How to Document Your Current Kitchen
Before a single cabinet comes down, you need a complete record of what exists. Thorough documentation helps designers understand your space, enables contractors to quote accurately, and protects you from costly surprises when walls open up.
Quick Summary
Time needed
1-2 hours
Tools required
Camera, tape measure, notepad
Target
100+ photos, measured sketch
Why Thorough Documentation Matters
The most expensive words in kitchen remodeling are "we didn't know that was there." Hidden plumbing, old wiring, structural surprises—they all cost more to deal with after work begins than if identified upfront.
The Surprise Tax: Contractors add 15-25% contingency to quotes for unknowns. The more information you provide upfront, the more accurate (and often lower) your quotes will be. Some contractors even reduce contingency for well-documented kitchens.
Good documentation also protects you legally. Photos prove pre-existing conditions if there's a dispute about damage. They help you remember what was behind walls long after the remodel is complete.
Complete Documentation Checklist
1. Comprehensive Photography (30-45 minutes)
Take more photos than you think you need. Storage is free; returning for missed shots wastes time.
Photo Checklist:
Overview Shots
- ☐ Each wall, corner to corner
- ☐ Standing in each corner shooting out
- ☐ Ceiling and floor from multiple angles
- ☐ Adjacent room connections
- ☐ Views into the kitchen from other rooms
Cabinet Details
- ☐ Front of all cabinets (closed)
- ☐ Inside each cabinet and drawer
- ☐ Cabinet construction (hinges, slides)
- ☐ Under-sink cabinet interior
- ☐ Any cabinet damage or wear
Infrastructure
- ☐ All electrical outlets and switches
- ☐ Light fixtures close-up
- ☐ Under sink plumbing
- ☐ Gas line location (if applicable)
- ☐ Electrical panel with door open
Surfaces & Details
- ☐ Countertop close-ups and seams
- ☐ Backsplash full view and detail
- ☐ Flooring pattern and condition
- ☐ Window trim and hardware
- ☐ Any damage, stains, or problem areas
Pro Tip: Turn on all lights and open blinds for photography. Also take some photos with flash off to show natural lighting conditions. Shoot in the highest resolution your phone offers.
2. Measure Everything (30 minutes)
Accurate measurements save multiple contractor visits and prevent ordering mistakes. Use a 25-foot tape measure and have someone help hold the other end.
Essential Measurements:
Room Dimensions
- • Wall-to-wall length of each wall
- • Floor-to-ceiling height
- • Door opening widths and heights
- • Window widths, heights, and sill heights
Cabinet Measurements
- • Width of each cabinet run
- • Height of base cabinets (floor to counter)
- • Height of wall cabinets
- • Gap between wall cabinets and ceiling
- • Depth of base and wall cabinets
- • Soffit dimensions if present
Plumbing Locations
- • Center of sink drain from walls
- • Water supply line locations
- • Dishwasher drain and supply location
- • Refrigerator water line location
Electrical Locations
- • Each outlet position from nearest corner
- • Switch locations
- • Hardwired appliance connections
- • Light fixture junction box locations
Sketch Template
Draw a rough floor plan and add measurements. It doesn't need to be to scale—just capture all the numbers.
[Your rough sketch goes here]
Include: wall lengths, window/door positions, cabinet runs, outlet locations
3. Document Electrical (15 minutes)
Kitchens have specific electrical requirements. Understanding your current setup helps plan upgrades and reveals potential code issues.
At the Electrical Panel
- • Photo of panel with door open
- • List breakers labeled for kitchen
- • Note amperage of each kitchen circuit
- • Check for available open slots
- • Note panel brand and total amps
In the Kitchen
- • Count all outlets (20-amp vs. standard)
- • Test GFCI outlets if present
- • Note dedicated appliance circuits
- • Identify switch-controlled outlets
- • Check for grounding (3-prong)
Code Heads-Up: Modern kitchens require dedicated 20-amp circuits for countertop outlets, separate circuits for refrigerator and dishwasher, and often a 50-amp circuit for electric ranges. Older homes may need significant electrical upgrades.
