The Importance of Pre-Entry Surveys.

1. Introduction

A pre-entry survey is carried out before a team starts design or construction work in a building, or before a tenant takes possession. It captures the layout, dimensions and condition of the space as it stands, so that everyone begins from the same, verified information.

2. Why survey first?

• Reduce abortive design. Designing from assumed dimensions often means redrawing once the real building is found to differ.
• Spot constraints early. Level changes, columns, services and awkward geometry are far easier to deal with before the design is fixed.
• Set a baseline. A dated record of the existing building and its condition helps resolve questions about damage or alterations later.
• Support approvals. Accurate existing drawings are the starting point for planning and building regulations submissions.
• Save time on site. Contractors who price and plan from accurate drawings face fewer variations.

3. Who benefits

Pre-entry surveys are useful to architects and designers starting a scheme, contractors preparing a fit-out, landlords and agents marketing space, and tenants who want an agreed record of a unit before they take it on. See our guide to GIA and NIA floor plans for how the areas are measured.

4. What a pre-entry survey covers

• measured floor plans of each level, with key dimensions;
• elevations and sections where the design requires them;
• floor-to-ceiling heights and level changes;
• location of columns, openings, stairs and other fixed features;
• a photographic record of the space and its visible condition;
• a point cloud for future reference, if required.

Note that a measured survey records geometry and visible condition. It is not a structural or building defects survey, which should be carried out separately where needed.

5. FAQs