What to Expect From a Professional Site Survey: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

If you’ve decided to upgrade your home with new windows or doors, picked a colour you love, explored what energy efficiency really means and chosen the right material to help create a warmer, more comfortable space, you’ve probably found yourself asking, “What is a site survey, and why does every reputable installer insist on doing one?”

Surveys can sound a bit technical, intimidating, and expensive (we all remember the nervous wait for them when purchasing our first home!)

In reality, none of these common fears are reality, although surveys remain one of the most important parts of the installation process. Surveys are the moment installers collect precise data, including measurements to ensure your new space is thermally efficient, and identify potential risks.

At Advanced Glazing Systems, everything we do is rooted in accuracy, trust and transparency. A detailed site survey is how we confirm your home’s specific needs, how we prepare for tricky access and how we protect you from legal issues or technical problems later. From the first step to final fit, our methodical approach ensures your project runs smoothly and with complete peace of mind.

What is a site survey?

A site survey is a comprehensive technical assessment carried out at your property before any new windows, doors or glazed extensions are made. We take accurate measurements, assess environmental conditions, confirm regulatory compliance and gather all relevant data needed to plan a safe, efficient and legally compliant installation.

A good survey provides essential information such as frame sizes, structural condition, risk assessment notes, property lines, potential challenges and environmental impact considerations. Without this precise data, installations can become delayed, unsafe or non-compliant.

What to expect from a site survey?

A professional site survey is designed to be straightforward, clear and reassuring. Here’s how we carry out a detailed site survey at your home.

1. Accurate measurements

Every opening is checked using calibrated measuring tools to ensure precise reference points. Even small variations in brickwork can affect how bespoke windows or doors fit, so we record the exact height, width and depth of each frame. This prevents costly rework and ensures perfect alignment during installation.

2. Identifying potential issues

We inspect important features that could affect your installation, including:
• Rotting timber
• Damp or mould
• Weak lintels or cracked brickwork
• Previous poor installations

Spotting these potential challenges early gives us time to plan the correct solutions.

3. Checking compliance with local regulations

We confirm that your new products will meet all relevant building regulations and local council requirements. This includes fire escape rules, thermal performance standards, ventilation needs and the correct use of safety glazing. For context, the Energy Saving Trust reports that modern double glazing can reduce heat loss by up to 20% compared with old single-glazed windows, so getting the specification right is essential.

4. Confirming your specifications

We talk through every detail to make sure the final product matches your home and your lifestyle:
• Glazing type, such as acoustic, laminated, low-E or toughened
• Hardware and security features
• Frame material (uPVC or aluminium)
• Colours and finishes
• Opening style and configuration

This gives you complete confidence in what will be ordered.

5. Assessing access and installation needs

We check driveways, side access, working height requirements and any obstacles that may affect the installation. This helps us plan resource use, equipment needs and the safest construction process, especially for larger projects such as bay windows or bifold doors.

Why is a site survey so important?

A detailed site survey provides accurate data, protects you from unexpected costs and ensures your installation meets all legal and safety requirements. It helps us plan effectively, avoid delays and deliver windows and doors that perform exactly as they should from day one.

Advanced Glazing Systems’ working process

We keep things simple, transparent and customer-focused from start to finish.

Quotation

We visit your home, learn about your plans and provide a clear, tailored quote with no pressure or obligation. You get our best price upfront, always, along with all the detailed information you require.

Production

Once your survey is signed off, your products are made to measure using high quality profiles and glazing systems from trusted manufacturers. Everything is produced to the exact sizes and specifications recorded during the survey.

Installation

Our fitters are highly experienced, we’ve been operating in the county and capital since 2004, and take pride in clean, careful work. We make sure your home is respected at every stage and that your new windows or doors are fitted using proven best practices for long lasting performance.

Aftercare & support

You receive full documentation, a 10-year guarantee on all products (five years for glass) and ongoing support whenever you need us. There are no call-out charges unless there is clear negligence or malicious damage.

FAQs

What is double glazing and how does it improve energy efficiency?

Double glazing uses two panes of glass with gas between them to reduce heat loss, helping your home stay warmer for less.

Is triple glazing better than double glazing?

Triple glazing offers improved insulation and noise reduction, but it isn’t always necessary. We help you decide based on your home’s environmental conditions and budget.

How much does double glazing cost?

Costs vary based on size, material and design. We provide clear, tailored quotes with no pressure.

Why is a site survey important before installing windows or doors?

A professional site survey collects essential data on each opening, structural features, and potential challenges, preventing costly delays and ensuring a smooth installation process.

What does site surveying involve for a home installation?

Surveying includes accurate measurements, inspecting frames, sills and lintels, checking for rot or damp, and confirming specifications, giving valuable insights, a critical step for project planning and a successful installation.

How does a site survey help with energy efficiency and comfort?

By assessing environmental conditions and solid ground, a site survey ensures windows and doors are fitted correctly, maximising insulation, thermal efficiency, and overall home comfort.

Who are Advanced Glazing Systems?

We are a family run business founded in 2004, serving homeowners across Essex and London.

With more than 20 years of industry experience, we specialise in uPVC and aluminium windows, composite doors, bifolds, French doors, sliding doors, roof lanterns and much more.

We are accredited by FENSA, GGF, TrustMark, and more.

For a no obligation quote, call +44 (1277) 230101 or email sales@advancedglazingsystems.co.uk.

To summarise

• A comprehensive site survey is an essential step that ensures accuracy and safety
  • It prevents delays, errors and additional costs
  • An accurate survey process confirms compliance with building regulations for a successful project
  • They help match the right products to your home
  • AGS provides a smooth, transparent experience from quotation to aftercare