How to measure

In its simplest format, when measuring for an extension, you will only need to have the basic skills to measure length, area and volume. If you have plans, the architect should have put the dimensions on, if you dont yet have plans you can use a tape measure to estimate the size of your extension based on the space you have.

We dont want to over complicate this section, so feel free to email or call us if you want any more help.

Length - a simple straight forward measurement, using a tape measure or ruler, most of the time you will have centimetres and inches (feet). Nowadays it is better to start off in cm as if you are working in feet and inches at some point, you will have to convert your measurements. If you are measuring off of a plan it is likely that your plan has been drawn to scale. You will therefore need a scale ruler.  These will often have scales on of 1:5, 1:50, 1:10, 1:100, 1:20, 1:200. Scaling of a drawing is common practise to allow the drawings to fit onto paper, but to keep them at the same proportion / scale.

• Area is measured by multiplying . Length x width = area (m2)
• Most areas that you will need to calculate will be made up of squares and rectangles
• Squares and rectangles are measured by simply measuring the length x width.
• You will most likely require to add some triangles in there as well.
• Triangle are measured by x the base height then divide by 2.

Dont worry… most areas you need to measure are already covered by now, all you have to do is take the areas you need to measure, split them down into a number of square and rectangles, and triangles if they are there, work out each individual area (number each area if it helps) and then add them together.

• Volume - not used a massive amount
• When needed you simply follow the process for measuring the area of a square or rectangle
• Then x that by the height or depth. Volume is a 3 dimensional measurement
• Foundations, concrete are the most common areas where volumes are used to quantify.