Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do I need a land survey?
A land or topographical survey provides an accurate, measured record of existing site conditions and forms the foundation for informed planning, design, and construction decisions.
Depending on the site and brief, a survey may include:
2. Who are RICS and why choose a RICS Chartered Land Surveyor?
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is the world’s leading professional body for land, property, construction, and infrastructure professionals.
Choosing a RICS Chartered and regulated surveyor means your survey is undertaken in accordance with recognised professional standards, supported by appropriate insurance, ethical oversight, and clear accountability. This provides reassurance that the information produced is reliable, defensible, and suitable for use by planners, architects, engineers, and other consultants.
3. How are your fees structured?Our fees reflect the level of professional qualification, regulation, and care involved in delivering reliable survey data.
As a RICS Chartered and regulated practice, we operate with robust quality control procedures, appropriate Professional Indemnity Insurance, and accredited health and safety management through SMAS Worksafe. Our fees are set to reflect this level of professional service, accountability, and confidence.
4. Are you VAT registered?
Yes. Angle Surveys Ltd is VAT registered, and all invoices are issued with VAT added at the prevailing rate (currently 20%).
5. Who are your clients?We work with a wide range of clients, including:
6. How long will it take to receive my survey?
Timescales depend on survey size, complexity, site conditions, and current workload. We provide an estimated delivery timeframe at the outset and keep clients informed throughout the process. Our aim is always to deliver surveys promptly and accurately, without compromising quality.
7. What is your approach to health and safety?
Health and safety is a core priority for Angle Surveys.
We are SSIP accredited through SMAS Worksafe and undertake project-specific risk assessments and method statements prior to commencing work. Our surveyors are trained in relevant disciplines including Emergency First Aid, lone working, working at height, asbestos awareness, and risk assessment procedures.
Where sites present elevated risk or restricted access, we use advanced non-contact survey techniques, including Leica PinPoint laser technology, to capture accurate data while minimising exposure to hazards.
8. Do you carry out surveys outside North Wales?
Yes. While we are based in North Wales, we undertake surveys nationwide, including in locations such as Exeter, London, Edinburgh, and beyond.
9. What drawing scales do you provide?Common drawing scales include:
10. I only need boundaries and building footprints surveyed. Is that possible?
Yes. Where a limited scope of information is required, we can undertake a reduced-scope land survey rather than a full topographical survey. This is typically reflected in a lower fee, subject to site conditions and access.
Please note that boundaries are shown based on physical features observed on site and do not define legal boundaries.
11. Does surveying in my area mean a development is planned?
Not necessarily. Surveys are undertaken for many reasons, including:
12. How will I receive my survey?
Surveys are typically supplied digitally in formats such as:
13. Who arranges site access?
We kindly ask clients for arranging all necessary permissions and access with landowners or occupiers prior to the survey commencing.
14. Can you provide replacement copies of old surveys?
Yes. We securely retain digital records of completed surveys and can provide replacement copies where available. These are usually reissued electronically at no additional cost.
15. Can you update or extend an existing survey?
Yes. We regularly update and extend existing surveys, including those not originally undertaken by us. Changes to site conditions or project requirements may necessitate additional survey work — please contact us for advice.
16. Can you advise on the next steps after a survey?
Yes. While we do not provide design services, we are happy to offer general guidance and can assist in liaising with architects, engineers, planners, and other consultants. Our experience working alongside RICS, RIBA, and engineering professionals allows us to provide informed, practical advice.
If you have any further questions or would like to discuss your project, please feel free to contact us.
1. Why do I need a land survey?
A land or topographical survey provides an accurate, measured record of existing site conditions and forms the foundation for informed planning, design, and construction decisions.
Depending on the site and brief, a survey may include:
- Existing buildings and structures
- Boundaries and boundary features (where identifiable)
- Trees and tree canopies
- Roads, paths, and hardstanding
- Changes in surface materials
- Levels, contours, and spot heights
- Inspection chambers and drainage features
- Overhead and visible below-ground services
2. Who are RICS and why choose a RICS Chartered Land Surveyor?
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is the world’s leading professional body for land, property, construction, and infrastructure professionals.
