STEP 1: Grab a sheet of white paper (unlined, please - but graph paper is OK), and make a quick sketch of the layout of the room. Don't worry about getting it perfect, or drawing it to scale, a simple outline will do. 

STEP 2: Using a tape measure, measure the length of each wall. If you have a large wall, measure out as much as you can, and write it down, then measure from that endpoint to the next point, and so on until you reach the corner. We can add up the smaller dimensions to get the overall length of the wall. 

STEP 3: Now that you have the overall dimensions, go back and measure the details of each wall:

• Starting in one corner, measure the distance of the wall to the outside casing of the first window.
• Then, measure the width of the window, casing to casing. 
• Keep moving around each wall including the measurements of doors, windows, built-ins (that can't be removed), radiators/heating elements, plugs and outlets.

STEP 4: When all of the measurements are recorded, grab a calculator and add up all of the measurements of each wall, double-checking that they add up to the correct length of each wall. If you are off by more than a couple inches, re-measure the wall and any architectural details to find the mistake.

STEP 5: We have the length of everything, but now we need some height information. Measure the height of these elements, and record them on your sketch:

• Windows
• Doors
• Built-ins, fireplaces, etc.
• Ceiling height

STEP 6: Make a note of any existing light fixtures on the ceiling or walls. 

STEP 7: Scan and email your drawing to erica {at} plumbleyhouse.com, or include it with your Design Questionnaire. 

Confused? We've got ya! How to Draw a Floor Plan for Dummies.