The surface area is a measure of the total area that the surface occupies.The carpet salesman is measuring the dimensions of the floors of a business complex to estimate how much carpet is needed.
After measuring the dimensions he will calculate the area of the surface to find how much carpet is needed.
To determine how much carpet per square foot is needed the dimensions are measured in foot.
Since the area measured is a business complex the carpet will be of greater area so the most appropriate unit to be measured will be yards.