Gather your tools: a piece of paper, a metal measuring tape, and a pencil or pen.

Sketch the room layout. Draw the basic shape of the room’s footprint as accurately as possible. It does not need to be perfectly to scale.

Measure the ceiling height and write the measurement on the side of your drawing.

Measure each wall from end to end and write the dimensions directly on your sketch next to the corresponding wall.

Mark all openings on the drawing, such as doors and windows.

Measure each opening from the outside edge of the trim to the outside edge of the trim. Record both the width and height.

1. For windows, also measure from the floor to the top of the window sill.

Label where each opening leads or faces. For example, note if a door leads to a hallway, garage, or patio, and what direction windows face (backyard, front yard, etc.), as this can influence the kitchen design.

Measure the wall space to the left and right of each opening and record those measurements on your drawing.

Note any fixed mechanical locations that will not move, such as sink plumbing, gas lines, vents, or floor registers.