When surveying for retail, the human impact is huge. The buildings in question are subject to heavy footfall and must be sustainable, as well as located in a convenient place.
Depending on the project, the survey company in question may collect data specific to property investors, facility managers, architects, store designers, and fitters.
In this article, we take you through the different survey methods used in retail surveying, how the data collected influences the overall project, and who benefits.
Which surveying techniques are used in retail surveys?
Surveying for retail involves integrating traditional building surveying techniques with BIM modelling, 2D and 3D AutoCAD Design, and the creation of virtual tours. A comprehensive list of services should include:
- NIA, GIA, and GEA data
- Photography
- Laser scanning
- 3D virtual tours
- 2D AutoCAD
- BIM Modelling
- Duty of Care Reporting
How can surveying benefit me?
If you’re…
An investor or property owner
A full-scale retail survey offers independent and accurate area measurement in order to determine the true value of the property. We use Net Internal Area (NIA), Gross Internal Area (GIA) and Gross External Area (GEA) calculations to help estimate rent, rates, and service charges.
Looking forward, you’ll be able to increase the reach and standard of your marketing campaigns with the inclusion of 3D virtual tours, accurate architectural renderings, and digital plans.
Plus, with a proper set of retail survey data, you can highlight potential legal problems before the point of sale/purchase, which minimises the risk of any additional costly landlord or tenant disputes post-sale.
A facilities manager
Survey data can be used to estimate a facilities management budget. You’ll also be capable of making fast, informed operational decisions which will help mitigate risk, as well as saving time spent on asset management.
A planner, architect, designer, or shopfitter
As part of your job, you need to be able to visualise the space you’re going to be working in, as well as preempt the impact that the fittings and elements of your design will have on the people using it.
Survey data will help support the design and planning process by giving you accurate interior and exterior models, as well as the capacity to adapt and expand existing buildings to save time, money, and incidental cost.
Retail surveying by Landform
Landform Surveys provide a comprehensive range of surveying services throughout the UK. Using the latest technology allied to traditional survey techniques, we can conduct a variety of surveys to suit client requirements.
From our Newcastle upon Tyne headquarters, we offer services such as Measured Building surveys, 3D Laser Scanning, Quarry and Landfill site surveys, and Setting Out surveys.
