Site Survey for Static Caravans

What is involved in a Site Survey and why is it so important to do it when moving a Static Caravan?

Let’s see a breakdown below.

1. Access Considerations

• • Route Assessment
    • The survey examines the route from the main road to the caravan site, identifying any potential obstacles like narrow roads, low bridges, sharp turns, or obstructions like overhanging branches.
  • Gate and Entrance Width
    • Gate posts, hinges, and the narrowest point of access are measured to ensure the caravan can pass through.
  • Turning Circles
    • The survey assesses whether the caravan can navigate turns and corners on the access route.
  • Escort Requirements
    • The need for escorts, which can increase costs, is determined.
  • Tolls and Restrictions
    • Tolls and any traffic restrictions on the route are identified.
  • Private Land Considerations
    • For private land, additional checks include gatepost measurements, potential damage from low branches, and assessing the ground conditions for suitability.

2. Ground Conditions

• • Levelling and Drainage
    • The survey evaluates the ground’s suitability for a static caravan, ensuring it’s level and has proper drainage to prevent water-logging. Check out our Sitting & Levelling a caravan guide.
  • Soil Type
    • The soil composition is assessed to determine the type of foundation or base needed.
  • Base Preparation
    • The survey helps determine if a concrete base or other foundation is required.

3. Site Specifics

• • Plot Size
    • The size of the plot is assessed to ensure the chosen caravan fits comfortably and allows for necessary clearances.
  • Utilities
    • The proximity of utilities like electricity, water, and gas is considered.
  • Local Regulations
    • Local building regulations and restrictions are taken into account.
  • Environmental Factors
    • Exposure to wind, flooding, and other environmental factors are assessed.

4. Importance of a Site Survey

• • Informed Decisions
    • The survey provides crucial information for making informed decisions about the caravan’s size, model, and installation.
  • Cost-Effective Delivery
    • By identifying potential issues beforehand, the survey helps avoid unexpected costs and delays during delivery and installation.
  • Safety and Compliance
    • The survey ensures the caravan is sited safely and complies with relevant regulations and safety standards.

5. Who Conducts the Survey

• • Specialist Caravan Dealer Surveyors
    • Caravan dealers who have their own transportation teams, like Static Trader, specialise in site surveying and offer site surveys as part of their services. These surveys are priced at very affordable rates.
  • Park Home Surveyors
    • Some park home and static caravan sites have surveyors who can provide comprehensive assessments, but generally these services are charged a premium rates.
  • Self-Assessment
    • While a professional survey is recommended, some homeowners may choose to assess the site themselves, especially on private land, by considering factors like access, ground conditions, and potential obstacles.
      Even though as a free alternative this may sound more appealing, extra charges may apply when delivering a static caravan due to narrow lanes, obstructions, wide loads, or unsafe terrain, that require alternative arrangements to be made to overcome the issue.

In conclusion, whether you’re thinking of buying or selling a static caravan, a site survey prior to delivering or picking a static caravan is an extremely important step to take as it allows to completely assess the suitability of a specific location, or pathway for siting or transporting a static caravan.

It involves evaluating factors like access, ground conditions, and potential obstacles to ensure the caravan can be safely transported out of its current location, or delivered and installed properly in its new location.

The survey also helps determine the best size and type of caravan for the location, in case this it is the first time a caravan is being delivered to that site.