The Importance of a Site Survey in Rebuilding Your Landed Property

Rebuilding your landed property is a significant decision. Whether it’s a terrace, semi-D, or bungalow, one crucial task is often overlooked at the beginning: the site survey.

Many homeowners think it’s optional. However, as a Class 1 Builder, we can assure you that a proper site survey can save you time, money, and legal risk.

In this post, we’ll explore what a site survey is, why it’s essential, and when it's impossible to skip.

🧭 1. What Is a Site Survey for Landed Rebuild Projects?

A site survey is a professional mapping of your property’s:

• Boundary lines and dimensions

• Ground levels and slopes

• Existing structures and vegetation

• Nearby public infrastructure (e.g., drains, lampposts, trees)

  
  

Typically performed by a licensed land surveyor, the survey acts as the foundation for:

• Architectural design

• Submissions to BCA, URA, and PUB

• Structural foundation planning

• Hoarding and access planning

  
  

💡 In rebuilds, this is often referred to as a *Topographic Survey or Cadastral Survey

📏 2. Why Your Architect and Builder Need It?

Your Qualified Person (QP) will require the survey to:

• Draw to accurate site dimensions

• Ensure setback and envelope control compliance

• Assess buildability on sloped or uneven ground

• Show GFA calculation limits

  
  

In addition, your builder needs the survey to:

• Plan earthworks and excavation depth

• Avoid encroachment onto neighbor boundaries

• Coordinate with LTA for driveway and hoarding access

• Lay foundations without alignment issues

  
  

💡 Design based solely on rough estimates or Google Maps will likely lead to failed submissions or expensive site variation works.

🚧 3. What Can Go Wrong Without a Site Survey?

The risks of not conducting a site survey are significant:

• Boundary encroachment can lead to legal disputes or URA enforcement.

• If hoarding blocks public property, it may result in LTA fines and stop-work orders.

• Foundation errors could lead to costly rework and structural instability.

• Miscalculated GFA can result in submission rejections from BCA.

• Driveway gradient issues can lead to SCDF and LTA rejections or extra regrading costs.

  
  

💡 We’ve witnessed projects delayed by months due to outdated site data.

🔧 4. How Hitomo Helps You Start Right

At Hitomo Construction, we understand the importance of getting started on the right foot. We offer comprehensive services to ensure your rebuild's success:

• We coordinate early with licensed surveyors to gather accurate data.

• We align the survey with your architect’s drawings to avoid discrepancies.

• We use survey data for precise cost estimation and effective logistics planning.

• Our focus is on ensuring no encroachment, non-compliance, or technical delays arise during the process.

  
  

With our experience, we can help you navigate the complexities of your build, making your project smoother and more efficient.

📏 The Critical Role of Site Surveys

A proper site survey is your first line of defense against design errors, submission failures, and construction disputes. By committing to this essential step, you lay down the groundwork for a successful rebuild.

📞 Planning a Rebuild? Start with the Right Foundation.

Don’t leave your rebuild to chance. The right approach starts with a comprehensive site survey.

👉 Contact Hitomo Construction today, and we’ll guide you through every technical step, from the initial site survey to final BCA clearance.

Our goal is to ensure your rebuild is a success, minimizing risks and maximizing your investment. Let’s make your dream project a reality!