Groundwise Searches Ltd
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Groundwise Searches Ltd
A Utility Search, also known as a Utility Report, Desktop Utility Records Search or PAS128 Level D Survey, is the initial step in the process of identifying utility asset owners and locating their buried, and overhead, apparatus.
A Utility Search is essential for development projects because it provides valuable information about the presence and location of underground and overhead utility assets. This information helps to prevent potential accidents, disruptions, and costly delays during construction. By identifying utility lines, cables, pipes, and other assets before excavation begins, developers can avoid accidental damage, ensure worker safety, and adhere to regulations. Overall, a Utility Search minimises risks, optimises project planning, and contributes to the successful and efficient completion of development projects.
A typical Utility Search involves making C2 enquiries with numerous utilities mapping departments and/or accessing their datasets online. The results are chased, collated and checked for accuracy. All information is converted to a PDF format Utility Report – a single document containing multiple pages of utility plans and responses – and delivered by email, via an FTP download link.
A Groundwise Utility Report includes searches covering:
Each utility company has its own disclaimer statement in respect of the information they provide. They do not guarantee or provide a warranty for the data. The utility company disclaimers should be referred to when considering the accuracy and completeness of the data. Generally, the plans provided are for guidance only and are not guaranteed to be up to date or to be a complete record of the utility company plant in the specified area.
Some utility companies only show main utilities. Therefore, service pipes or cables may not be shown on the plans, but they may be present on the site. Some Utility Companies state that the utilities may deviate from the route and position shown on the plans. Due to the time delay between installation of, or repair or upgrading of utilities and the subsequent updating of the Utility Companies plans, it should be noted that there could be utilities present that are not shown on the plans.
The exact position of the utilities should be verified using suitable detecting devices and safe digging practices in accordance with HS(G)47. Further advice on the location of the utilities should be requested from the owner.
Most utility companies state their data is valid for just 90 days, but due to utility plans being regularly changed and updated, a Groundwise Utility Report is only valid at the time of production.
The utility plans typically depict utility mains in the vicinity of a property, but they may not display individual property connections, as historical records often lack such details.
However, conducting a search could still be beneficial, as property boundaries often encompass major sewer, water, gas, and other utility pipes.
At Groundwise, we offer 4 turnaround options:
Read more about our streamlined Utility Search platform here: https://www.groundwise.com/use-the-services/ordering-online/
If there is any aspect of our service you’d like to discuss, please contact the team on 01702 615566.
In addition to our Utility Search service, we also offer a Desktop Mapping (CAD) service, where all Utility Report data is converted to a single DWG format compilation drawing. All utility networks are layered on the plan, providing a clear visual representation of utility assets within the boundary of a site.
Although we would always recommend carrying out a full Utility Search, we do offer clients a reduced Utility Search – our ‘Basic’ report. The Basics pack contains 5 key utilities: Electricity, Gas, Openreach, Water Mains and Sewers.
Simply logon to Groundwise.com, press ‘New Search’, and select ‘Basic’ at Step 3.
Our Utility Search service covers the UK and Ireland.
At Groundwise, we handle projects of all sizes, from small borehole sites to extensive developments covering over 2000ha of land or routes spanning more than 150km in length. Our experience is vast, and no project is too large or too small for us to provide comprehensive utility data and support.
Our Utility Reports are delivered in PDF format. All received utility data is converted to PDF format and combined to a single document containing multiple pages of utility plans and responses. The Utility Report is then delivered by email, via an FTP download link.
Absolutely! For sites on behalf of a Local Authority, Government Body, or Statutory Undertaker, several utilities will waive their search fees on receipt of an exemption letter, significantly reducing the overall cost for a full Utility Search.
Please contact us at [email protected] for more information.
No, Groundwise does not undertake any type of on-site survey. We purely obtain utility mapping information as part of a desk study.
At Groundwise, we offer 4 turnaround options:
You can select the Turnaround Option best suited to your project at Step 3 of our online ordering platform.
For orders in progress, the Quick Turnaround service can still be added to your project – just get in touch with us at [email protected].
For any queries, please give us a call on 01702 615566.
For Utility Search orders placed online, your order will be updated to show when a result has been received, and when it has been issued.
Alternatively, for an update on your Utility Search, please get in touch with the Production Researcher assigned to your project, or contact the team:
We are accredited by Achilles, SMAS, Constructionline, SSIP Acclaim, Builders Profile & RISQS.
Each member of the Groundwise team has carried out extensive training through an external training provider, to attain the ProQual Level 3 Certificate for Utility Mapping & Surveying.
We source the most up to date and detailed information for any site in the UK by operating a professional and efficient relationship with all utilities & data providers. Regular research is carried out with the utilities to ensure we are contacting companies relevant to your site. We also carry out regular Statutory Undertaker checks with Local Authorities around the UK & Ireland.
Before delivering data to a client, each Utility Report we prepare is subjected to quality checks by two members of the team – the Production Researcher managing the project, and another member of staff.
Yes. Our Utility Search service follows PAS 128:2022 and HSG47 industry guidance.
Fees for a Utility Search will vary on a site-to-site basis, based on the size and geographic location of a site. We always look to pass on savings where possible.
For further information on our pricing structure, please get in touch with a member of the Sales team on 01702 615566 or [email protected].
To set up an account with an invoice payment method, please get in touch with us on 01702 615566 or [email protected].
We also accept payment by BACS and Card Payment (online only – we are not able to take payment over the phone).
Yes, we do! For further information, please get in touch with the Sales team; [email protected] | 01702 615566
Yes – we can provide the following reports:
You can request an Environmental Report quotation via the ‘Bespoke’ tab, on Step 3 of our online ordering platform, or by emailing [email protected]
Of course – please get in touch with us at [email protected] and we will provide you with client testimonials.
Yes! Go to www.groundwise.com and look at the Case Studies page.
Drop us an email ([email protected]) or call the office on 01702 615566 – we are always happy to help!
You can also contact us on LinkedIn – just search for ‘Groundwise’.