Main Floor and Footing Elevation Surveys

What is a Main Floor & Footing Elevation Survey?

A Main Floor Elevation Survey, also known as a Foundation Survey or an As-Built Survey, measures the height of the main floor of the building under construction to ensure that it has been built to the correct height.

This survey confirms that the top of the foundation (footing) and the planned finished floor elevation (main floor) meet the requirements of local building codes, flood zone regulations (if applicable), and the approved site plan. It's essentially a verification that the foundation is built at the right height relative to the property’s overall elevation and surrounding terrain.

Footing vs Main Floor Elevation Surveys

A Footing Elevation Survey measures the height of the footing, the concrete outline upon which basement walls are poured. This survey is completed very early in the construction process.

A Main Floor Elevation Survey measures the height of the main floor of the building under construction to ensure that it has been built to the correct height. This survey should be completed as the floor joists and main floor sheeting are being put down.

Depending upon the age of the neighbourhood, the local municipal bylaws and whether this is new construction or a renovation, either the Main Floor Survey or the Footing Elevation Survey will be required, not both.

Importance of Main Floor & Footing Surveys

Elevation surveys provide builders, engineers, and property owners with precise data to confirm that all elevations meet the approved plans:

• Zoning and Permit Compliance: Municipalities have strict zoning laws that regulate maximum building heights. Although these rules are challenging to comply with, they are in place to help new developments blend with existing structures.
• Building Code Compliance: Most building codes require a certain minimum finished floor elevation to protect against water damage, ensure proper weight distribution across the foundation, and to ensure a safe and habitable structure.
• Proper Drainage: Ensuring proper drainage is critical for preventing water from accumulating around the foundation, which can lead to structural damage, mold growth, and other problems. Structures built too low may have sewage backflow issues.
• Utility Connection Alignment: Sewer, gas and water mains connections require precise alignment to prevent costly corrections during or after construction.
• Insurance Requirements: Some lenders or insurance companies may require a footing/elevation survey before approving a loan or providing coverage.
• Flood Zone Compliance: In areas prone to flooding, this survey is crucial for demonstrating compliance with local regulations; accurate elevation data may be required for flood insurance.
• Avoiding Costly Rework: If the foundation is built too low or too high, it can be very expensive and time-consuming to correct. This survey helps identify and address potential problems early in the construction process.

What is Verified?

When completed, our team at Axiom Geomatics will provide a Main Floor Elevation Certificate, confirming that the finished floor elevation meets the required standards.

• Finished Floor Elevation: This is the primary focus. The surveyor verifies that the top of the foundation will result in a finished floor elevation that complies with local building codes and flood zone regulations.
• Foundation Height: The actual height of the foundation is measured to ensure it matches the design plans.
• Drainage Slope: The surveyor confirms that the ground around the foundation slopes away from the building to promote proper drainage and prevent water from pooling around the foundation.
• Grading: Verification that the grading around the foundation complies with the approved grading plan.

NOTE: Builders and contractors who get elevation surveys conducted will always reduce the chances of legal disputes and costly reconstruction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if my main floor is too high?

If the structure exceeds the maximum height, the roof may need to be re-architected to be flatter. In most cases, the builder is able to remediate the existing structure so it is within acceptable tolerance levels. However, this varies on a case-by-case basis.

What happens if my main floor is too low?

Too low may cause conflicts with water/sewer/gas/electrical lines that go under the foundation. The builder is able to remediate the existing structure so it is within acceptable tolerance levels, although this varies case by case.

Do I need a Main Floor or Footing Elevation Survey?

This depends on which municipality you live in. Check locally for precise information.

What is the importance of a finished floor elevation in construction?

A properly finished floor elevation encourages proper drainage, structural stability, and firm compliance with local municipal regulations. If it's too low, water may pool around the foundation, and if it's too high, it may exceed zoning limits. Verifying the finished floor elevation early usually helps avoid expensive corrections and a smoother construction process.