A Pre-Construction Survey consists of a field review of the existing conditions at a property adjacent to a location where construction activities are about to begin.

The goal of the survey is to visually identify all existing signs of exterior and interior damage and any signs of structural settlement, before construction begins. A pre-con survey can protect both the property owner and the contractor/developer of the site where construction activities will take place.

Consol’s team of engineers provides clients with property condition assessment for acquisition, management and disposition planning.

Consol utilises on of the latest technologies known as Building Information Modelling (BIM), it is one of the most significant technological breakthroughs which the construction sector has embraced. Transparency and sharing of information are real USPs, as BIM provides all stakeholders, including architects, surveyors and engineers with a 3D digital representation of any single building or entire scheme throughout its lifecycle.

Sitting at the heart of BIM is digital technology which extends 2D technical drawings into 3D virtual information models, with project management and visualization tools. One innovation in particular is helping engineers integrate BIM into projects: simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) technology.

A technology first developed in the robotics industry, SLAM enables tools to scan indoors or other difficult-to-reach, enclosed spaces. Using information from sensors, normally Lidar and imagery, digital 3D maps can then be created based on the location of the device, without the need for GPS.

SLAM-enabled mobile, lightweight scanners such as GeoSLAM’s ZEB-REVO or ZEB-HORIZON, can allow teams to map and monitor sites quickly on foot or with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or ‘drones’). But how can SLAM and BIM work together to speed up new-build projects, reduce costs and increase productivity for all stakeholders on-site?