Do I need a physical site survey for my hygienic install?
A physical site survey can be a key step in ensuring a smooth and successful hygienic installation. By identifying potential problems and setting expectations early, it helps to avoid unexpected costs, material wastage, and last-minute changes that could impact both budget and timeline. It’s also a really good opportunity for you to get to know us, meet face-to-face, and let us reassure you that we’re going to help you achieve the best possible results.
A site survey is particularly important for refurbishment projects, where existing conditions can be unpredictable. Unlike a new build, where specifications are set from the start, refurbishments often come with unique challenges. In this post, we explore the key reasons why a site survey can be invaluable.
No hidden costs
With a site survey, we can guarantee that precise measurements will be taken and therefore we’ll be able to produce the most accurate quote for their works. We can look at anything which might cause the job to take slightly longer because it requires an extra fitting team, or even make suggestions which may save time that you haven’t considered. Within a few days of the survey, you will receive a completely accurate and transparent quotation with no hidden costs. And best of all, the survey is free of charge!
Accessibility
Sites with tricky access - whether due to location, internal layout, or other restrictions - need reviewing in advance. Narrow corridors, one-way streets, availability of parking, staircases, and lifts can all pose logistical challenges. Our survey will assess the best routes possible for delivery and installation to ensure the materials can be transported safely and efficiently. Additionally, our fitters require a minimum working space of 4x3 meters in order to set up their benches. This needs to either within the same room, or another area very close by, so as to ensure the most efficient installation.
Different types of surfaces
Correct surface preparation is essential for a long-lasting and high-quality installation. A site survey helps identify uneven walls, dampness, or damage that may affect adhesion and performance. By addressing these issues in advance, we can ensure that the chosen materials are going to perform as expected. Once the survey has been completed, we can then recommend any preparation that may be required in order to bring the surfaces up to standard. For example, applying a layer of PVA to the walls, or applying ply board to troublesome areas. We will also be able to add an additional option to our quotation, so that we can do the preparation for you, if you would prefer.
Turnkey projects: seamless integration
For turnkey projects, where we are installing walls, floors, and ceilings, accuracy is key. A site survey ensures:
- Precise measurements to prevent material shortages or wastage
- Seamless integration between surfaces
- A structured plan of the order in which the works will take place
- The best material specifications for the environment
- We help clients select the most suitable products, ensuring they work together harmoniously for both function and aesthetics.
Working in public spaces
Many of our installations take place in live environments, meaning careful planning is required to minimise disruption. We have extensive experience working in hospitals, train stations, airports, prisons, hotels, and schools, where sensitivity to staff, visitors, and the public is essential. For example, we are:
- Currently on-site at St. Thomas’s Hospital, London
- Working at LNER train stations in Peterborough and Grantham
- Completing a project at Southampton airports (and we’ve been to Gatwick too)
- Installing at HMP Coldingley
Every public space has unique challenges, and a site survey ensures we understand those challenges and any specific customer requests, to deliver projects with minimal impact on daily operations.
Site readiness: setting the right conditions
A site must be properly prepared to ensure the best results and we already touched on different types of surfaces. Another crucial factor is temperature. The installation space must be kept at a constant 18°C, starting two days before and after the install. We also test the dryness of the walls too, with a moisture meter. This allows us to check if walls that have been freshly built or plastered are dry enough for us to install onto.
If temperature control is an issue, we will recommend that you install temporary heaters, to bring the room to the right temperature, or we’ll advise of other potential measures you may be able to take, such as boarding up windows and doors.
Large-scale contractor coordination
On large projects involving multiple contractors, a site survey helps:
- Establish site rules and access points
- Identify the best routes for navigation
- Connect our fitting team with key personnel on-site
This ensures a streamlined process, reducing downtime and keeping the project on schedule. A great example of this is The Peninsula London, where we worked on a large-scale, multi-team installation. You can read more about that project here.
Understanding your installation
If you’re new to hygienic wall cladding, a site survey is the perfect opportunity to understand what the products will deliver. We walk you through the full installation process from quote to completion. We’ll make sure you know what to expect at each stage, and we’ll offer our advice on how to maintain your new surfaces for long-term durability.
Design and customisation: bringing your vision to life
With so many wonderful products to choose from, hygienic spaces don’t have to be plain, they can be beautiful too! During a site survey, we can help with:
- Product selection & specification
- Custom design elements
- Bringing samples so you can see colours and textures in person
We take the time to understand your vision and offer tailored solutions based on our years of industry experience.
Final Thoughts
A site survey is a small step that makes a huge difference. Whether you're working on a refurbishment, turnkey project, or a public space, our expert team ensures your installation is smooth, efficient, and hassle-free.
Need a survey for your project? Get in touch with us today or complete our new project survey request form here
