Why Elevation and Façade Surveys for All Building Types Matter More Than Ever
Crown Services | 06 2025
Why Elevation and Façade Surveys for All Building Types Matter More Than Ever
Introduction
Whether you’re working on a new commercial site or an older historic building, a survey gives you the detailed information you need to make informed choices and stay on track.
What Are Elevation and Façade Surveys?
An elevation survey measures and maps the vertical sides of a building. These surveys show how the outside of the building looks, including the height, shape, materials, and features like doors, windows, pipework, and decorative finishes. A façade survey focuses more on the condition of the building’s exterior — checking things like cladding, brickwork, and glazing to see if there are any issues.
These services are useful when you’re planning to make changes to a building, checking it for safety, applying for planning permission, or simply keeping a record of its condition. Our team ensures that every visible detail is captured clearly and accurately so your building elevation is shown exactly as it is.
Why These Surveys Matter
The outside of a building plays a big part in both its appearance and its safety. Over time, weather and wear can damage façades. Cracks or gaps in cladding, bricks, or windows can lead to leaks, poor insulation, or even safety risks.
Having an elevation or façade survey helps you spot these problems early. Repairs can then be scheduled before they become increasingly costly. These surveys are also useful when preparing for building work, helping you avoid mistakes and delays later. If you’re applying for planning permission — especially in a protected area or for a high-rise — a detailed survey can show that your plans meet local rules.
How We Collect Survey Data
We use modern 3D laser scanning tools to measure every part of your building’s exterior. These scanners collect millions of points in seconds to create a highly detailed point cloud — a digital model showing every surface and shape.
For buildings in tight or busy areas, or where access is tricky, we also use total stations and reflectorless laser devices. These tools are ideal in places where ladders or scaffolding can’t be used. For tall buildings, we sometimes use drones to take high-quality photos and capture measurements from the air. This allows us to gather data safely and efficiently.
After collecting the data, we process it using specialist software. We then deliver your results in your preferred format — such as CAD files, 3D models, or point cloud files. This helps architects, engineers and contractors work from the same detailed information.
Where Elevation Surveys Are Used
Elevation and façade surveys are useful for many types of buildings and projects. In housing developments, they support planning applications or redesigns. For commercial properties, they help with cladding checks, building maintenance, or fire safety improvements. They can also guide building upgrades or energy efficiency changes on industrial sites.
We also work on listed buildings and heritage sites. These often have unique architectural details that must be preserved. Our surveys record every element — from stone carvings to historic windows — so they can be restored or copied during renovation.
No matter the type of building — from a town centre office block to a countryside church — we make sure the final drawings are clear, accurate and complete.
When Do You Need an Elevation or Façade Survey?
There are several situations where these surveys are needed. Planning authorities often ask for detailed building elevations when you’re applying for permission to build or change a property, especially in conservation areas or near listed buildings.
If you’re planning to refurbish a building, it’s vital to understand its current state before starting work. Our surveys help you map out the condition of the façade, which is important when replacing windows, updating cladding, or adding insulation.
Elevation surveys are also essential for Right to Light assessments. These check whether new buildings will block sunlight from reaching existing homes or offices. A detailed building elevation makes it easier to assess this and support your planning application.
What You’ll Receive
We tailor each survey to your needs. For a simple elevation survey, we provide scaled CAD drawings showing every visible feature — such as windows, doors, pipework, and brick lines. These can be in 2D or 3D, depending on the project.
If you need more detail, such as for a façade survey, we can also include a point cloud, photos, and notes on the condition of the building. For projects involving planning, conservation, or engineering, we include extra data to match your requirements.
We deliver everything in clear, industry-standard formats — including DWG, DXF, and PDF — along with a summary of how the data was collected and what it shows.
A Complete Building Surveying Service
As part of our wider building surveying work, we often combine elevation and façade surveys with other key services. These include floor plans, roof plans, and cross sections — all delivered together as part of a full measured building survey. This gives you a full picture of the building, inside and out.
