Measure Twice, Renovate Once

Whether you are renovating a whole house or a single room, it is all about space. How is your current space working, and how do you want to use it? Most renovations change existing spaces, so you need to know exactly what you have to work with. Turning an old space into something new is impossible without good measurements to guide the plan.

Getting the Right Measurements

Start With Your Own Measurements

The first step is taking some basic measurements yourself. In a closed floor plan, walls define each room, which makes measuring simpler. Open floor plans can create a false sense of having plenty of room. Careful measurements show the true space without the visual tricks that furniture, colors and lighting can play.

Do Not Forget Vertical Space

Most people start with a flat floor plan, moving furniture and walls around on paper. But we live in three dimensions. Ceiling height can create both challenges and opportunities, and ignoring vertical space can derail a renovation.

Tools That Help

A good tape measure, a helper and a pad of graph paper still work well, and graph paper makes it easier to draw to scale. Affordable laser measurers are also accurate to within about an eighth of an inch.

Let the Numbers Guide Your Wish List

Living in your home already tells you what works and what does not. Your measurements help you decide what is realistic. For example, you may want a kitchen island, but the space may not support one, and another solution may serve you better. See our post on kitchen island design.

Bring In the Professionals

Next, invite a design-build professional to take precise measurements and compare notes. Experienced designers know how to get the most from your existing space and can help focus your ideas into something achievable.

Stick to the Plan

A workable, affordable, realistic plan is the most important part of any renovation, big or small, and the more detailed it is, the better. Work with your designer and contractor to define the outcome and work backward:

• Budget
• Colors and finishes
• Flooring, cabinets and countertops
• Lighting, heating, cooling and electrical
• New and existing furniture

Accurate measurements determine where every change happens and what it costs. Planning lets you work through options and potential problems on paper before you commit real money.

Commit, but Stay Flexible

Take all the time you need to make the plan, then commit to it. Surprises can still come up, and that is where a capable contractor with reliable measurements makes the difference. A well developed plan can be adjusted mid-project, which is far better than starting over because the plan or measurements were off.

Measurements are your starting point, and the plan gets you to the finish line. Getting both right saves headaches and money and delivers exactly the result you expect. Learn more about our design-build process.

Ready for the Next Step?

If you have ideas on paper and are not sure what comes next, call Tracy Tesmer Design and Remodeling at 678-450-1700 or contact us online.