How to Measure and Photograph your Space

To begin designing your new space, we'll need to start with some essential information. You can get started by taking photos and providing us with a floor plan and elevations.

Don't worry if you're unsure of how to do this. We've got you covered with step-by-step instructions on how to measure and sketch your space, as well as some helpful tips to ensure you capture the best possible photographs.

We'll need the floor plan and elevation drawings of your room, but don't worry if you're not sure how to do this. We've provided step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow, and we're always here to help if you have any questions.

Take a look at the images below to get a better understanding of what we're looking for.

Step-By-Step Instructions

While it's possible to do this on your own, measuring larger spaces is usually more comfortable with two people. However, don't let that deter you from taking on the task solo if you prefer. We're excited to collaborate with you on creating your dream space, so let's get started!

Floor plan

A. Draw the Floor Plan

To draw the floor plan of your room:

Get a pencil and a piece of paper.
Sketch the walls of your room accurately on the paper.
Measure the length of each wall in millimeters and record it on the paper.
Label the direction North on the paper.

Elevation Drawings

B. Draw the Walls

To draw each wall's elevation, follow these steps:

Measure each door and window, from outside to outside of the trim.
Mark in the height and width of each door and window.
Label the wall by indicating the direction it faces, such as North, South, East, or West.
Repeat the process for each wall.

As you Finish measuring each wall, check its length against your Floorplan measurement, to see if these match each other.

C. Draw the Windows and Doors

Draw in the windows and doors to each Elevation drawing:

Draw a rectangle that represents the wall as you would see it while standing in front of it.
Measure the wall's height and width in millimeters and add these measurements to the drawing.
With windows, include the height from the floor to the bottom of the window, and from the top of the window to the ceiling.
Include the measurement from the top of the door frame to the ceiling.

D. Add in the Small Details

We can't forget the small, but important bits.

This includes power outlets, skylights, air vents, light switches and any existing plumbing. Always measure existing plumbing from the centre point of the pipe.

Tips for taking Photographs

It is usually best to shoot in daylight and avoid flash — which can sometimes lend a blown-out and artificial appearance to a scene. It's nice to turn on lights in a room just for a little point of brightness. If you do use a flash, be sure not to reflect the light off glass or mirrors, because you'll get a bright streak in the image that you won't like.
Dusk is also a better time to photograph windows — low natural light will allow you to take pictures that aren't blown out by midday sunlight.
For interiors especially, you will find that getting on your knees often offers the best angle.
Try not to take the photo when the sun is shining directly into the room.
Try turning the camera vertical to get a taller shot.

Check List for Sketches of Floorplan and Wall Elevations

Before finishing off, check that you have included all of the following on your sketches:

The ceiling height for each room
Height and width of all windows and doors
Location of all power outlets
Location of any wall sconces and ceiling lights or fans
Checked the measurement of each Wall Elevation drawing against the measurement of the corresponding wall on your Floorplan.

* When drawing in pencil, make sure the lines are dark enough so when you scan your drawings and send back to me, I will be able to read them easily.

When you've completed the steps, you can send the floor plan/elevation and photos to me either by email to support@urallasolutions.com, or with FB messenger.