Looking for a better way to write a proposal for what we will show on a Topographic Map. In the past I have just said we will show trees that are __? DBH and all visible surface utilities and markings. This has gotten me by for quite some time, but it says nothing about buildings, finished floor elevation, walls, sidewalks, curbs, parking islands, etc. which of course are included / shown.
The rest of the proposal is fine, but as far as what physical features are shown, what is a good way to approach this?
I do not want to be overly specific, because I want to use this in a general proposal, and I do not want to have to go through it every time and delete out the things that either do not pertain to the property, or that the client doesn??t want / need.
"...locate improvements"
I list "structures, hardscape, significant trees and (usually) visible frontage improvements according to City of ... standard requirements. This usually is a starting point for negotiation, I work in an urban environment where these necessary components are known and I will not do a topographic survey without boundary determination; your mileage may vary.
"...visible improvements within the project boundaries..." and whatever natural features you feel need to be specified.
Unless the client requests otherwise, my usual scope states "a topographic survey suitable for engineering design." I realize that there's room for disagreement as to what that includes, but clients with unusual needs are generally aware that they need more specificity.
There's a PM at one of my best clients who always asks for much more detail than the other PMs, and always wants it spelled out in the scope. I think it's way overkill, but it's her project, so I go along. I've also learned to double my cost estimate any time she's in charge.
You might make up an "Exhibit A" attachment of items that are typically included, and then list things that are excluded. It's the things you don't get rather than the things you do that make the most problems.