How to Correctly Measure Your Rooms

Reading time: ~4 min

Correct measurement during an apartment renovation is the first and most important step in renovation planning. Inaccurate or incomplete measurements lead to wrong layouts, execution problems, and unnecessary costs.

This article describes a structured method for correctly measuring dimensions so they can be used for functional planning and preparation of technical drawings.

What You Need

Before you start, prepare:

• tape measure (minimum 5 m)
• laser measure if possible
• a sheet of paper or notebook
• pencil
• phone — for photos and compass

Step 1: Draw a Sketch of the Room

Don't aim for aesthetics or exact scale. Draw a simplified outline of the room as seen from above.

• mark all walls one by one
• include niches, offsets, columns
• mark beams with a dashed line
• mark openings — doors and windows with opening direction
• mark where the electrical panel, radiators and ACs, risers, chimney, and load-bearing elements are located
• mark the orientation using your phone's compass

This sketch will serve as the base for all drawings and subsequent contractor quotes.

Step 2: Measure All Walls

Measure:

• from corner to corner
• along the floor (not along the skirting board)

Record:

• the length of each wall and offset
• mark it directly on the sketch

Important: Do not assume that opposite walls are equal — in practice they often aren't. It's good to verify arithmetically.

Step 3: Mark Doors and Windows

For each opening (doors/windows), measure and note in cm:

• W (width)
• H (height)
• SP (sill parapet): distance from floor to window
• distance from the room corner to the window

Mark:

• the opening direction of doors
• the opening direction of windows

This is critical for layouts and furniture.

Step 4: Measure Room Height

Record:

• clear height from floor to ceiling (H) — best with a laser measure from several points in the same room to check for level differences
• mark with dashed line: suspended ceiling, beams, headers

Step 5: Mark Installations and Elements

Mark on the sketch distances and heights of existing:

• outlets
• switches
• lighting connections
• radiators
• drains and plumbing points
• chimneys

Even if you plan changes, the current state is important.

Step 6: Take as Many Photos as Possible

Photograph:

• every room
• every wall
• every corner
• installations up close

Photos often reveal details that measurements don't show.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• measuring "by eye"
• skipping niches and offsets
• skipping floor-to-ceiling height or sill height
• lack of information about installations
• assuming the apartment is "rectangular"

Inaccurate measurements compromise all subsequent decisions — from layouts to ordering custom furniture.

What Comes After Measuring

For a complete overview of the process, you can also read the article "How to plan an apartment renovation step by step".

Once you have correct measurements, you can proceed to:

• functional layout
• electrical and lighting planning
• plumbing scheme
• material selection
• bathroom and kitchen planning
• flooring planning

It is precisely at this stage that professional planning saves the most mistakes.

Key Takeaways

• Prepare a sketch of each room before measuring.
• Measure every wall individually — don't assume the room is rectangular.
• Mark doors, windows, installations, and heights.
• Take as many photos as possible — they complement the measurements.
• Accurate measurements are the foundation for technical drawings and functional layouts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Room Measurement

How accurate do measurements need to be for a renovation?

Measurements must be as accurate as possible, especially if they will be used for functional layout or custom furniture. A difference of a few centimeters can affect the final execution.

Can I use the architectural plan of the apartment?

Architectural plans often do not reflect the actual state after years of use or modifications, but they serve to accurately identify load-bearing elements. Taking current measurements is recommended before starting planning and contains significantly more information (such as door and window sizes, outlet and switch locations, etc.).

Do I need to measure each wall separately?

Yes. The assumption that rooms are perfectly rectangular often leads to errors. Measuring each wall separately ensures a more reliable base for preparing drawings.

What happens if the measurements are inaccurate?

Inaccurate measurements can lead to layout problems, errors when ordering furniture, and the need for corrections during renovation, which increases costs and timeline.