Measuring your space is a critical step in determining your room layout. Here is a simple guide outlining the tools you’ll need, step-by-step instructions on how to measure for kitchen cabinets, and some important tips.
While most designers will field measure your site at some point, having rough dimensions and images available for the initial meetings are helpful in determining the overall scope of the project.
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To begin, draw an outline of the room
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Measure and note the ceiling height
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Measure and note all wall lengths
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Check corner 'squareness' at the floor, base and wall cabinet levels to determine if you will have any issues during installation. To check for corner 'squareness':
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Mark a point 3 feet out from the corner of one wall
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Mark a point 4 feet out from the corner of the adjacent wall
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Measure the distance between the two marked points, if the distance is 5 feet, the corner is square (If your walls are not square, don't worry, a good installer will be able to work around any issues by using shims between the cabinets and the wall)
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Measure and note the location of obstacles along each wall, recording their height, width and depth from outside edge to outside edge (Include doors, windows and pipe chases)
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Identify and note existing plumbing, electrical and lighting centerlines on all walls including:
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Plumbing
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Range hook-up
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Light switches
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Electrical outlets
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Lighting fixtures
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Phone jacks
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Heating/Air vents
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Record the height from finished floor for items like windows, outlets, and vents
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Record measurements of any free-standing furniture pieces or appliances that may stay in the room
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Have an electrician check the electrical service panel conditions to ensure it can handle any change of appliances you may be making in the kitchen
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If attic or basement walls will be affected by the renovation, make sure any plumbing or venting changes are verified by a professional
