Kitchen Planning - How to properly measure a room.

Kitchen design and planning often goes wrong in the earliest stages. Usually people get carried away with the sexy designer aspects of the project and overlook the need for accurate measurement. They think they have measured the kitchen properly but they did not do it systematically and overlook a niche, alcove or some pipe work. The first time this oversight reveals itself is when the new kitchen is delivered and the fitting is underway. In other words at exactly the most inconvenient,and potentially expensive, moment. Below are some basic steps to follow to ensure this won't happen to you should you be thinking about renewing your kitchen

1
Make a sketch of your room on a large sheet of paper, this doesn't have to be a work of art, and it doesn't need to be to scale, all you need to show is the shape of the room. Stand in the centre of your kitchen and imagine it as an empty box. Don't draw in existing cabinets or appliances but do include any alcoves. Is your room an 'L' shape, a square, or a simple rectangle? Something else?

2
Now take measurements of the room, in imperial or metric, and transfer them to your sketch. It's best to use a steel tape measure, and make sure you measure into every corner. If you can, get a friend or partner to help you with this step. Don't forget, walls aren't always perfect squares - measure them at the top, middle and bottom.

3
Now measure your windows, doors and serving hatches, including any frames. You might want to do this on a separate piece of paper. Don't forget to include the frames in your measurements. You want your kitchen cabinets to sit alongside the
frames, rather than cover them!

4
Now measure the height your ceiling in several places to ensure it's level and add these figures to your notes. Does your ceiling have any special features? Measure all the dimensions of any slopes or bits that 'jut out'. If in doubt measure it!

5
If you are thinking of keeping any of your old kitchen appliances or other items, don't forget to measure all three dimensions, height, width and depth. Note these separately.

6
Note on the sketch the approximate location of any sockets: cooker, phone, electric, TV, and so on. Also note where
the light switches are.

7
Next make a note of any boilers, gas and electricity meters on your sketch, and then show measurements to include height, width, depth and location. Don't overlook pipe work running from boilers to other parts of the kitchen.

8
If there are radiators in the room measure their height and width. Don't forget to measure how far the stand proud of the wall. Mark them on your sketch.

9
Is your water mains stop cock in the room? If so, show its position on the sketch. Also take into account any other supply taps, such as gas.

Lastly re-check your measurements. It's laborious and tedious but could save you significant time and money in the long run.