Overview
InJoinery is a market leading installation specialist delivering high-level joinery fitting and install management services.
We complete over 500 projects per year, they are high-value and installs range from weeks to months. They can be singular kitchens, to complex full house packages with dressing rooms, libraries, cinema rooms. Along with these projects, we provide a detailed surveying services for clients.
The below outlines the standard operating procedure for undertaking surveys at InJoinery. It details our standard practices, billing structure, distinguishes between billable time and "loss leader" investments, and establishes critical protocols regarding liability and site accuracy.
NB: Use the folder below to view past survey examples and the file structure to use for future surveys:
Survey Examples
The below examples show surveys under different conditions.
A working site where wall build ups and finishes are yet to be completed
An original kitchen to be ripped out prior to install of the new one
Working site - IJ1893 Russell
Existing kitchen - IJ1871 Forster
Process and “How to”
Setting up the laser
Set the Z vertical axis of the laser roughly in the centre of the main elevation in the room.
Set the Y vertical axis of the laser square to the main elevation in the room, measuring off the wall to the laser on the RH and LH sides ensuring this dimension is the same. This squares the laser to one elevation.
Set the X horizontal (height) axis of the laser to the given datum line on site. If there is no datum line given, set the laser to 1m from the current floor level to the cross section of the laser where it sits on the tripod.
Measuring the space
Using a tape measure, measure from all wall nibs back to the laser datum and record the dimension on the drawn survey.
There needs to be a floor plan survey and a survey of each elevation in the space.
Colour coding
On hand drawn surveys note the horizontal dimensions and vertical dimensions in contrasting colours so they are readable.
Noting wall build ups
When noting a dimension and there is an expected wall build up note the dimension you actually recorded and the wall build up subtractions with it DO NOT write down the final figure after calculation.
E.g. 3456mm (-12mm plasterboard, -3mm skim)
Populate Site Survey Checklist
Rename and populate Site Survey Checklist found in the duplicated file structure:
Export and download as a PDF and save into the file structure
Storing, file structure & issuing
Storing
Save all relevant surveys, reports, photos and videos are to be stored in the project folder on Google Drive following the file structure below. Duplicate the file structure linked below, move it into the relevant project folder, date it and rename the files to suit the project name.
File structure
INJ_Site Survey_00.00.00
Photos and videos → All photos and videos
Site surveys → Photos of hand drawn surveys on graph paper
IJ0000 Project Name_Site Survey Checklist_Kitchen.gsheet
Issuing
Download the populated INJ_SIte Survey_00.00.00 folder locally then upload to wetransfer.com - send the share link to the client via email
Equipment
Essential
3 way laser level
Laser tripod
Laser measure
Tape measure
30cm metal rule
Grid paper notepad
Blank paper notepad
4no different coloured pens and pencil
Masking tape
Optional/project specific
Secondary laser
4ft or 6ft level
Moisture Meter
Ipad
Helmet
Hi-viz
Charging Structure
Rate
The chargeable rate is based on the Install Manager rate of £50.00/hr - there is a half-day minimum charge for all surveys.
Overage Rate: Any time spent on-site beyond the half-day is charged hourly on top of the half-day minimum charge.
Standard Practice
Always provide the client with a clear time estimate for the on-site survey before booking. This manages expectations regarding the final invoice.
Billable Work vs. Investment
Administrative and travel time tends to be a "loss leader" e.g. with clients like Sustainable and Brackenbury Homes where the fitting work is almost guaranteed.
Billable work
On-site surveying
Loss leaders
Travel: Generally absorbed by InJoinery. Exception: Project specific travel may be charged dependant on distance and/or job scope
Survey “Write Up”: Drafting plans, notes, and formal follow-up emails
Follow-up Comms: Clarifications with Project Managers or Designers to clarify details
Liability & Accuracy Protocols
To protect InJoinery from liability regarding fit and design, all surveyors must adhere to the following protocols and ensure these limitations are understood by the site team:
Scope of Liability
No Design Responsibility: We are not responsible for joinery design, construction information accuracy, or design fit guarantees. We are not insured for design accuracy; our role is strictly to capture site dimensions.
Snapshot in Time: Measurements are valid only for the site conditions on the day of the survey. Any subsequent building work or changes will void these measurements and trigger a chargeable re-survey.
Site Control: Grid Lines & Datums
Grid Lines: If the builder does not use grid lines, we will establish them. These must be the single source of truth for all room dimensions in reference to the joinery element that has been surveyed.
Fixed Datum: A fixed datum point must be agreed upon with the builder. If works are planned that affect this datum, we must be notified immediately.
Non-Compliance: If the builder or manufacturer does not adhere to our established grid/datum, we acknowledge only the dimensions of the space, not the final fit.