Document Your Existing Kitchen
Before you tear out a single cabinet or make any renovation decisions, thoroughly document your existing kitchen. These photos, measurements, and notes become your renovation roadmap and protect you from costly mistakes during the remodel.
Quick Summary
Time needed
1-2 hours
Cost
Free
Difficulty
Easy
Why Documentation Is Critical
Professional contractors and designers always start with thorough documentation. It serves multiple essential purposes: helping you plan the new layout, getting accurate quotes from contractors, identifying hidden issues before demo day, and providing a reference if you need to replicate existing details.
Real Cost of Poor Documentation: Without precise measurements, you might order custom cabinets that don't fit, miss load-bearing walls that can't be removed, or discover too late that your new appliances won't fit the space. These mistakes can add thousands to your budget.
Think of this documentation as insurance. You're investing 1-2 hours now to avoid expensive surprises during a project that could cost $25,000-$75,000 or more.
Complete Documentation Process
1. Take Comprehensive Photos
Photograph your kitchen from every angle. These photos help contractors understand your space, serve as a before/after comparison, and document details you might forget during planning.
Essential Photos to Take:
- •Wide-angle shots from each corner showing the entire space
- •Straight-on photos of each wall (not at an angle)
- •Closeups of all appliances, showing model numbers
- •Every cabinet, inside and out (yes, open every door)
- •All drawers pulled out to show organization systems
- •Sink area and plumbing underneath
- •Electrical panel and any visible wiring
- •Flooring, especially transitions to adjacent rooms
- •Ceiling, including light fixtures and any soffits
- •Problem areas: water damage, wear, cracks, etc.
Pro tip: Take photos in good natural light, ideally during daytime. Use your phone's grid feature to keep shots level. Create a dedicated folder and organize by area (appliances, cabinets, plumbing, etc.).
2. Measure Everything Precisely
Accurate measurements are non-negotiable for kitchen renovations. Your contractor will verify these, but having detailed measurements helps you plan, budget, and catch potential issues early.
Measurement Checklist:
Overall Dimensions
- • Length of each wall (measure at counter height)
- • Floor-to-ceiling height at multiple points
- • Total square footage
Doors and Windows
- • Width and height of each opening
- • Distance from corners to each opening
- • Height from floor to bottom of windows
- • Door swing direction and clearance
Existing Fixtures
- • All appliance dimensions and clearances
- • Sink size and placement
- • Location of plumbing connections
- • Position of all electrical outlets and switches
- • Gas line locations (if applicable)
Architectural Features
- • Soffits or bulkheads (depth and height)
- • Columns or support beams
- • Any angled walls or irregular shapes
- • Baseboards and crown molding (height/depth)
Pro tip: Sketch a rough floor plan on graph paper or use a simple drawing app. Mark all measurements on your sketch. Measure twice, record once. Note if walls are not perfectly square (many aren't).
3. Note What Works Well
Before focusing on problems, identify what you want to preserve or replicate. Maybe your kitchen has perfect natural light, a convenient layout, or features worth keeping.
Things to Preserve or Replicate:
- •Efficient work triangle between sink, stove, and fridge
- •Windows that provide great natural light
- •Convenient outlet placements for frequently used appliances
- •Storage solutions that work perfectly
- •Counter space in the right locations
- •Architectural details like original moldings or flooring
4. Document All Problem Areas
Make a comprehensive list of everything that doesn't work. These problems become the justification for your renovation and help prioritize where to invest your budget.
Common Issues to Document:
Functional Problems
- • Poor workflow/layout
- • Inadequate storage
- • Insufficient counter space
- • Bad lighting
- • Not enough outlets
- • Appliances in wrong spots
- • Wasted corner space
Structural Issues
- • Water damage or stains
- • Cracks in walls or ceiling
- • Uneven floors
- • Poor ventilation
- • Old plumbing or wiring
- • Mold or moisture issues
- • Drafty windows/doors
5. Map Utilities and Infrastructure
Understanding what's behind your walls saves money and prevents dangerous mistakes. If you have access to your home's blueprints or know your utility locations, document everything.
Critical Infrastructure to Note:
- •Main electrical panel location and capacity
- •Water shut-off valve and main supply line
- •Gas lines and shut-off locations
- •Drain and vent pipe locations
- •HVAC ducts and vents
- •Load-bearing walls (consult original plans or engineer)
- •Any shared walls with bathrooms or other wet rooms
Warning: Never assume a wall isn't load-bearing or that you can move plumbing freely. These assumptions lead to expensive corrections. Always consult a structural engineer or experienced contractor before removing walls or relocating major utilities.
Organizing Your Documentation
Keep all your documentation organized and easily accessible. You 'll refer to it constantly during planning, shopping for materials, and working with contractors.
Create a Kitchen Renovation Binder (Physical or Digital):
Photos section (organized by area/category)
Measurements and floor plan sketches
Notes on what works and what doesn't
Appliance model numbers and specifications
Utility and infrastructure notes
Inspiration photos and design ideas (add later)
Frequently Asked Questions
What photos should I take before a kitchen renovation?
Take wide-angle shots of the entire kitchen from multiple corners, detailed photos of all walls, closeups of fixtures and appliances, photos of inside cabinets and drawers, and specific problem areas. Also photograph behind appliances if accessible and any unique details you might want to replicate.
How detailed do my kitchen measurements need to be?
Measure wall lengths, ceiling height, all door and window dimensions (width, height, and distance from corners/floor), locations of electrical outlets and switches, plumbing connections, appliance dimensions and clearances, and any architectural features like soffits or columns. Accuracy within 1/4 inch is ideal for professional contractors.
Should I document things that are behind my kitchen walls?
If you have access to your home's original blueprints or know where major utilities run, document this. Note the location of your electrical panel, water shut-off valves, gas lines, and any plumbing or HVAC that runs through kitchen walls. This information helps contractors plan and can prevent costly surprises during demo.
How do I measure for new kitchen cabinets?
Measure the length of each wall at counter height (36 inches from floor). Note the distance from corners to windows, doors, and any obstacles. Measure ceiling height and distance from floor to any soffits. Document the location of all plumbing and electrical. Professional cabinet designers will create detailed measurements, but your initial documentation helps with planning and budgeting.
What should I note about my current kitchen layout?
Document what works well in your current layout (like a convenient work triangle or good natural light) and what doesn't (like too much distance between sink and stove, or dead corner space). Note your daily workflow and where you commonly experience frustration. This insight guides your new design to improve function, not just aesthetics.
Ready for the Next Step?
Now that you've documented your existing kitchen, it's time to clarify what you absolutely need versus what would be nice to have in your renovation.