A professional can measure the cabinets prior to installation, but that will take extra labor and extra labor cost money. If you want to save the professionals’ time and your money, try measuring your cabinets in advance by follow these steps below.

Draw a blueprint

The results don’t have to be Bob Ross worthy, but it needs to highlight everything in the kitchen. Outline appliances, doors, windows, and kitchen islands too.

Measure the cabinet

Get the height and length of cabinet doors with a ruler, yardstick, or measuring tape. Measure the depth of cabinets if the four walls are being replaced or if a new cabinet is coming from scratch. Write precise cabinet measurements on the blueprint.

Where is the center of the sink, stove, and windows?

It matters in cabinet installation. The center is where cabinets must begin, end, or touch. To determine the center, start by measuring the three components. With the sink, measure the nearest wall and stop toward the middle of the sink. Round to the nearest 1/16th inch. Write it on the blueprint. Measure the stove and windows in a similar manner. Include window trim and windowsills in the measurement. For kitchen island cabinet installation, measure the kitchen island edge to the sink’s center and/or the stove’s center.

Measure the wall from left to right if the entire area is being revamped

Measure the previous wall left to right to decide if more or less space is necessary. Then, measure the remaining walls left to right to decide if there’s adequate space for cabinets. Write all precise measurements on the blueprint. For kitchens planning on a complete overhaul, decide where the appliances, water heater, sink, and countertop will go if cabinets relocate.

Measure the ceiling’s height

Begin with the upper cabinet height. Then, measure the walls from floor to ceiling. For walls with trim, measure from the floor to the trim. Next, measure the thickness of the countertop. Afterward, measure the backsplash height and lower cabinets’ height. Gather all precise measurements in the blueprint.

Now, add the lower cabinet, backsplash, and countertop thickness together. Subtract the floor-to-ceiling measurement from the total. This is the maximum room homeowners can use for upper cabinets. The current upper cabinet height provides an outline to increase or decrease the size as needed. For lower cabinets, add upper cabinets, backsplash, and countertop thickness. Subtract the floor to ceiling measurement from the total to get the maximum room for lower cabinets.

Consider posts, vaulted ceilings, door trim, crown molding, windowsill, and architectural features not mentioned in this article. This will affect cabinet installation. In conclusion, the measurements’ purpose is to make the professionals’ job and your life easier. This measurement is a helpful ally in determining the price of a new cabinet installation.