We also support Building Information Modelling (BIM), which helps large teams work together using the same data. Our accurate digital files can be used for structural models, clash detection, or long-term building management.
Because we use advanced technology and streamlined processes, we can deliver results quickly, often with fewer site visits and less disruption.
Get Started Today
If you’re planning building work, refurbishing a façade, or simply want to document your property’s exterior, we’re here to help. Our expert team can advise on the best approach and carry out your survey quickly and professionally.
Contact Crown Services today to speak to one of our surveyors. With our experience and advanced tools, you’ll receive the clear and reliable information you need — capturing every part of your building’s exterior, from architectural details to the full building elevation.
Whether you’re working on a new commercial site or an older historic building, a survey gives you the detailed information you need to make informed choices and stay on track.
What Are Elevation and Façade Surveys?
An elevation survey measures and maps the vertical sides of a building. These surveys show how the outside of the building looks, including the height, shape, materials, and features like doors, windows, pipework, and decorative finishes. A façade survey focuses more on the condition of the building’s exterior — checking things like cladding, brickwork, and glazing to see if there are any issues.
These services are useful when you’re planning to make changes to a building, checking it for safety, applying for planning permission, or simply keeping a record of its condition. Our team ensures that every visible detail is captured clearly and accurately so your building elevation is shown exactly as it is.
Why These Surveys Matter
The outside of a building plays a big part in both its appearance and its safety. Over time, weather and wear can damage façades. Cracks or gaps in cladding, bricks, or windows can lead to leaks, poor insulation, or even safety risks.
Having an elevation or façade survey helps you spot these problems early. Repairs can then be scheduled before they become increasingly costly. These surveys are also useful when preparing for building work, helping you avoid mistakes and delays later. If you’re applying for planning permission — especially in a protected area or for a high-rise — a detailed survey can show that your plans meet local rules.
How We Collect Survey Data
We use modern 3D laser scanning tools to measure every part of your building’s exterior. These scanners collect millions of points in seconds to create a highly detailed point cloud — a digital model showing every surface and shape.
For buildings in tight or busy areas, or where access is tricky, we also use total stations and reflectorless laser devices. These tools are ideal in places where ladders or scaffolding can’t be used. For tall buildings, we sometimes use drones to take high-quality photos and capture measurements from the air. This allows us to gather data safely and efficiently.
After collecting the data, we process it using specialist software. We then deliver your results in your preferred format — such as CAD files, 3D models, or point cloud files. This helps architects, engineers and contractors work from the same detailed information.
Where Elevation Surveys Are Used
Elevation and façade surveys are useful for many types of buildings and projects. In housing developments, they support planning applications or redesigns. For commercial properties, they help with cladding checks, building maintenance, or fire safety improvements. They can also guide building upgrades or energy efficiency changes on industrial sites.
We also work on listed buildings and heritage sites. These often have unique architectural details that must be preserved. Our surveys record every element — from stone carvings to historic windows — so they can be restored or copied during renovation.
No matter the type of building — from a town centre office block to a countryside church — we make sure the final drawings are clear, accurate and complete.
When Do You Need an Elevation or Façade Survey?
There are several situations where these surveys are needed. Planning authorities often ask for detailed building elevations when you’re applying for permission to build or change a property, especially in conservation areas or near listed buildings.
If you’re planning to refurbish a building, it’s vital to understand its current state before starting work. Our surveys help you map out the condition of the façade, which is important when replacing windows, updating cladding, or adding insulation.
Elevation surveys are also essential for Right to Light assessments. These check whether new buildings will block sunlight from reaching existing homes or offices. A detailed building elevation makes it easier to assess this and support your planning application.
What You’ll Receive
We tailor each survey to your needs. For a simple elevation survey, we provide scaled CAD drawings showing every visible feature — such as windows, doors, pipework, and brick lines. These can be in 2D or 3D, depending on the project.
