How To Measure Your Bathroom for a Remodel: A Step-by-Step Guide
August 23, 2026
What to Bring to Your Kitchen Design Appointment
August 23, 2026
How To Measure Your Kitchen for a Remodel: A Step-by-Step Guide
Taking a few basic measurements before your consultation helps our designers understand your space and makes your first appointment more productive.
Download Printable Measurement GuideWhat You’ll Need
Gather These Items Before You Start
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Camera or smartphone
- Printable grid paper
- Appliance model numbers or dimensions
Sketch Your Floor Plan and Take Pictures
Start by making a simple overhead sketch of your kitchen. It does not need to be professionally drawn.
- Use the grid paper included in the printable measurement guide.
- Record every measurement in inches. For example, a four-foot wall should be marked as 48 inches.
- Measure the full width of each wall from corner to corner.
- Take a clear picture of each wall to share with your designer.
Mark Windows, Doorways and Other Obstructions
Add anything that affects how cabinets, appliances or countertops can fit within the room.
- Measure the height and width of each window and doorway.
- Include the frame or molding in each measurement.
- Show the distance from the nearest corner to the outside edge of the frame.
- Mark vents, radiators, hood vents and other permanent obstructions.
Mark Your Appliances
Appliances have a major effect on cabinet sizes, clearances and the overall kitchen layout.
- If you plan to keep an appliance, measure its height, width and depth.
- Mark its location and approximate center point on your sketch.
- The center point is often where the gas, plumbing or electrical connection begins.
- For new appliances, bring the manufacturer and model information to your designer.
Mark Plumbing and Gas Lines
Existing utility locations can influence where sinks, dishwashers and cooking appliances are placed.
- Measure plumbing locations from the center of the pipe to the nearest wall.
- Note whether the sink drain runs into the floor or the wall.
- Mark the location of the water supply lines.
- If you have a gas range, mark the gas supply line or measure from the center of the range if the line is not visible.
Mark Electrical Outlets and Switches
Show the location of electrical outlets, switches and other visible electrical connections.
- Measure from the center of each outlet or switch to the nearest wall.
- Note outlets used by major appliances.
- Mark any under-cabinet lighting connections or wall-mounted controls you plan to keep.
Note Ceiling Height and Soffit Dimensions
Ceiling height helps determine available cabinet heights and the amount of space above the cabinetry.
- Measure the ceiling height in two to four locations.
- If your kitchen has soffits, measure their height and depth.
- Note whether the soffits run along every wall or only part of the room.
Double-Check Your Measurements
Before your consultation, review the sketch and make sure the individual measurements add up to the total length of each wall.
- Confirm that every wall has a total measurement.
- Check that windows, doors, appliances and obstructions are included.
- Make sure all measurements are recorded in inches.
- Bring your sketch, photographs and appliance information to your consultation.
Example Floor Plan
See What a Completed Measurement Sketch Looks Like
Your drawing does not need to look perfect. This example shows the type of information that helps your designer understand your walls, appliance locations, windows, utilities and available floor space.
The printable guide also includes blank grid paper and spaces to record appliance details, ceiling heights, soffit dimensions and project notes.
Kitchen Measurement FAQ
Questions Homeowners Often Ask
Do my initial measurements need to be exact?
No. Your measurements provide a starting point for the first design conversation. A Von Tobel professional will confirm the final measurements before the cabinet layout is finalized.
Should I measure the whole room or only the cabinet walls?
Measure the full room. Doorways, walkways, islands, adjacent walls and open spaces can all affect the proposed kitchen layout.
What should I do if I am buying new appliances?
Bring the manufacturer and model information whenever possible. Appliance specifications help your designer account for size, clearance and utility requirements.
What if I cannot find a plumbing or gas connection?
Mark the center of the existing sink or appliance and make a note that the connection is not visible. Your designer can help determine what additional information may be needed.
Can someone from Von Tobel help confirm my measurements?
Yes. The initial sketch helps begin the planning process, and a professional measurement can be completed before your cabinet design is finalized.
Ready for the next step?
You Don’t Need to Have Everything Figured Out.
Bring your sketch, photos, measurements and questions, and one of our kitchen designers will help you take it from there.