4. Map Plumbing (15 minutes)
Moving plumbing is expensive. Knowing exactly where your pipes are helps determine if layout changes are feasible.
Plumbing Checklist:
- •Drain location: Measure from walls to center of drain (under sink)
- •Supply lines: Hot and cold locations, pipe material (copper, PEX, galvanized)
- •Vent stack: If visible, note location (usually near sink)
- •Gas line: Location and shutoff valve (if you have gas appliances)
- •Dishwasher: Drain connection and supply hookup location
- •Refrigerator water: Ice maker line location and shutoff
Basement/Crawlspace Check: If accessible, go below and photograph the drain lines and supply pipes. This shows the actual routing that isn't visible from the kitchen.
5. Record Appliance Specifications (15 minutes)
Even if you're replacing everything, knowing current appliance sizes helps with temporary planning and ensures new choices fit existing openings if needed.
For Each Appliance, Note:
Refrigerator
- • Width, depth, height
- • Counter-depth or standard
- • Door swing direction
- • Make and model number
Range/Cooktop
- • Width (30" or 36" typical)
- • Gas or electric
- • Freestanding or slide-in
- • Vent hood type and size
Dishwasher
- • Width (usually 24")
- • Built-in or portable
- • Panel-ready or visible front
- • Make and model
Other
- • Microwave location and type
- • Garbage disposal presence
- • Instant hot water tap
- • Any built-in appliances
Organizing Your Documentation
A disorganized pile of photos and notes is almost as useless as no documentation. Create a system you can easily share with designers and contractors.
Create a Digital Folder
Make a Google Drive or Dropbox folder called "Kitchen Remodel - Documentation." Create subfolders for: Photos (organized by area), Measurements, Electrical Info, Plumbing Info, Appliance Specs. Share this link with every contractor who quotes.
Label Your Photos
Rename photos with descriptions: "NorthWall_CabinetsAboveSink.jpg" is more useful than "IMG_4582.jpg." Most phones let you bulk rename in the Photos app.
Create a Summary Document
Write a one-page summary: room dimensions, key measurements, current appliance sizes, known electrical/plumbing locations, and any concerns you've identified. This gives contractors a quick overview before diving into details.
What Contractors Will Ask For
Be prepared with this information when getting quotes. Having it ready makes you look serious and prepared—which often gets you better service and pricing.
Contractor Quote Checklist:
Frequently Asked Questions
What photos should I take before a kitchen remodel?
Take photos of: each wall from corner to corner, close-ups of cabinets (inside and out), countertops, flooring, backsplash, appliances with model numbers, electrical outlets and switches, plumbing fixtures, under the sink, any damage or problem areas, ceiling including light fixtures, and windows with surrounding trim. Take at least 50-100 photos—more is better.
How do I measure my kitchen for a remodel?
Measure wall-to-wall dimensions, then note window and door placements from the nearest wall. Record ceiling height. Measure cabinet widths, heights, and depths. Note distances from walls to plumbing (center of drain, supply lines) and electrical outlets. Measure appliance openings. Create a simple sketch with all measurements labeled.
Why do contractors need so much documentation?
Thorough documentation prevents expensive surprises. Contractors can spot potential issues (old wiring, plumbing conflicts) before quoting. They can plan more accurate timelines and material orders. Photos help designers understand the space without multiple site visits. Missing information leads to change orders that increase costs and delays.
How do I find out what's behind my kitchen walls?
Without demolition, you can: check the electrical panel for circuit labels, look for clean-out access for drain lines, use a stud finder to locate framing, check the basement or crawlspace for visible pipes and wires, look at exterior walls for vents indicating gas or exhaust, and review any existing house plans or permits. A contractor can scope walls with a camera for a small fee.
Ready for the Next Step?
With your kitchen thoroughly documented, you've completed the Vision Phase! Next, you'll move into the Design Phase, starting with hiring a designer who can turn your vision into detailed plans.