For over 26 years, Extreme Measures has provided class-leading building measurement services to realtors, architects, engineers, and designers. We specialize in site captures using LIDAR technology to accurately document the physical conditions of buildings and facilities. We then use the resulting data to generate as-built floor plans and 3D models. We are experts in the application of BOMA Measurement Standards, which helps realtors, tenants, sellers, and purchasers to transact on buildings and spaces. Our work products are generally used to support lease management, facilities management, asset management, renovation, retrofit, and construction.
Tell us about yourself?
When my brother and I started our business in 1996, we were a web design company. As a result, we had some in-house graphics and tech capabilities. Our cousin was working as a property manager for a commercial real estate company at the time, and he asked us to prepare some simple drawings of his vacant spaces for marketing purposes. We went out with some long measuring tapes and documented the spaces as requested. He put our plans in the windows of his vacant units, and brokers started to see them. Then they started calling us to make plans for their other clients. Within a few months, we were making more floor plans than websites, so we pivoted the company and never looked back. Today, we are one of the largest firms in North America, specializing in As-Built Floor Plans, 3D Laser Scanning, Scan-to-BIM, and BOMA Area Analysis.
If you could go back in time a year or two, what piece of advice would you give yourself?
Like so many businesses, the C19 pandemic had us questioning many aspects of our organization and processes. Looking back, I’d tell myself not to worry so much. We have a solid company with great staff and a compelling work product that enjoys high demand. Sure, there are always elements of the business that can be improved, but it is also important to acknowledge the things that are working well and to support them accordingly.
What problem does your business solve?
We generate as-built documentation for buildings where available information is out-of-date or non-existent in the first place. Realtors, tenants, architects, engineers, and designers need up-to-date, as-built documentation to transact, manage, and renovate existing space.
What is the inspiration behind your business?
If I’m being honest, our business made itself evident to us. We simply responded to a demand for services from new and existing clients.
What is your magic sauce?
Our company started developing custom software many years ago, and we continue to do so today. We are constantly identifying bottlenecks and inefficiencies in our processes. We attack them with in-house programming and bespoke software solutions. Over and over again, these efforts have proven an invaluable benefit. Can’t find an app for that? Roll your own and tailor solutions to your exact specifications.
What is the plan for the next 5 years? What do you want to achieve?
We are a mature business, and we have come to a point where our teams and systems are easily reproducible, making geographic expansion the most obvious thing to do. Our near-term goals are to expand our business by offering local service in more Canadian and US cities.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far?
Extreme Measures has been quick to embrace new technology, but we haven’t always found this to be a positive thing. New tech sometimes comes to market under-baked or not ready for prime time. We’ve taken a few hits over the years and had to change our strategy mid-stream just because the promise of some new technology didn’t live up to its billing. I think we’ll be a little more cautious with the purchase and deployment of new technology in the future.
How can people get involved?
Our services target commercial, industrial, retail, and institutional real estate applications. If you have a need for As-Built Floor Plans, 3D Laser Scanning, or BOMA Area Analysis services, you can find our coordinates on our website at www.xmeasures.com