A great design is only as good as the quality of the final installation – and that hinges on precise measurements.
At KraftMaid, we listen to our customers and learn from their experiences. Their challenges become opportunities for us to provide solutions and help customers have a successful installation. A reoccurring lesson that our customers share is the importance of hiring a professional installer to accurately measure the room before cabinetry and other room elements are purchased.
The time and cost to fix an inaccurately measured room is one of the primary things that can jeopardize the success of your project. Plus, costs for professional measurement are often inexpensive or may be free. We can’t stress it enough—recruit a professional installer to accurately measure and record your room’s dimensions. In a project as important and extensive as this, it is money well spent.
Not only will the installer take precise measurements of the room, but he or she will also note challenges, opportunities and obstacles that are characteristic of your space. This knowledge is helpful for you to discuss with your designer when determining your layout, selecting your cabinetry, and choosing storage solutions.
You don’t have to have all your design decisions made by the time a professional measures your room. In fact, you shouldn’t complete final designs until your room is professionally measured.
To ensure the right outcomes from the measurement, it is a good idea to do the following:
• Plan ahead. Talk to an installer before the appointment to learn what objects should be removed from the room before the visit.
• On the day of the visit, let the professional have his space. Give the installer adequate room to quickly move around the area and record dimensions. Be accessible, but not in the way.
• Provide the installer with a clean working area. Free the room of accessories such as wall hangings and electrical cords. Empty your sink and clear off your countertops.
• Give the installer a list of the locations of plumbing, ventilation and heating/cooling lines to use as a reference when he or she begins measuring.
Next Steps: A Visit with the Designer
Take the measurements of your space to your kitchen designer or interior designer to begin planning and sketching the room’s layout.
When meeting with the designer, take photos of the existing space that show the layout, obstacles, and furniture that will remain in the room so your designer has a good understanding of the space. These photos will also be a great Before and After snapshot for your photo album.
To get more tips for making the most of your space, learn about your kitchen’s work triangle and the five most common kitchen layouts.
Ready for the next step? Find out how you can prepare your home for the arrival of your KraftMaid cabinets.