If you need more detail, such as for a façade survey, we can also include a point cloud, photos, and notes on the condition of the building. For projects involving planning, conservation, or engineering, we include extra data to match your requirements.
We deliver everything in clear, industry-standard formats — including DWG, DXF, and PDF — along with a summary of how the data was collected and what it shows.
A Complete Building Surveying Service
As part of our wider building surveying work, we often combine elevation and façade surveys with other key services. These include floor plans, roof plans, and cross sections — all delivered together as part of a full measured building survey. This gives you a full picture of the building, inside and out.
We also support Building Information Modelling (BIM), which helps large teams work together using the same data. Our accurate digital files can be used for structural models, clash detection, or long-term building management.
Because we use advanced technology and streamlined processes, we can deliver results quickly, often with fewer site visits and less disruption.
Get Started Today
If you’re planning building work, refurbishing a façade, or simply want to document your property’s exterior, we’re here to help. Our expert team can advise on the best approach and carry out your survey quickly and professionally.
Contact Crown Services today to speak to one of our surveyors. With our experience and advanced tools, you’ll receive the clear and reliable information you need — capturing every part of your building’s exterior, from architectural details to the full building elevation.
An elevation survey measures and maps the vertical sides of a building. These surveys show how the outside of the building looks, including the height, shape, materials, and features like doors, windows, pipework, and decorative finishes. A façade survey focuses more on the condition of the building’s exterior — checking things like cladding, brickwork, and glazing to see if there are any issues.
These services are useful when you’re planning to make changes to a building, checking it for safety, applying for planning permission, or simply keeping a record of its condition. Our team ensures that every visible detail is captured clearly and accurately so your building elevation is shown exactly as it is.
Why These Surveys Matter
The outside of a building plays a big part in both its appearance and its safety. Over time, weather and wear can damage façades. Cracks or gaps in cladding, bricks, or windows can lead to leaks, poor insulation, or even safety risks.
Having an elevation or façade survey helps you spot these problems early. Repairs can then be scheduled before they become increasingly costly. These surveys are also useful when preparing for building work, helping you avoid mistakes and delays later. If you’re applying for planning permission — especially in a protected area or for a high-rise — a detailed survey can show that your plans meet local rules.
How We Collect Survey Data
We use modern 3D laser scanning tools to measure every part of your building’s exterior. These scanners collect millions of points in seconds to create a highly detailed point cloud — a digital model showing every surface and shape.
For buildings in tight or busy areas, or where access is tricky, we also use total stations and reflectorless laser devices. These tools are ideal in places where ladders or scaffolding can’t be used. For tall buildings, we sometimes use drones to take high-quality photos and capture measurements from the air. This allows us to gather data safely and efficiently.
After collecting the data, we process it using specialist software. We then deliver your results in your preferred format — such as CAD files, 3D models, or point cloud files. This helps architects, engineers and contractors work from the same detailed information.
Where Elevation Surveys Are Used
Elevation and façade surveys are useful for many types of buildings and projects. In housing developments, they support planning applications or redesigns. For commercial properties, they help with cladding checks, building maintenance, or fire safety improvements. They can also guide building upgrades or energy efficiency changes on industrial sites.
We also work on listed buildings and heritage sites. These often have unique architectural details that must be preserved. Our surveys record every element — from stone carvings to historic windows — so they can be restored or copied during renovation.
No matter the type of building — from a town centre office block to a countryside church — we make sure the final drawings are clear, accurate and complete.
When Do You Need an Elevation or Façade Survey?
There are several situations where these surveys are needed. Planning authorities often ask for detailed building elevations when you’re applying for permission to build or change a property, especially in conservation areas or near listed buildings.
If you’re planning to refurbish a building, it’s vital to understand its current state before starting work. Our surveys help you map out the condition of the façade, which is important when replacing windows, updating cladding, or adding insulation.
