Before the visit
How to prepare for a measured survey
By the Section Scale team · Published 7 November 2026
Access
- Arrange access to every room, including locked rooms, the loft, any cellar and outbuildings
- Make sure the loft hatch can be opened and there is a safe way up
- Tell us about keys, alarm codes or a key holder if you will not be there
- Book parking, permits, lifts or loading bays with building management in advance
Inside the rooms
Furniture can stay where it is, but the scanner needs to see the walls, floors and ceilings. Moving large items a little away from the walls, opening internal doors and opening curtains and blinds makes the biggest difference.
Window sills, worktops and the tops of radiators are worth clearing if the detail matters for your project.
If the property is let
Give your tenants written notice in line with their tenancy agreement. Most agreements require at least 24 hours. Tell them roughly how long the visit will take and that the surveyor will need to go into every room.
Tell us before the visit
- What the drawings are for, such as an extension, a sale or a fit-out
- The level of detail you need
- Any existing drawings, even old or partial ones
- Anything unusual: restricted areas, fragile finishes, pets, or rooms that cannot be entered
On the day
A typical house takes a few hours on site. You do not need to stay for the whole visit as long as every area is open. Before leaving, the surveyor checks that every room has been captured, so a return visit is not needed.
Related services
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