Pre & Post-Construction Survey

Pre-construction surveys are generally required for documenting the existing condition of properties located in the close vicinity to a construction site, before the construction project begins. This is required to minimize uncertainties and disputes that may arise in case of damages to these adjacent properties, and would help determine the source and origin of the deficiencies, whether they had existed before the construction project began or occurred during the construction.

Post-construction survey is a supplementary service, which is done after a construction project ends. The purpose of this report is to summarise the conditions prior and after the construction project in order to determine if there are any substantial changes, which to the opinion of the engineer, are resulting from the construction.

Such damages could be for example cracks in the walls of the building(s) or retaining walls, or shifting of fences, walkways or driveways as a result of erosion of the soil or vibration that was caused by construction.

As of November 3, 2008, the City of Toronto requires a Vibration Control form to be completed with any application of a construction or demolition permit. The requirement is stipulated in By-law No. 514-2008 that amends the City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 362, Building Construction and Demolition. This requirement has been adopted by many other municipalities across Ontario.

Pre and Post-Construction Surveys are also required as a standard in any municipal tender for road construction in order to document the conditions of the properties along the path of the project and avoid potential disputes with the property owners.

Additional steps are required when construction or demolition includes activities such as blasting, deep foundation, large scale soil compaction, construction within the water table, or any other activity that has a potential to cause vibrations that might have impact on buildings or structures beyond the construction site.