Industry supplier NicheCom, whose products include floorplans, has been helping to develop a new recognised property measurements course for surveyors and estate agents.

The new RICS course has been two years in the development and aims to train anyone measuring properties to do so in accordance with international standards.

The course has come about after the RICS noted the inconsistencies in property measurements, with up a 58% variance depending on the measurement standard adopted and the measured areas included.

To counteract this issue, the RICS has created its own property measurement standard, with the new training course running alongside.

The training culminates in an exam and a requirement to commit to continuing professional development.

Those who qualify will receive an RICS certified logo and can be listed as a certified property measurer.

Peter Burnham, managing director of NicheCom, said that his firm has provided clients with over a million floorplans.

He said: “Accuracy and consistency are at the heart of what we do and I am immensely proud of the fact that the RICS has recognised our contribution.”

Kevin Scrupps, director of Pygott & Crone Estate Agents in the east of England, welcomed the introduction of a course to help improve standards.

He said: “In our industry accuracy, transparency and honesty are three of the main ingredients for being successful.

“Presenting a client’s property to the market correctly is very important, and whilst we all know first impressions count with regards to photographs in this digital world, accurate floorplans are absolutely essential.”

NicheCom’s own staff now have the opportunity to gain the official qualification.