If you’re not working in construction, engineering or surveying, you may not know the difference between what surveyors and engineers do to help create a building. They often work on the same projects, although their duties are quite different, and both jobs require them to visit the work site frequently to observe or direct. Here is an overview of how surveyors and engineers work together on projects in Texas.

What a surveyor does

Surveyors observe and record the land, from grading to natural monuments and obstructions. Their job is to give an accurate description of land features, so engineers and architects can determine the best location for various structures. It’s crucial that everyone involved in the building project have the full picture of what could potentially affect the construction process.

Surveyors typically graduate with a bachelor’s degree or higher in surveying and mapping. They might have a particular focus, such as building or land surveys. The surveyors research and develop blueprints that the engineers can refer to during the design and construction process.

What an engineer does

Engineers usually graduate with a bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering, often with a focus in a specific subset like civil, structural, electrical or mechanical engineering. The engineer uses the surveyor’s work to create a building plan.

An engineer helps answer questions like “How much weight can this structure bear?” and “Which type of construction is the safest?” The answers directly rely upon a surveyor’s site information, which guides where and how the construction is performed.

Why you need both surveyors and engineers

The goal of any new construction is to make sure it is safe and sound to build in that particular location. A surveyor and engineer will work together to review the plans, so the engineer can make any necessary modifications based on new survey information. The idea is to catch any potential issues before construction progresses too far. That way, adjustments can be made without needing to redo portions of the structure or start over.

Surveyors and engineers work together throughout the entire building process, ensuring all work is performed accurately. Surveyors can monitor construction and make sure builders aren’t deviating from the engineer’s plans, while engineers will use survey data to work around any obstructions found. Even small deviations can have a major impact.

That’s why you’ll need to hire both surveyors and engineers for your project, whether you’re building a bridge, office building or single-family home. There’s a lot riding on the safety and soundness of a structure, and it’s important to rely on the most accurate data and blueprints possible. In many cases, your surveying and engineering teams will be chosen by your construction firm—but if you’re put in charge of coordinating the project, you’ll need to make sure you have both.

When you need surveyors to work together with your engineers in Texas, reach out to the team at D.G. Smyth & Co., Inc. today. We offer a range of surveying services for projects of all sorts.