Choosing a RICS Chartered and regulated surveyor means your survey is undertaken in accordance with recognised professional standards, supported by appropriate insurance, ethical oversight, and clear accountability. This provides reassurance that the information produced is reliable, defensible, and suitable for use by planners, architects, engineers, and other consultants.
3. How are your fees structured?Our fees reflect the level of professional qualification, regulation, and care involved in delivering reliable survey data.
As a RICS Chartered and regulated practice, we operate with robust quality control procedures, appropriate Professional Indemnity Insurance, and accredited health and safety management through SMAS Worksafe. Our fees are set to reflect this level of professional service, accountability, and confidence.
4. Are you VAT registered?
Yes. Angle Surveys Ltd is VAT registered, and all invoices are issued with VAT added at the prevailing rate (currently 20%).
5. Who are your clients?We work with a wide range of clients, including:
- Architects and designers
- Developers and builders
- Landscape architects
- Consultants and engineers
- Local authorities and county councils
- Homeowners and private individuals
6. How long will it take to receive my survey?
Timescales depend on survey size, complexity, site conditions, and current workload. We provide an estimated delivery timeframe at the outset and keep clients informed throughout the process. Our aim is always to deliver surveys promptly and accurately, without compromising quality.
7. What is your approach to health and safety?
Health and safety is a core priority for Angle Surveys.
We are SSIP accredited through SMAS Worksafe and undertake project-specific risk assessments and method statements prior to commencing work. Our surveyors are trained in relevant disciplines including Emergency First Aid, lone working, working at height, asbestos awareness, and risk assessment procedures.
Where sites present elevated risk or restricted access, we use advanced non-contact survey techniques, including Leica PinPoint laser technology, to capture accurate data while minimising exposure to hazards.
8. Do you carry out surveys outside North Wales?
Yes. While we are based in North Wales, we undertake surveys nationwide, including in locations such as Exeter, London, Edinburgh, and beyond.
9. What drawing scales do you provide?Common drawing scales include:
- 1:50
- 1:100
- 1:200
- 1:250
- 1:500
- 1:1250
10. I only need boundaries and building footprints surveyed. Is that possible?
Yes. Where a limited scope of information is required, we can undertake a reduced-scope land survey rather than a full topographical survey. This is typically reflected in a lower fee, subject to site conditions and access.
Please note that boundaries are shown based on physical features observed on site and do not define legal boundaries.
11. Does surveying in my area mean a development is planned?
Not necessarily. Surveys are undertaken for many reasons, including:
- Boundary identification or reinstatement
- Tree surveys and assessments
- Highway and access improvements
- Drainage investigations
- Design feasibility studies
- Maintenance or refurbishment projects
12. How will I receive my survey?
Surveys are typically supplied digitally in formats such as:
- AutoCAD (.DWG / .DXF)
- PDF drawings
- Point clouds
- BIM models
- ASCII or specialist formats where required
13. Who arranges site access?
We kindly ask clients for arranging all necessary permissions and access with landowners or occupiers prior to the survey commencing.
14. Can you provide replacement copies of old surveys?
Yes. We securely retain digital records of completed surveys and can provide replacement copies where available. These are usually reissued electronically at no additional cost.
15. Can you update or extend an existing survey?
Yes. We regularly update and extend existing surveys, including those not originally undertaken by us. Changes to site conditions or project requirements may necessitate additional survey work — please contact us for advice.
16. Can you advise on the next steps after a survey?
Yes. While we do not provide design services, we are happy to offer general guidance and can assist in liaising with architects, engineers, planners, and other consultants. Our experience working alongside RICS, RIBA, and engineering professionals allows us to provide informed, practical advice.
If you have any further questions or would like to discuss your project, please feel free to contact us.
