Why a Contour Survey is Critical for Property Development
A contour survey is the essential first step before designing any buildings for your property development project. This crucial assessment provides detailed information about land elevation, utility connections (sewerage, water, and power), and the positions of existing structures like fences and trees.
While builders typically arrange contour surveys before providing building designs, I discovered significant advantages in commissioning the survey myself. The $1,000 investment demonstrated my serious commitment to potential builders and gave me more control over the development process.
Finding a Professional Contour Survey Provider
For my property development in Perth, I hired a local surveying company. The total cost came to $975, which included $180 for Australian Height Datum (AHD) measurements. AHD is a standardized elevation reference that sets zero meters at the average mean sea level.
One builder mentioned that AHD isn’t strictly necessary unless your property is near the ocean. However, having this additional data proved useful for comprehensive planning purposes.
“Investing in a quality contour survey upfront saves time and prevents costly design adjustments later in your property development journey.”
Benefits of a Professional Contour Survey for Property Development
The surveying company provided not just the standard documentation but also an AutoSketch SKF file, which proved extremely valuable for the builders during the design phase. This digital format allowed for seamless integration with their design software.
| Contour Survey Elements | Why It Matters |
| Land elevation data | Crucial for drainage planning and foundation design |
| Utility connection locations | Prevents costly surprises during construction |
| Existing structures mapping | Helps with demolition planning and site preparation |
| Digital file formats | Enables precise integration with design software |
Contour Survey Visual Documentation
Below is a visual representation of the contour survey for my property development project in Cloverdale. The detailed mapping shows elevation lines, property boundaries, and utility connection points that were essential for the subsequent building design phase.
Next Steps After Your Contour Survey
Once you have your contour survey in hand, you’re ready to approach builders with confidence. The detailed information will help them provide more accurate quotes and design proposals tailored to your specific property conditions.
For more information about property surveys and development planning, check out resources from the Western Australian Planning Commission and the Landgate website.
/* Planning Timeline */
1. Commission contour survey
2. Review survey results
3. Approach builders with survey data
4. Compare design proposals
5. Select final building design