A site survey is the most important step in any electric gate project — and the one most homeowners know least about before it happens. Unlike a quick phone quote based on gate width alone, a survey gives both you and your installer the information needed to specify the right system for your property.
If you are considering automatic driveway gates in Hertfordshire, here is what to expect when we visit — and how to get the most from the appointment.
Why a site survey matters
Electric gates are not a standard product fitted to a standard opening. Every driveway differs in width, depth, gradient, drainage, electrical supply, and daily usage. A survey captures those variables so the quotation you receive reflects reality, not assumptions.
It also identifies constraints that are invisible in photographs — a sloping drive that rules out swing gates, a boundary wall that limits sliding run, or an electrical supply that needs upgrading before automation can be installed.
Skipping the survey and choosing from a brochure almost always leads to surprises during installation. Our planning electric gates in Hertfordshire guide covers the decisions a survey helps clarify.
What we measure and assess
During a typical survey visit, we will:
Opening dimensions. Width between existing posts or the proposed gate line, height clearance, and depth of the driveway behind the opening. These determine whether swing gate installation or sliding gate systems is viable — a question we explore further in our sliding vs swing gates guide.
Ground conditions. Level, gradient, surface type, and drainage. Sliding gates need a level track run; swing gates need clearance for the arc.
Existing infrastructure. Current gate posts (if any), walls, fences, and planting that constrain the installation. We assess whether existing structures can support automated gates or whether new posts and foundations are required.
Electrical supply. Location of the nearest suitable power source, cable run distance, and whether the existing consumer unit has capacity for a dedicated gate circuit.
Safety environment. Pedestrian routes, visibility from the house, proximity to public footpaths, and areas where safety devices must protect against crushing or entrapment.
Access for installation. Whether our team can reach the gate line with equipment for groundworks, post installation, and gate hanging.
The conversation — your priorities
Measurements tell us what is possible. The conversation tells us what you want.
We will ask about:
- How you use the driveway — Number of vehicles, reversing patterns, pedestrian access needs
- Who needs entry — Household members, visitors, deliveries, trades
- Security and privacy — How important visual screening and controlled access are to you
- Aesthetics — Materials and styles that suit your property
- Budget range — So we can propose a specification that is ambitious where it matters and pragmatic elsewhere
There is no right or wrong answer. Understanding your priorities shapes the recommendation.
What we discuss on site
Based on measurements and your priorities, we will talk through:
- Gate configuration — Swing or sliding, single or double leaf
- Materials and finish — Steel, timber, wrought iron, powder coating options
- Automation specification — Motor duty, control board, battery backup if required
- Safety devices — Photocells, obstacle detection, safety edges, force settings
- Access control — Remotes, keypads, intercom, smartphone integration via access control and intercom
- Groundworks scope — Foundations, track, drainage, ducting, making good
- Timeline — Lead times for manufacture, installation duration, and any seasonal considerations
We explain the reasoning behind each recommendation rather than presenting a single take-it-or-leave-it option. Where alternatives exist — for example, a sliding system versus a swing pair — we discuss the trade-offs honestly.
What you receive afterwards
Following the survey, you will receive a written quotation that itemises:
- Gate supply and specification
- Automation hardware and safety devices
- Access control equipment
- Groundworks and civil engineering
- Electrical installation
- Commissioning, testing, and handover
The quotation reflects the £3,500–£18,000+ investment range honestly, with no hidden extras. If something was not visible during the survey and emerges during installation — rare, but possible with buried services — we discuss it before proceeding.
Our electric gate cost guide explains how the components within a quotation relate to overall project cost.
How to prepare for your survey
A few simple steps help the visit run smoothly:
- Clear the gate line — Move vehicles and obstructions so we can measure freely
- Note your questions — Write down anything you want to discuss so nothing is forgotten
- Think about access needs — Who uses the gates, and how do visitors currently arrive?
- Check for restrictions — If you are in a conservation area or listed building, mention it; if your estate has covenants, have those details available
- Identify the electrical supply — Know where your consumer unit is and whether there is an existing outdoor socket or garage supply near the gate
You do not need to have chosen a gate style beforehand. The survey is partly about helping you make that decision with accurate information. Most visits take thirty to sixty minutes depending on driveway complexity — we do not rush, and there is no expectation to commit on the day.
Safety is assessed from the start
Safety device requirements are identified during the survey, not added later. We note crushing zones, photocell positions, and any obstacles that affect safe operation. For detail on what is required, see our guide to gate automation safety devices.
A good site survey leaves you with clarity — on configuration, cost, timeline, and what your finished gates will look like.
Book your free site survey
We survey properties across the county — from St Albans to rural homes throughout Hertfordshire.
Ready to take the first step? Request a free site survey and we will visit your property, assess the opening, and provide a detailed quotation for electric gate installation — with honest guidance and no obligation.