Elevation surveys are also essential for Right to Light assessments. These check whether new buildings will block sunlight from reaching existing homes or offices. A detailed building elevation makes it easier to assess this and support your planning application.
What You’ll Receive
We tailor each survey to your needs. For a simple elevation survey, we provide scaled CAD drawings showing every visible feature — such as windows, doors, pipework, and brick lines. These can be in 2D or 3D, depending on the project.
If you need more detail, such as for a façade survey, we can also include a point cloud, photos, and notes on the condition of the building. For projects involving planning, conservation, or engineering, we include extra data to match your requirements.
We deliver everything in clear, industry-standard formats — including DWG, DXF, and PDF — along with a summary of how the data was collected and what it shows.
A Complete Building Surveying Service
As part of our wider building surveying work, we often combine elevation and façade surveys with other key services. These include floor plans, roof plans, and cross sections — all delivered together as part of a full measured building survey. This gives you a full picture of the building, inside and out.
We also support Building Information Modelling (BIM), which helps large teams work together using the same data. Our accurate digital files can be used for structural models, clash detection, or long-term building management.
Because we use advanced technology and streamlined processes, we can deliver results quickly, often with fewer site visits and less disruption.
Get Started Today
If you’re planning building work, refurbishing a façade, or simply want to document your property’s exterior, we’re here to help. Our expert team can advise on the best approach and carry out your survey quickly and professionally.
Contact Crown Services today to speak to one of our surveyors. With our experience and advanced tools, you’ll receive the clear and reliable information you need — capturing every part of your building’s exterior, from architectural details to the full building elevation.
We use modern 3D laser scanning tools to measure every part of your building’s exterior. These scanners collect millions of points in seconds to create a highly detailed point cloud — a digital model showing every surface and shape.
For buildings in tight or busy areas, or where access is tricky, we also use total stations and reflectorless laser devices. These tools are ideal in places where ladders or scaffolding can’t be used. For tall buildings, we sometimes use drones to take high-quality photos and capture measurements from the air. This allows us to gather data safely and efficiently.
After collecting the data, we process it using specialist software. We then deliver your results in your preferred format — such as CAD files, 3D models, or point cloud files. This helps architects, engineers and contractors work from the same detailed information.
Where Elevation Surveys Are Used
Elevation and façade surveys are useful for many types of buildings and projects. In housing developments, they support planning applications or redesigns. For commercial properties, they help with cladding checks, building maintenance, or fire safety improvements. They can also guide building upgrades or energy efficiency changes on industrial sites.
We also work on listed buildings and heritage sites. These often have unique architectural details that must be preserved. Our surveys record every element — from stone carvings to historic windows — so they can be restored or copied during renovation.
No matter the type of building — from a town centre office block to a countryside church — we make sure the final drawings are clear, accurate and complete.
When Do You Need an Elevation or Façade Survey?
There are several situations where these surveys are needed. Planning authorities often ask for detailed building elevations when you’re applying for permission to build or change a property, especially in conservation areas or near listed buildings.
If you’re planning to refurbish a building, it’s vital to understand its current state before starting work. Our surveys help you map out the condition of the façade, which is important when replacing windows, updating cladding, or adding insulation.
Elevation surveys are also essential for Right to Light assessments. These check whether new buildings will block sunlight from reaching existing homes or offices. A detailed building elevation makes it easier to assess this and support your planning application.
What You’ll Receive
We tailor each survey to your needs. For a simple elevation survey, we provide scaled CAD drawings showing every visible feature — such as windows, doors, pipework, and brick lines. These can be in 2D or 3D, depending on the project.
If you need more detail, such as for a façade survey, we can also include a point cloud, photos, and notes on the condition of the building. For projects involving planning, conservation, or engineering, we include extra data to match your requirements.
We deliver everything in clear, industry-standard formats — including DWG, DXF, and PDF — along with a summary of how the data was collected and what it shows.
