What to Expect from a Site Visit with a Surveyor

15 Jul

When planning a construction or refurbishment project, one of the most important early steps is a site visit with a professional surveyor. Whether you’re a homeowner planning an extension, a developer preparing for a large-scale build, or a contractor managing works on-site, a site visit plays a crucial role in ensuring your project starts on solid ground.

At GCC Sussex, we conduct detailed site visits across Sussex and the South East to help clients gain a clear, realistic understanding of their site, budget requirements, and project feasibility. But what exactly happens during a site visit with a surveyor? And how can it support your project’s success?

In this article, we explain what you can expect from the process, why it matters, and how to prepare.

Why Site Visits Matter

A site visit allows a qualified surveyor to assess the physical characteristics and conditions of your proposed construction site. While plans, drawings and digital data are helpful, there’s no substitute for seeing the site in person. Every project site is different and a thorough visit helps identify key factors that could affect the programme, budget, or construction method.

By carrying out a site inspection early in the process, your surveyor can:

Highlight access issues, ground conditions or topographical challenges
Identify risks or constraints that could impact cost or design
Confirm site measurements and dimensions
Review the condition of any existing buildings or structures
Support accurate cost planning, estimating, or contract preparation

Site visits are particularly important in the early stages of pre-construction planning, feasibility studies, and procurement, but they can also form part of ongoing project monitoring and cost control.

What Happens During a Surveyor Site Visit?

Every site visit is tailored to the specific needs of your project, but most follow a structured process. Here’s what typically happens:

1. Initial Briefing

Before the site visit begins, the surveyor will meet with you to understand your objectives. They may ask about the proposed works, your intended timeline, and any existing plans or permissions. This helps to frame the inspection and ensure the visit focuses on relevant factors.

If you’re working with architects, engineers or contractors, the surveyor may also coordinate with them to ensure alignment from the outset.

2. On-Site Observation and Assessment

Once on site, the surveyor will carry out a detailed visual inspection. Depending on the nature of the project, this could include:

Measuring boundaries, existing structures, and levels
Reviewing existing utilities, drainage, and access points
Assessing ground conditions, obstructions or vegetation
Identifying neighbouring properties or environmental constraints
Taking photographs and notes for reference and reporting

For refurbishment or fit-out projects, the surveyor may inspect the internal condition of the building, check for structural movement, assess finishes, or review access for materials and machinery.

This inspection helps the surveyor build a detailed understanding of what’s involved in delivering the project and what could affect its delivery or cost.

3. Health and Safety Considerations

Safety is always a priority during any site visit. Surveyors are trained to identify hazards, assess site safety, and flag any issues that may require attention before works begin. In some cases, a more detailed risk assessment or health and safety audit may be recommended following the visit.

4. Discussion of Initial Observations

At the end of the visit, the surveyor may share some early insights or raise potential red flags that were identified on-site. This can help shape your next steps, including whether additional investigations are needed (such as a structural survey or ground report).

While full findings are usually delivered in a written report, this informal feedback can be valuable in making immediate decisions or engaging further specialists.

How to Prepare for a Site Visit

To get the most value from your surveyor’s visit, it’s helpful to prepare ahead of time:

Make sure the site is accessible and safe to walk around
Provide any existing plans, drawings or documents
Be ready to explain your aims and timescales
Raise any concerns or questions you have about the site

The more information you can share, the more tailored and accurate your surveyor’s feedback will be.

Ongoing Visits During Construction

While the first site visit is typically done during the planning stage, further visits may take place throughout the build. Surveyors often return to site to:

Monitor progress against the cost plan
Review contractor valuations
Assess variations or delays
Ensure compliance with contracts and specifications

These check-ins help maintain control over costs, avoid disputes, and ensure financial transparency across the lifecycle of the project.

Working with GCC Sussex

At GCC Sussex, our chartered surveyors support clients at every stage of the construction journey. Our site visits are structured, thorough, and focused on delivering clear, actionable advice that protects your project’s success.

Whether you’re planning a new build in Burgess Hill, a refurbishment in Hove, or a commercial fit-out in Haywards Heath, we provide tailored surveying services that give you clarity from day one. From estimating and cost planning to contract management and final accounts, we help keep your project moving in the right direction.

Speak to Our Team

If you're planning a construction project and want to ensure it starts with the right professional advice, book a site visit with GCC Sussex. Our experienced surveyors will give you the insight and confidence to move forward, knowing your project is based on accurate, reliable information.

Chris Turnbull