Sheen approached us needing a measured survey and existing drawings for a semi-detached house in Avery Hill / New Eltham. Their client was planning a loft conversion, and they needed reliable survey data and clean CAD files to support design and structural work.
In the initial emails, we:
- Confirmed the scope as measured survey + existing drawings (PDF & DWG).
- Provided an estimated fee for the combined package.
- Asked whether the loft could be accessed without a ladder, to be sure the surveyor could safely reach it.
- Explained our notice period and that we normally deliver drawings 3–5 working days after the survey.
- Set out our payment terms – an initial deposit to secure the survey slot, with the balance on completion of the drawings.
Once Sheen had client approval, they asked to book the survey for “tomorrow mid day” and requested an invoice for the initial payment so we could proceed.
How we carried out the survey
After Sheen confirmed the client’s availability and that the loft had an access ladder, we:
- Issued the initial invoice and confirmed that payment would secure the survey slot.
- Booked our surveyor Sean to attend with an arrival window between 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm.
- Shared Sean’s name and contact number with Sheen so they could pass it on to the homeowner.
- Received the property owner’s mobile number (Michael) in case of access issues, and a note asking that Sean clarify he was attending on behalf of Sheen Engineering if asked.
On the day, Sean:
- Carried out a full internal measured survey using a Disto laser for room sizes, wall thicknesses and key structural dimensions.
- Picked up loft dimensions via the access ladder so the engineering and design team would have reliable data to work from.
- Captured external photos of the property as specifically requested, along with internal photo sets, to support accurate elevations and roof modelling later.
This gave us enough information to confidently model the existing house, including the loft, for a future conversion design.
Turning the survey into drawings
Back at the office, our CAD team used Sean’s measurements and photos to produce:
- Existing floor plans at 1:1 metric scale, including the loft level.
- Front, rear and side elevations, based on external photos and measured heights.
- A main section through the house, showing floor levels, ceiling heights and roof structure relevant to the loft conversion.
Once the drawings were built, we moved the project into our quality control phase:
- Checked that key dimensions matched Sean’s survey notes.
- Ensured loft geometry, roof pitches and dormer/roof line information were consistent across plans, section and elevations.
- Confirmed that the drawings would be straightforward for Sheen’s engineers and designers to work from.
When QA was nearly complete, we emailed Sheen to say the drawings were “nearly complete and currently in the quality control phase”, and confirmed we would be able to submit the draft drawings pack later that day. Sheen replied that they were looking forward to receiving the drawings today, so everyone was aligned on timing.
We then:
- Exported a draft PDF pack and zipped it as Draft – 112 Restons Cres Ave.zip.
- Sent this draft pack alongside the final invoice, explaining that:
- If the draft looked good, the final payment would trigger release of the CAD files, PDFs and photographs as the full deliverable set.
Managing changes and expectations
Throughout the project, we focused on keeping expectations clear and communication simple:
- Quote and scope clarity
- From the first reply, we gave a clear combined estimate for the measured survey and existing drawings.
- We confirmed that both PDF and DWG formats were included, which is crucial for engineers and architects.
- Notice periods and surveyor options
- We explained that we have two surveyors with slightly different equipment and notice requirements (Bluetooth laser + LiDAR vs. internal 3D scan + Disto), so Sheen could see that our availability and fee structure are linked to the toolset.
- For this project, we worked within their requested timing, booking the survey at short notice once the client confirmed.
- Payment and scheduling
- We made it clear that the initial deposit secures the survey slot and that the balance falls due on completion of the drawings.
- As soon as Sheen confirmed the deposit was paid, we responded with a payment receipt and the surveyor’s details, so nothing held up the visit.
- Status updates
- When Sheen later asked, “Can you let us know when drawings and survey data will be shared?”, we didn’t leave them guessing.
- We confirmed the drawings were in QC, gave a same-day timeline for issuing the draft pack, and then followed through.
Once the final invoice was settled, we:
- Sent a final payment receipt.
- Issued the full final drawings and related files (including photographs and any supporting media).
Final outcome
By the end of the project, Sheen Engineering had:
- A reliable measured survey of a semi-detached house ready for loft conversion design.
- A full set of existing drawings (plans, elevations and section) in both PDF and DWG formats.
- Site photography, including external photos, to support presentation, design decisions and structural checks.
- A clear record of the survey slot, timings and payment trail, making it easy to brief their team and client.
For us, the project reinforced:
- How clear notice periods, payment terms and surveyor options help engineering practices plan their own workflows.
- The value of transparent QC communication – letting clients know when drawings are in quality control and when to expect a draft pack.
It’s a neat example of how we support engineering-led loft conversion projects: combining fast survey scheduling with clear, well-structured existing information that a technical team can trust.plying care and structure in CAD, and delivering something that plugs straight into an architect’s design process with minimal friction.
Project Details
| Service Type | Measured survey and existing drawings (plans, elevations, section) for a loft conversion |
| Time Taken | Around 1 week from survey booking to final drawings (staged issue) |
| Budget | £400–£550 |
| Location | Restons Crescent / Avery Hill, New Eltham area (SE9) |