A Complete Building Surveying Service
As part of our wider building surveying work, we often combine elevation and façade surveys with other key services. These include floor plans, roof plans, and cross sections — all delivered together as part of a full measured building survey. This gives you a full picture of the building, inside and out.
We also support Building Information Modelling (BIM), which helps large teams work together using the same data. Our accurate digital files can be used for structural models, clash detection, or long-term building management.
Because we use advanced technology and streamlined processes, we can deliver results quickly, often with fewer site visits and less disruption.
Get Started Today
If you’re planning building work, refurbishing a façade, or simply want to document your property’s exterior, we’re here to help. Our expert team can advise on the best approach and carry out your survey quickly and professionally.
Contact Crown Services today to speak to one of our surveyors. With our experience and advanced tools, you’ll receive the clear and reliable information you need — capturing every part of your building’s exterior, from architectural details to the full building elevation.
Elevation and façade surveys are useful for many types of buildings and projects. In housing developments, they support planning applications or redesigns. For commercial properties, they help with cladding checks, building maintenance, or fire safety improvements. They can also guide building upgrades or energy efficiency changes on industrial sites.
We also work on listed buildings and heritage sites. These often have unique architectural details that must be preserved. Our surveys record every element — from stone carvings to historic windows — so they can be restored or copied during renovation.
No matter the type of building — from a town centre office block to a countryside church — we make sure the final drawings are clear, accurate and complete.
When Do You Need an Elevation or Façade Survey?
There are several situations where these surveys are needed. Planning authorities often ask for detailed building elevations when you’re applying for permission to build or change a property, especially in conservation areas or near listed buildings.
If you’re planning to refurbish a building, it’s vital to understand its current state before starting work. Our surveys help you map out the condition of the façade, which is important when replacing windows, updating cladding, or adding insulation.
Elevation surveys are also essential for Right to Light assessments. These check whether new buildings will block sunlight from reaching existing homes or offices. A detailed building elevation makes it easier to assess this and support your planning application.
What You’ll Receive
We tailor each survey to your needs. For a simple elevation survey, we provide scaled CAD drawings showing every visible feature — such as windows, doors, pipework, and brick lines. These can be in 2D or 3D, depending on the project.
If you need more detail, such as for a façade survey, we can also include a point cloud, photos, and notes on the condition of the building. For projects involving planning, conservation, or engineering, we include extra data to match your requirements.
We deliver everything in clear, industry-standard formats — including DWG, DXF, and PDF — along with a summary of how the data was collected and what it shows.
A Complete Building Surveying Service
As part of our wider building surveying work, we often combine elevation and façade surveys with other key services. These include floor plans, roof plans, and cross sections — all delivered together as part of a full measured building survey. This gives you a full picture of the building, inside and out.
We also support Building Information Modelling (BIM), which helps large teams work together using the same data. Our accurate digital files can be used for structural models, clash detection, or long-term building management.
Because we use advanced technology and streamlined processes, we can deliver results quickly, often with fewer site visits and less disruption.
Get Started Today
If you’re planning building work, refurbishing a façade, or simply want to document your property’s exterior, we’re here to help. Our expert team can advise on the best approach and carry out your survey quickly and professionally.
Contact Crown Services today to speak to one of our surveyors. With our experience and advanced tools, you’ll receive the clear and reliable information you need — capturing every part of your building’s exterior, from architectural details to the full building elevation.
There are several situations where these surveys are needed. Planning authorities often ask for detailed building elevations when you’re applying for permission to build or change a property, especially in conservation areas or near listed buildings.
If you’re planning to refurbish a building, it’s vital to understand its current state before starting work. Our surveys help you map out the condition of the façade, which is important when replacing windows, updating cladding, or adding insulation.
Elevation surveys are also essential for Right to Light assessments. These check whether new buildings will block sunlight from reaching existing homes or offices. A detailed building elevation makes it easier to assess this and support your planning application.
