Have you been talking to your architect about opening up the back of the house lately? Or maybe you’re finally planning that second storey. But did you know you’ll need a feature survey before any of that can get started?
Most people haven’t heard the term before. It’s not something you deal with often, and it usually appears right when your project starts to move quickly. And this is something you should know. No feature survey means no real design, no accurate builder quotes, and no progress with council.
If you’re trying to understand what a feature survey actually involves and who should carry it out, you’ll find everything you need here. And, you’ll get to know why homeowners and builders across Melbourne and Sydney consistently trust East West Surveyors to handle this important step.
What is a feature survey?
A feature survey is a detailed plan that maps all visible features, structures and levels on your property. It shows what currently exists on the land. This helps your designer, builder, engineer and council all work with accurate information.
It typically includes the below.
- Property boundaries
- Existing buildings and structures
- Spot levels and contours showing land slope
- Driveways, paths, retaining walls
- Significant trees and vegetation
- Services like pits, poles and manholes
- Easements and restrictions
- Neighbouring buildings near your boundary
If you’ve ever asked “What does a feature survey include?”, that list covers the essentials.
A feature survey is sometimes referred to as a feature and level survey, detail and contour survey, or topographic survey.
What are the features of a survey?
When people ask about the “features” of a survey, they’re referring to the elements that define your land and affect design.
- Ground levels and elevation
- Slopes and drainage
- Visible infrastructure
- Easements
- Hard surfaces
- Built structures
- Trees and vegetation
- Access points and driveways
These features form the base information your architect relies on.
What are the 3 levels of survey?
In residential projects, surveyors generally deal with three core levels of detail.
- Feature surveys – show existing features and levels
- Boundary identification surveys – confirm legal property boundaries
- Construction set-outs – mark exact locations for building on site
East West Surveyors offers all three, with clients often needing a combination of them.
How does a feature survey differ from other survey types?
You may also have heard of other surveying methods, such as,
- Topographic surveys
- Contour surveys
- Re-establishment surveys
- Subdivision surveys
If you’re wondering “What are the four types of surveys?”, the common categories are,
- Land or cadastral surveys (boundaries)
- Engineering or construction surveys
- Topographic/feature surveys
- Subdivision surveys
All of these fall under “surveying methods,” and each has a specific purpose depending on your project.
East West Surveyors specialises in all major residential survey types.
Why is a feature survey essential for building or renovation?
Because your designer can’t design safely or legally without it.
A feature survey:
- Shows land slope and drainage
- Reveals easements you cannot build over
- Helps your builder plan excavation
- Supports engineering decisions
- Ensures accurate building heights and setbacks
- Helps designers meet council regulations
- Prevents costly redesigns later
Skipping this step often leads to budget blowouts or delays, which is why East West Surveyors always recommends getting your survey early in the planning stage.
How much does a feature survey cost in Melbourne?
A common question people ask is “How much does a feature survey cost Melbourne?”
Typical price ranges include:
Standard suburban blocks: $800–$1,500
Sloping or complex blocks: $1,500–$2,500+
In Victoria, the cost depends on:
- Block size
- Slope and terrain
- Vegetation density
- Required detail
- Whether boundary identification is needed
If you’re asking “How much should you pay for a survey?”, the safest answer is: enough to ensure accuracy. Poor-quality surveys cost far more in redesigns and delays.
East West Surveyors offers clear, transparent pricing for homes across Melbourne and Victoria.
Is it worth paying for a survey?
Absolutely. A feature survey is one of the few expenses that actually saves you money by,
- Avoiding incorrect designs
- Preventing drainage or excavation errors
- Helping obtain council approval faster
- Ensuring your builder works from reliable information
In most cases, the survey pays for itself many times over.
What is the cheapest type of land survey?
A basic boundary identification survey is usually the least expensive. However, most building and renovation projects require feature and level surveys, which offer far more detail.
How much does a surveyor cost in Victoria?
Surveyor fees vary by project, but typical rates for residential blocks start around:
- $700–$1,500 for simple surveys
- $1,500–$2,500+ for complex sites
East West Surveyors provides competitive pricing with premium accuracy and quick turnaround times.
What are the different methods of survey?
Surveyors use a range of collection methods, including:
- Total stations
- GPS/GNSS
- Laser scanning
- Digital levels
- Aerial data (where relevant)
If you’ve ever wondered “What are the 4 methods of collecting data?”, they are:
- Measurements
- Observation
- Remote sensing
- Existing records
All of these help build the final feature survey plan.
What are the four steps of a survey?
For homeowners, the process is straightforward:
- Initial quote and project details
- On-site fieldwork
- Drafting the survey plan
- Delivery to your designer/architect
East West Surveyors makes the process smooth, fast and stress-free.
What are good questions to ask a surveyor?
Homeowners often ask:
- How long will the survey take?
- Do I need boundary identification as well?
- Will this survey meet council requirements?
- Can you help with construction set-out after approval?
- How accurate are your contour and level measurements?
A good surveyor answers these clearly and confidently.
When your land is clear, your vision can be too
A feature survey is more than a technical document. It gives your extension, new home, pool or development the solid foundation it needs to progress properly.
When your land is properly mapped, everything becomes easier:
Designers produce smarter layouts
Councils make decisions faster
Builders avoid costly mistakes
