WAE, as-built and final surveys explained
These terms overlap and are used differently by different councils and certifiers. In general, a work-as-executed or as-built survey measures completed works, such as stormwater, on-site detention (OSD) tanks, pits, driveways or civil infrastructure, and shows them against the design. A final survey usually confirms that a completed building sits within the approved position, setbacks and heights, often with floor or ridge levels.
Get the requirement in writing first
The most common delay is surveying the wrong things. Before booking, get the condition of consent, certifier checklist or engineer's brief that states what must be shown and in what format. Send it with your quote request and we will scope the survey to match.
Survey drainage before it's buried
Pipes, pits and OSD components that will be covered must be surveyed while they are exposed. Once concealed, levels and positions may not be measurable without excavation. Coordinate the timing with your builder, plumber and engineer.
WAE survey cost and when to book
Cost depends on what must be shown: a single dwelling's floor and ridge levels is a smaller scope than a full stormwater and on-site detention system, a driveway and kerb, or a civil subdivision. Required formats, such as council or engineer CAD templates, also affect the time involved.
Timing matters as much as price. Drainage and OSD components should be surveyed before they are backfilled, and occupation certificate checks need to be booked early enough to avoid holding up handover. Tell us your stage and target date when you request a quote.
When you may need one
- Before an occupation certificate where the certifier needs surveyed confirmation
- To record stormwater, OSD and drainage works for engineering sign-off
- For civil works handover: roads, kerbs, drainage and services
- To confirm floor, ridge or other levels against approved limits
- To check setbacks of completed works against the boundary
How it works
Brief
Send the condition, checklist or engineer's brief and the approved design.
Timing
We schedule the survey at the right construction stage, before items are concealed.
Field work
We measure the completed works and levels.
Plan
We prepare the WAE plan or final survey report in the required format.
What you receive
- Work-as-executed or as-built plan (PDF and CAD where needed)
- Final survey report or plan confirming position and levels
- Comparison with design values where the brief requires it
To get an accurate quote, send us:
- Condition of consent, certifier checklist or engineer's brief
- Approved architectural and engineering plans
- Construction stage and whether drainage is still exposed
- Your occupation certificate or handover date
Final & WAE Surveys FAQs
Do I need a final survey for an occupation certificate?
It depends on your approval, your certifier and your council. Check your conditions or ask your certifier exactly what they need, and send that to us so we include everything.
What is a WAE plan for stormwater or OSD?
It is a plan showing the as-constructed location, levels and key dimensions of the stormwater and on-site detention system, so the engineer can certify it was built as designed.
Can the survey be done after the driveway is poured?
Items that are visible can still be measured, but buried pipes and pits may not be. Survey drainage before it is covered whenever possible.
How quickly can I get the plan?
Turnaround depends on the scope and current workload. If an occupation certificate or handover date is close, tell us when you request the quote.