What You’ll Receive
We tailor each survey to your needs. For a simple elevation survey, we provide scaled CAD drawings showing every visible feature — such as windows, doors, pipework, and brick lines. These can be in 2D or 3D, depending on the project.
If you need more detail, such as for a façade survey, we can also include a point cloud, photos, and notes on the condition of the building. For projects involving planning, conservation, or engineering, we include extra data to match your requirements.
We deliver everything in clear, industry-standard formats — including DWG, DXF, and PDF — along with a summary of how the data was collected and what it shows.
A Complete Building Surveying Service
As part of our wider building surveying work, we often combine elevation and façade surveys with other key services. These include floor plans, roof plans, and cross sections — all delivered together as part of a full measured building survey. This gives you a full picture of the building, inside and out.
We also support Building Information Modelling (BIM), which helps large teams work together using the same data. Our accurate digital files can be used for structural models, clash detection, or long-term building management.
Because we use advanced technology and streamlined processes, we can deliver results quickly, often with fewer site visits and less disruption.
Get Started Today
If you’re planning building work, refurbishing a façade, or simply want to document your property’s exterior, we’re here to help. Our expert team can advise on the best approach and carry out your survey quickly and professionally.
Contact Crown Services today to speak to one of our surveyors. With our experience and advanced tools, you’ll receive the clear and reliable information you need — capturing every part of your building’s exterior, from architectural details to the full building elevation.
We tailor each survey to your needs. For a simple elevation survey, we provide scaled CAD drawings showing every visible feature — such as windows, doors, pipework, and brick lines. These can be in 2D or 3D, depending on the project.
If you need more detail, such as for a façade survey, we can also include a point cloud, photos, and notes on the condition of the building. For projects involving planning, conservation, or engineering, we include extra data to match your requirements.
We deliver everything in clear, industry-standard formats — including DWG, DXF, and PDF — along with a summary of how the data was collected and what it shows.
A Complete Building Surveying Service
As part of our wider building surveying work, we often combine elevation and façade surveys with other key services. These include floor plans, roof plans, and cross sections — all delivered together as part of a full measured building survey. This gives you a full picture of the building, inside and out.
We also support Building Information Modelling (BIM), which helps large teams work together using the same data. Our accurate digital files can be used for structural models, clash detection, or long-term building management.
Because we use advanced technology and streamlined processes, we can deliver results quickly, often with fewer site visits and less disruption.
Get Started Today
If you’re planning building work, refurbishing a façade, or simply want to document your property’s exterior, we’re here to help. Our expert team can advise on the best approach and carry out your survey quickly and professionally.
Contact Crown Services today to speak to one of our surveyors. With our experience and advanced tools, you’ll receive the clear and reliable information you need — capturing every part of your building’s exterior, from architectural details to the full building elevation.
As part of our wider building surveying work, we often combine elevation and façade surveys with other key services. These include floor plans, roof plans, and cross sections — all delivered together as part of a full measured building survey. This gives you a full picture of the building, inside and out.
We also support Building Information Modelling (BIM), which helps large teams work together using the same data. Our accurate digital files can be used for structural models, clash detection, or long-term building management.
Because we use advanced technology and streamlined processes, we can deliver results quickly, often with fewer site visits and less disruption.
Get Started Today
If you’re planning building work, refurbishing a façade, or simply want to document your property’s exterior, we’re here to help. Our expert team can advise on the best approach and carry out your survey quickly and professionally.
Contact Crown Services today to speak to one of our surveyors. With our experience and advanced tools, you’ll receive the clear and reliable information you need — capturing every part of your building’s exterior, from architectural details to the full building elevation.
If you’re planning building work, refurbishing a façade, or simply want to document your property’s exterior, we’re here to help. Our expert team can advise on the best approach and carry out your survey quickly and professionally.
Contact Crown Services today to speak to one of our surveyors. With our experience and advanced tools, you’ll receive the clear and reliable information you need — capturing every part of your building’s exterior, from architectural details to the full building elevation.
