hand, your Build Buddy Pro is your best first contact. They’re a licensed expert in their field and can understand the ins and outs of your project. You can message them via the platform, or you can call them directly.


If you have already contacted your Build Buddy Pro and still need further assistance, the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team are here to help. They will be able to guide you on your next steps or help you find answers to any questions you may have.