Our measured survey services provide accurate, detailed surveys of housing stock to support retrofit energy improvement schemes, with a particular focus on external wall insulation (EWI) installation. We help councils, housing associations, and landlords plan and deliver retrofit programmes that are safe, compliant, and optimised for energy efficiency, supporting funding initiatives such as the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF), Off-Gas Retrofit Programme (ORP), and Energy Company Obligation (ECO).
Measured surveys ensure that design and installation teams have the accurate dimensions and property information they need to deliver high-quality, cost-effective energy improvements.
What Are Measured Surveys?
Measured surveys involve the precise measurement and recording of building dimensions, construction details, and structural features. For retrofit programmes, they are essential for:
- Planning and specifying external wall insulation systems
- Identifying site-specific constraints such as windows, doors, balconies, and roof interfaces
- Ensuring accurate material take-offs and costings
- Supporting PAS 2035-compliant retrofit design and installation
For non-traditional or complex buildings, measured surveys provide the critical data needed to design interventions that are both safe and effective.
Why Measured Surveys Are Needed
Accurate surveys are vital for successful retrofit delivery. Without them:
- External wall insulation may be incorrectly sized, leading to waste, delays, and installation issues
- Retrofit designs may not fully align with the building’s structure or features
- Costs can escalate due to inaccurate material estimates or unforeseen complications
- Compliance with PAS 2035, SHDF, ORP, ECO, and building regulations may be compromised
Measured surveys reduce risk, ensure high-quality installation, and maximise the energy and carbon savings of retrofit works.
What Our Service Provides
Our measured survey service includes:
Detailed Property Measurements
- Recording all relevant external dimensions, elevations, and features for EWI installation
- Identifying building-specific challenges such as projections, recesses, and complex façades
Construction and Material Assessment
- Note construction types, wall finishes, and substrate conditions to inform suitable insulation systems
- Highlight any structural or access considerations for safe installation
Digital Survey Outputs
- 2D CAD drawings and measured plans
- Elevation drawings showing dimensions for accurate EWI specification
- Integration with retrofit design and installation documentation
Reporting and Recommendations
- Clear guidance for designers, contractors, and project managers
- Support for PAS 2035 compliance and grant-funded programme requirements
Supporting Retrofit Programmes
Measured surveys are an essential step for:
- SHDF, ORP, and ECO-funded external wall insulation programmes
- PAS 2035-compliant retrofit planning and delivery
- Accurate costing, specification, and material planning
- Non-traditional, PRC, or hard-to-treat properties where standard measures may not suffice
- Optimising energy efficiency, EPC/SAP ratings, and carbon reduction outcomes
By providing precise building data, measured surveys ensure that retrofit projects are delivered efficiently, safely, and to specification.
Deliverables
Clients receive:
- Accurate measured survey drawings for each property or block
- Elevation plans and dimensional data suitable for EWI specification
- Notes on construction type, substrate, and site constraints
- Guidance for contractors, designers, and project managers
- Documentation suitable for boards, funders, regulators, and PAS 2035 compliance
All outputs are presented in clear, actionable formats, ensuring survey data is fully usable for retrofit programme delivery.
Why Work With MDA?
MDA has extensive experience providing measured surveys for social housing retrofit, including external wall insulation on non-traditional, PRC, and hard-to-treat properties. Our expertise ensures:
- Accurate and reliable survey data for retrofit design and installation
- Compliance with PAS 2035, SHDF, ORP, ECO, and other funding programmes
- Reduced risk of installation errors, cost overruns, and project delays
- Confidence for landlords, designers, and contractors that retrofit works will deliver energy, carbon, and cost savings
With MDA, landlords gain a trusted partner to support the successful planning and delivery of high-quality, energy-efficient retrofit projects.