From time-to-time, people have become confused by the use of the term "field survey". They frequently believe that it refers to the "land survey" which shows the shape and size of the property as it is located in the area.
The term "field survey" refers to a process that is very important to our work. When we conduct a field survey we are actually trying to find out absolutely as much about the structure and property as we can. It includes: measuring the premises, locating utilites, septic lines and tanks, ordering a J.U.L.I.E. utility locate, determining -by digging- the depth and thickness of the foundation, determining the floor heights above grade, determining the ability of the plumbing system to accept more service demand, determining the soundness of the existing roof and floors and many other aspects of the building too numerous to list here.
The reason for finding out as much about the building as possible is so that we eliminate as many surprises as possible that could cost the homeowner upcharges during construction (please see the article Be Prepared on the "Food for Thought " page). After all, how can we add to a building, if we don't know what the building already
consists of?
So, no matter whom one hires to do the planning and design work for their project, we strongly suggest that the homeowner ask and probe the provider as to the true extent, depth and quality of the "field survey" that they perform.
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