1. Gather all the materials you'll need: graph paper, pencil, eraser, measuring tape
   and a calculator.
    
2. Show all dimensions in inches. That way, 62" will not be mistaken for 6'2".
    
3. Make all notations and drawings in pencil. This will allow you to make changes easily.
    
4. Remember that accuracy is of the utmost importance.
    
5. Start with a rough drawing of the shape of the room. (You do not need graph paper for this drawing.) Include doors, windows, breaks in the wall and all obstructions. This drawing does not need to be to scale, but you will use it to record the room's measurements.
    
6. Note the measurement from corner to window casing, the size of the window casing and the actual window opening within the casing.
    
7. Measure the height from the floor to the window casing and from the ceiling to the window casing.
    
8. Continue to measure around the room in the same manner.
    
9. Note the location and size of all electrical outlets, wall switches and lighting fixtures.
    
10. Show the location of all plumbing and gas connections.
     
11. Measure the dimensions of appliances and fixtures that you plan to keep.
     
12. Indicate in which direction doors swing and where they lead.
     
13. Mark the location of all ducts, vents or radiators.
     
14. Note any variances or special features that will affect your layout.
     
15. Check your measurements for accuracy by adding your measurements for each wall and comparing them to the opposite wall.
     
16. Now transfer your correct measurements to graph paper using a 1/2" scale (where 1/2" equals 1'). Pick a starting point at the top of your graph paper. Refer to your measuring sheet and begin drawing the lines that represent walls, leaving spaces for doorways and using shaded walls to represent windows. As each wall takes shape, cross-check your layout with your measured sketch.
     
17. Pencil in the utility connections, ducts, outlets and any other special obstacles or features in their respective areas.
     
18. Check (and double-check) the measurements in your plan. So you don't have to recreate the plan each time, photocopy it or use tracing paper overlays to experiment with a number of different room layouts.

Your Hagerstown Kitchens’ designer is familiar with this method and will help you verify your plan. If you're not comfortable doing your own layout, take your room measurements to your Hagerstown Kitchens dealer, where the professional design staff will be happy to work with you on your layout.