How much does it cost to survey a property in Brisbane?

Surveying a property can cost anywhere from one thousand to several thousand dollars depending on the block's size and the survey's complexity. The cost will usually include an initial site inspection and a detailed survey of the area. We then take measurements and analysis of any structures, trees or other features. In addition to this, extra fees may be charged for mapping work, access to aerial photography or topographical surveys. Get in touch today for your free estimate.

Do I need a Surveyor if I'm Renovating or Subdividing?

If you are renovating or subdividing, we highly recommend getting advice from a surveyor. We can help you with the development process and ensure that all aspects of your project align with local council regulations.

How does a development survey help in urban planning?

A development survey provides crucial data for urban planners to make informed decisions about land use, zoning, infrastructure development, and environmental preservation. It helps ensure that new developments are compatible with existing conditions and meet the needs of the community.

What are the key components of a development survey report?

A development survey report typically includes information on land use zoning, existing infrastructure (roads, utilities), environmental considerations (such as endangered species habitats or wetlands), soil conditions, topography, and any legal restrictions or easements affecting the property.

Services / Construction Set-Out

Construction Set-Out Surveys Brisbane

Precise Building Layout Marking | Millimetre Accuracy

Free Consult and Proposal
Cutting Edge Technology for Faster Results
Honest Up-Front Affordable Pricing
A Focus on Communication and Professionalism

Professional Construction Set-Out Surveys in Brisbane

A construction set-out survey is the critical step that translates your building plans onto the ground with millimetre precision. City Surveyors Brisbane provides expert set-out services for residential and commercial builds throughout Brisbane—marking building corners, wall lines, floor levels, and boundary setbacks to ensure your construction starts in exactly the right position.

Our professional surveyors use advanced GNSS and total station technology to position your building according to approved plans. We coordinate with builders, certifiers, and Brisbane City Council to deliver set-out certificates that meet all compliance requirements. Whether you're building a new home, extension, townhouse, or commercial structure, our precise set-out services ensure your project proceeds without costly rework or compliance issues. We also provide boundary surveys and detail surveys to support your entire project from planning to completion.

Millimetre Precision

GPS and total station technology for exact building positioning.

Multi-Stage Setout

Footing, slab, and final setout as required for your project.

Set-Out Certificate

Signed certificate for council and certifier compliance.

Builder Coordination

We work directly with your builder to minimize delays.

Why Construction Set-Out Surveys Matter

Even the best-designed plans can go wrong without accurate set-out. A few centimetres off can result in boundary encroachments, failed inspections, neighbour disputes, or costly demolition and rework. Our set-out surveys ensure:

Compliance with Setbacks: Your building stays within approved boundary setbacks and easement restrictions, avoiding council issues.
Builder Confidence: Builders can construct with total confidence that walls, footings, and structures align with approved plans.
Avoid Rework: Incorrect positioning discovered mid-build can cost tens of thousands in demolition, redesign, and delays. Set-out prevents this.
Maximize Space: Accurate setout allows you to use every centimetre of your buildable area within setback rules.

How Construction Set-Out Works

Our set-out process typically includes:

1.Plan Review: We review your approved building plans and confirm dimensions, setbacks, and coordinates.
2.Site Preparation: Clear site access and establish reference marks (often from boundary pegs).
3.Physical Marking: Using GPS and total stations, we mark building corners, wall lines, and floor levels with pegs, nails, paint, or offset marks.
4.Verification: We verify measurements against approved plans and boundary setbacks.
5.Certificate Delivery: You receive a signed set-out certificate for your builder or certifier, confirming compliant positioning.

Ready to Start Your Build?

Book your construction set-out survey today.

Call: (07) 3477 9914

When Do You Need a Set-Out Survey?

Set-out surveys are required for:

New home builds
Townhouse developments
House extensions
Granny flats
Sheds and outbuildings
Swimming pools
Retaining walls
Commercial buildings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a construction set-out survey?

A construction set-out survey (also called building layout or setout survey) is where a professional surveyor physically marks the exact location of your building on-site based on approved plans. We use GPS and total stations to place pegs, nails, or paint marks showing building corners, wall lines, floor levels, and boundaries—ensuring builders construct in the correct position with millimetre accuracy.

How much does a construction set-out survey cost in Brisbane?

Construction set-out survey costs in Brisbane typically range from $800 to $2,500+ depending on project size, complexity, and number of setout stages required (e.g., footing setout, slab setout, final setout). Larger commercial projects or multi-stage setouts may cost more. At City Surveyors Brisbane, we provide transparent quotes with no hidden fees. Contact us for a project-specific quote.

When do I need a construction set-out survey?

You need a set-out survey before any construction begins—typically after council approval and before excavation or footing work. Set-out is required for new homes, townhouses, extensions, sheds, granny flats, pools, retaining walls, and commercial buildings. Brisbane City Council and private certifiers often require a set-out certificate confirming the building is correctly positioned before issuing construction approvals.

How long does a set-out survey take?

Most set-out surveys are completed on-site within 2–4 hours, depending on project size and complexity. We typically provide a set-out certificate within 1–2 business days after fieldwork. If you're on a tight construction schedule, we can often accommodate urgent requests to keep your project on track.

What's the difference between set-out and boundary surveys?

A boundary survey marks your property corners and legal boundaries with pegs. A set-out survey goes further—it translates your building plans onto the ground, marking exactly where walls, footings, and structures will be built. You typically need a boundary survey first (to confirm buildable area), then a set-out survey before construction begins. Both are often required for council compliance.

Do I need multiple set-out surveys during construction?

Some projects require multiple setout stages: footing setout (before excavation), slab setout (before concrete pour), and final setout (for upper floors or complex structures). Simple residential builds usually only need one or two stages. We'll advise on the best approach for your project during the initial consultation and coordinate with your builder to minimize delays.

Will I receive a set-out certificate?

Yes. We provide a signed set-out certificate confirming that your building is correctly positioned according to approved plans and complies with boundary setbacks. This certificate is often required by Brisbane City Council, private certifiers, or your builder before construction proceeds. It provides legal protection and peace of mind that your build is compliant.

Construction Set-Out Surveys Brisbane

Get Your FREE Survey Quote Today!

Professional Construction Set-Out Surveys in Brisbane

Millimetre Precision

Multi-Stage Setout

Set-Out Certificate

Builder Coordination

Why Construction Set-Out Surveys Matter

How Construction Set-Out Works

When Do You Need a Set-Out Survey?

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Surveying Services

Boundary Surveys

Detail Surveys

Subdivision Surveys