How to Measure Any Space Like a Designer

Hello! In this article we’re going over how to measure any space like a designer. Whether you’re a new client of ours or simply taking on a DIY project, this guide will help. We will break down the process into easy to understand steps and provide helpful tips so you can get the most accurate results possible. It may seem like a big undertaking but you’ve got this! Just take your time and go through each step one by one.

Tools Needed:

• Tape measure

• Paper (graph paper is best - you can print it from the internet if you don’t have any on hand)

• Pencil and eraser

• Ruler (not required but helpful to keep your drawing neat!)

Step 1: Sketch Walls and Openings

Sketch out the project space as well as any surrounding areas that are relevant, including:

• Interior and exterior walls

• Doors/doorways (also note which way hinged doors swing)

• Windows

TIP: It will be helpful to leave plenty of space on your paper (both inside the drawing and around the outside) for when it comes time to write down your labels and dimensions.

Step 2: Sketch Permanent Fixtures

These items will vary depending on what project you’re taking on. Draw out anything that is not/cannot/will not be moving throughout the job. This step is only necessary if they need to be considered for the project. These details do not need to be noted if they’re in any surrounding areas and not directly in the project space.

For example, if you’re renovating your kitchen and know that the gas range will be staying in the same place, it is considered a permanent fixture, even if you’re purchasing a new one. A fireplace in the next room doesn’t need to be noted.

Some examples may include:

• Soffits (only if you’re not removing them as part of the project)

• Stairways

• Fireplaces

• Plumbing fixtures (eg sinks, toilets, tubs)

• Appliances
  

Step 3: Label

Now it’s time to label your drawing, including:

• Room names

• Permanent fixtures you drew in the previous step

• Where doors and doorways lead to

Step 4: Measure

It’s time to get out your measuring device. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath.

Tips:

- If possible have a measuring buddy to help throughout the process.

- Be sure the measuring tape is pulled tightly and as straight as possible. Don’t record measurements if the tape is twisted, bent, angled or sagging.

- Start in one corner of the room and, moving clockwise, work your way around the space.

- When you record each measurement on your drawing, notate it in feet and inches. For example, 8’10 1/2” rather than 106 1/2”.

- Record all of your dimensions as neatly and orderly as possible to ensure it’s clear and legible.

- For measurements around the outside border of your drawing, note them outside the drawings space to save room for other dimensions inside the drawing (see example below)

Measure:

• Every wall and wall segment

• Windows

• Door/doorway opening

• Permanent fixtures from step 2 (see soffit example below)

• Ceiling height *this can be noted somewhere outside of the drawing

DOORS AND WINDOWS

When measuring doors and windows, do not include any trim in your measurement. Simply record the width of the trim separately and on the side of the main drawing space.

Windows require three measurements: width, height, and distance from the floor. When measuring doors, also include the width and height. Sketch wall elevations if needed to notate window and door locations relative to the floor/ceiling.

PERMANENT FIXTURES

Record the width, depth and height of any permanent fixtures within the space. You can note these on the side of the drawing if you’re short on space within the main drawings space.

Here is an example for soffits:

Step 5: Review

Once you think you have everything measured and recorded, take a few more minutes to go through the space again to be sure you didn’t accidentally skip anything.

That wasn’t so bad, right!? Hopefully you made it through successfully and unscathed. If you have any questions feel free to reach out! We’re here to help.