Bring photos and dimensions
Take photographs of the whole wall, close-ups of anything on or near it, and a few from the viewing positions where people will actually see it. Measure the width and height, and note doors, windows, outlets, vents, switches, fixtures, and furniture that the design has to work around.
Include the approximate access conditions: how installers reach the space, whether a lift or ladder is needed, and any limits on loading or working hours.
Describe the surface
Note what the wall is made of and how it is finished: painted drywall, brick, block, wood, glass, or something textured. Film makers recommend smooth, properly primed, painted, and cured wallboard with little or no surface variation. Heavy texture lets the film grip only the high spots, and brick, tile, glass, and metal need a specific recommendation from the installer and the film maker rather than an assumption that a standard film will work.
Tell the surveyor when the wall was last painted (or that you do not know), the paint sheen and brand if known, and anything you know about repairs, moisture, or damage. Film makers defer to the paint maker's cure time; Avery sets a floor of 5 to 7 days and notes that some paints take months, so a freshly painted wall may need to wait. Flat and matte finishes, and easy-clean or silicone paints, can cause adhesion problems, so mention them.
Treat any surface that is rough, porous, flat or matte, or recently painted as a question to answer on site. The surveyor may recommend a small test strip left on the wall for a few days, and the result can change the film choice, the price, and the schedule.
Confirm approvals and constraints
Check who has to approve the work, such as a property manager or landlord, and whether the lease limits what can be applied to the wall or requires removal at the end. Wall damage at removal is generally not covered by film warranties, so agree in advance who repaints or touches up the wall when the graphic comes down.
Ask the venue or code official whether fire-rating rules apply to wall coverings in this space. Restaurants, public areas, corridors, and exits are the usual concern. Ask the production team for the film and laminate's fire-test (ASTM E84) report.
Identify the working window. Decide whether the space can be closed during installation, whether work has to happen after hours, and who can give access.
Share the artwork and the purpose
Bring brand files, reference images, and a clear statement of what the mural should do: set a mood, create a photo moment, carry a message, or simply fill a blank wall. Note how far away people will usually see it, since that affects scale and legibility.
If the design needs to be created, say so. Design, production, and installation can be handled together, and the survey is the point where the real dimensions and obstacles shape the final composition.
Agree the sequence and timing
Ask the surveyor to outline the steps from survey to proof, production, and installation, and which approvals happen between them. Confirm who signs off on the proof and what happens if the wall measurements change. Ask how seams and overlaps will be planned on the proof, and plan a walkthrough after installation to list any touch-ups.
Share any fixed dates, such as an opening or an event, so the schedule can be built backward from them. Timing depends on size, surface, and access, so ask for a realistic window rather than a single promised date.