One Of The Most Important Parts Of The Entire Process
If you’ve never purchased an awning, pergola or outdoor living system before, it’s perfectly normal to wonder what actually happens during a survey.
Many customers imagine a salesperson arriving with brochures and price lists.
The reality is usually very different.
At Cambridge Awnings, the survey is not about selling.
It’s about understanding.
Before we can recommend any solution, we first need to understand:
- Your Property
- Your Outdoor Space
- Your Objectives
- Your Priorities
- How You Want To Use The Area
Only then can meaningful recommendations be made.
We Start With A Conversation
The survey usually begins with a simple discussion.
We’re interested in understanding:
- Why You Contacted Us
- What Challenges You’re Experiencing
- What You’d Like To Improve
- How You Currently Use The Space
- How You’d Like To Use It In Future
This part is often more important than any measurements we take later.
Why?
Because two customers can have identical patios and require completely different solutions.
Understanding The Problem
Sometimes the issue is obvious.
Examples include:
- The Patio Gets Too Hot
- The Sun Causes Excessive Glare
- The Kitchen Becomes Uncomfortably Warm
- The Family Doesn’t Use The Garden Enough
- There Is Nowhere Comfortable To Sit Outside
- The Customer Wants Better Outdoor Dining
Other times, the discussion helps uncover possibilities the customer hadn’t previously considered.
Looking At The Property
Once we understand your objectives, we’ll assess the installation area.
This may include:
- Property Construction
- Wall Type
- Access
- Installation Height
- Orientation
- Existing Structures
- Power Availability
- Drainage Considerations
- Future Expansion Possibilities
The objective is to understand anything that may influence the recommendation.
Why Construction Matters
One of the biggest misconceptions is that all properties are the same.
They aren’t.
Two houses may look identical from the outside but be constructed very differently.
Understanding construction helps us determine:
- Suitable Fixing Methods
- Load Considerations
- Installation Options
- Product Suitability
This is why surveys are always valuable.
Exploring The Available Options
Once we understand both the property and your objectives, we can begin discussing possible solutions.
Depending on the situation, we may explore:
- Cassita II
- Opal Design II
- Kubata
- Topas II
- Plaza Viva
- Pergotex II
- Lighting Options
- Heating Options
- Automation
- Weather Sensors
The objective isn’t to overwhelm you with choices.
The objective is to explain the options that genuinely suit your circumstances.
Asking Questions
The survey is also your opportunity to ask questions.
Common topics include:
- Rain Protection
- Wind Resistance
- Planning Considerations
- Automation
- Fabric Choices
- Colours
- Installation Process
- Lead Times
- Budget Expectations
No question is too small.
The more information you have, the easier it becomes to make an informed decision.
Measurements & Technical Information
Where appropriate, we’ll take measurements and gather technical information required for the proposal.
This may include:
- Widths
- Projections
- Installation Heights
- Bracket Locations
- Power Requirements
- Access Considerations
- Site Photographs
This information allows us to prepare accurate recommendations and quotations.
What The Survey Is Not
The survey is not:
- A High-Pressure Sales Visit
- An Obligation To Buy
- A Sales Presentation
- A Time-Limited Offer
- A Closing Exercise
We’ve always believed customers should have the time and information required to make good decisions.
Our role is to provide advice.
The decision is always yours.
What Happens After The Survey?
Following the survey, we’ll prepare a recommendation based on everything we’ve discussed.
This will typically include:
- Recommended Solution
- Product Information
- Relevant Options
- Pricing
- Visual References
- Installation Information
- Next Steps
This allows you to review everything in your own time.
Why Customers Value Surveys
Many customers tell us afterwards that the survey was far more helpful than they expected.
Not because they learned about awnings.
But because they gained a better understanding of what was possible.
Often the best ideas emerge during the conversation itself.
Our Advice
Use the survey as an opportunity to explore possibilities.
- Ask questions.
- Share your ideas.
- Tell us how you use the space.
- Tell us what isn’t working.
The more we understand, the better our recommendations become.
Ready To Arrange A Survey?
If you’re considering an awning, pergola or outdoor living solution, we’d be delighted to visit and discuss your project.
We’ll take the time to understand your property, answer your questions and recommend solutions tailored to your requirements.
No pressure.
No obligation.
Just honest advice and practical guidance.
