The Importance of Site Visits in Flood Risk Management

Building on Simon’s previous blog which emphasised the importance of taking a detailed, methodical approach to flood risk assessment in line with the CIRIA C790 Code of Practice, here we want to focus on Stage 2: the Property Survey.

CIRIA C790 Code of Practice

We view the CIRIA C790 Code of Practice as the backbone of our work, whether we’re producing Property Flood Resilience (PFR) reports, Flood Mitigation Reports, or Home Buyers’ Reports.

The Code calls for a property survey with good reason. Writing a report to provide flood risk solutions without setting foot on-site feels, to our Flood Risk Consultants, like writing it half-blind. Ground truthing and fact finding is what enables us to challenge assumptions in remotely-sensed or modelled data, making our conclusions more accurate and our recommendations more defensible.

Data Versus Site Surveys

Remote imagery, modelled data, and footprint plans are valuable tools, but they cannot provide insights into critical factors such as the condition of flood barriers, flood walls, or earth bunds. The ability to physically inspect existing defences and incorporate these observations into our recommendations is invaluable for steering clients toward the most effective flood mitigation strategy, ultimately saving both time and money. When remote data is combined with information gathered during site surveys, it bridges a crucial information gap, grounding our analysis in first-hand evidence rather than relying entirely on remotely sensed data and models that inherently contain assumptions.

A site survey also allows us to recommend targeted, client-specific solutions for precise locations around a property. Using intelligent iPad based tools like magicplan, every observation and photograph is recorded, mapped, and embedded directly into our reports. This not only magnifies the usefulness of the report but also aids our consultant in recalling a property at a level that would otherwise be impossible.

A sound understanding of the property layout and composition of the area that better allows our consultants to later explore and consider larger strategic measures that may otherwise have been missed.

When we suggest flood management solutions, the report clearly sets out, the exact location and characteristics of the measure, its approximate cost, and its relative importance in managing risk. This level of clarity provides clients with both confidence and reassurance; they know exactly what they are investing in, why it matters, and how it fits into an overall resilience strategy.

Site visits aren’t just about ticking a compliance box, they add genuine value for our clients. Compared with competitors who rely solely on desktop assessments, our reports stand out for their level of detail and specificity. This means our clients know their capital is being directed where it will make the biggest impact on reducing flood risk.

Flooding isn’t only a technical or financial issue it’s also deeply personal, with serious mental and emotional impacts. Meeting clients in person during site visits reinforces this reality for us, energising our mission to deliver practical, realistic solutions. This personal connection also breaks down barriers. Clients feel more comfortable reaching out to us, asking questions during and after the survey, or booking follow-up consultations.

At FPSE, site surveys aren’t optional voluntary extras, they’re invaluable. They ensure our reports are not only compliant with C790 but also grounded in reality, truly tailored to the property, and focused on delivering maximum benefit to our clients.

Have questions about your flood risk or need advice on your next steps? Contact one of our team, we’re always happy to talk about how on-site surveys can save you time and money.

Written by Sebastian Henshaw, Flood Risk Consultant – BSc (Hons) MCIWEM