Antenna Site Survey Checklist for Installers
A good site survey saves more time than any tool in the van. Most installation problems, from missing access equipment to an antenna that cannot see the coverage area, can be spotted on a survey visit. This checklist covers what to record before quoting or booking an install.
Access and safety
- Roof access route, keys and permits, and any restricted hours.
- Edge protection, fall arrest points and whether a MEWP or scaffold is needed.
- Asbestos register, fragile roof areas and roof loading limits.
- Existing RF sources on the roof and any exclusion zones around them.
Structure and mounting
- Mounting options: existing mast, wall, parapet, ballast frame or new pole.
- Pole diameter and thread type for brackets.
- Exposure to wind and whether a structural check is required for the planned load. See our wind loading guide.
Radio environment
- Line of sight towards the coverage area, the base station or the far end of a link.
- Obstructions such as plant rooms, taller buildings and trees, noting that trees will be in full leaf in summer.
- Other antennas nearby, their frequencies and the separation available.
- Signal measurements on the target network where relevant.
Cable route
- Measured route from antenna to equipment, including vertical runs.
- Entry points, fire stopping requirements and existing containment.
- Cable type needed to keep loss within budget. Our coaxial cable guide covers the trade-offs.
Power, earthing and equipment
- Power supply location and capacity for radios and any active antennas.
- Existing lightning protection and earthing points to bond to.
- Equipment room space, ventilation and rack availability.
Paperwork
- Photos of every mounting position, cable route and entry point.
- Landlord or building manager consent, and any planning considerations.
- Agreed handover tests, such as VSWR and coverage checks.
Turning the survey into an order
With the survey complete, you can specify antennas, mounts, cable and connectors in one order. Read our guide to reading antenna datasheets, browse the mounting range, and use our VSWR installer checklist for handover.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a site survey take?
A simple rooftop survey can take under an hour. Complex sites with multiple antennas, long cable routes or restricted access can take half a day or more.
Should I measure signal strength during the survey?
Yes, where the installation uses an existing network such as cellular or TETRA. Record readings at each candidate antenna position.
What photos should I take?
Mounting positions, the view towards the coverage area, cable routes, entry points, equipment space and any existing earthing.
Send your survey notes to sales@renair.co.uk and the team will help put the order together.
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