BCT 229 Professional Cabinetmaking
Inspecting and Measuring the Design Space
Materials
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25 ft. tape
pencils, pens of different color
Engineers pad on clipboard or Aculine pad
Appliance data sheet
Room Organizer Sheet
Digital Camera
Measuring
1. Take digital pictures of the design space from as many angles as possible, ask
permission first. Make sure that you have a shot of each wall and any perceived problem
areas. Take pictures of other room that will help identify your customer’s pattern
preferences. Take pictures of the exterior of the design space particularly if you are
adding on to the space.
2. Visually inspect the space - Draw the room on engineers pad. Draw a proportionally
correct room showing all windows doors and other features.
3. Measure the ceiling height- Take this measurement in several places. Write the
height in a circle in the center of drawing.
4. Measure the wall lengths at approx. 3’-0” above the floor and write the dimensions on
the plan.
5. Check the corners for square, if possible, using the 3-4-5 method.
6. Return to the starting point and measure from the corner to the nearest obstacle
( door, window etc.). Continue around the room, remembering that doors and
windows are measured from outside of casing to outside of casing. After completing
each wall add up individual measurements and compare to total measurement.
They should be equal.
7. Complete the door and window survey form.
8. Identify plumbing and electrical/lighting centerlines. Don’t forget to identify heat ducts
and cold air returns.
9. Final inspection- Measure any free standing furniture, check electrical service panel,
check any adjacent areas such as basements or attics which may be affected the
remodel. Note pocket doors in walls where cabinets are to be hung.