If you don't have professionally drawn plans don't panic. Here are some quick guidelines as to how you can create a basic drawing, which will get the process started for planning purposes. If you decide to proceed past the initial consultation, your designer will visit your home for final measurements before the cabinets are ordered.
Recommended measuring tools:
25' metal tape with 1" blade - Straight edge - Pencils - Clipboard - Graph paper
All measurements should be in inches (not feet) in order to simplify the adding and verifying of multiple measurements.
Start in a corner and measure completely around the room. Enter your dimensions on "witness lines" on the outside border of your drawing. Always use two witness lines on walls with broken dimensions (those with windows, doors or other obstructions). This allows a double check to make sure all of the individual dimensions add up. View sample drawing.
All window and door measurements should include the trim (casing). It's a good idea on a separate sheet of graph paper to record the top to bottom trim-to-trim dimensions of all windows and the distance from top trim of the windows to the ceiling.
Measure the distance from floor to ceiling and record it in the center of your drawing. Please discuss possible flooring changes with your designer which might significantly change this dimension.
If you have soffits in your existing space please create a separate drawing. If you desire to remove existing soffits, it may be necessary to first check for existing plumbing or HVAC ductwork inside of them, which might limit certain design options.
Finally, you should note on your plan any existing plumbing locations, electrical outlets/switches and HVAC registers. Even if they are capable of being moved it is a good idea to discuss their present versus potential location with your designer.
That's it! You may not be a registered architect but you've moved your project significantly forward with your efforts.
