This section explains how to measure rooms and record the location and condition of the structure and mechanical systems (plumbing, electrical, heating/cooling) as well as how to explore build­ing elements that affect design. Here, too, you learn how to map the site and consider how well exterior renovations will suit the neighborhood.

MEASURING ROOMS

Start by drawing a basic plan of each floor.

Using a 25-ft. retractable tape measure, record the overall dimensions of each room, noting the position of existing doors, windows, closets, fireplaces—anything that affects space. Take the time to record this information accurately. Be consistent in your measurements, always meas­uring to window and door jambs, not just to casings. (You are really measuring finished openings in walls.) Also note header and sill heights as well as ceiling heights and plane changes. Determine interior and exterior wall thicknesses by measuring door jambs.

To create accurate floor plans, transfer your recorded measurements to graph paper. Graph paper is handy because it helps you draw square corners and maintain scale without needing fancy drafting equipment. As to scale, most people find that Va in. = 1 ft. is large enough for detail and thus doesn’t require graph paper larger than 8’A in. x 11 in.

MAPPING THE BUILDING SITE

Once you’ve created floor plans, use a 100-ft. tape to measure the overall exterior dimensions. Using graph paper with a smaller scale than you used for the interior drawings (say, f8 in. = 1 ft.), posi­tion the house as accurately as you can on the lot. If you don’t know exact lot dimensions, check the closing documents you obtained upon pur­chasing the house or consult public records.

Also sketch locations of major site features, such as fences, trees, driveways, walks, ponds, streams, gardens, dog runs, and outbuildings. In the margins of the sketch or on separate sheets, draw in or note structures and features on adja­cent properties that affect your property or its use—such as a tree you enjoy seeing or a garage you don’t. As you gather information, think about how your proposed renovation might affect your neighbors. If a house addition blocks a neighbor’s view, you might have trouble getting it approved. Likewise, there’s no point in adding a window if it would overlook something ugly.

Most communities have setback requirements, minimum distances from structures to property lines; and seeking variances from setbacks is

often a long, frustrating process. Finally, don’t assume that existing fences accurately represent property lines. Verify property lines early on.

Planning is one of the most satisfying aspects of renovation. On paper, you can live imperially—fruit trees beneath the windows, Italian marble in the bathrooms. When you tire of that, you can remove the tiles and replant the trees… with an eraser. Of course, your finished plans will be a trade-off between what you’d pre­fer and what you can afford. Yet, during early stages of planning, feel free to let your imagina­tion run wild.

Creating a Home That Suits You

Your house should fit you. In the words of build­ing contractor Dean Rutherford, whose own home is featured near the end of this chapter, "For me, building is about creating a sense of who you are. A place of pause and reflection.

A place where you can be comfortable with your­self.” Indeed, a house should be an expression of who you are, your lifestyle, your loved ones, your dreams. So it’s helpful to begin planning by get­ting in touch with who you are, which isn’t always easy.

Few homeowners are good at conceptualizing spatially. Still fewer can draw well enough to con­vey their concepts to an architect. Thus one savvy architect asks his clients to write up a scenario for a happy day in a perfect house. He says it’s surprising how quickly the writing helps people move beyond physical trappings to describing the experiences that make them happy in a home.

For example, some people prefer to wake up slowly while reading in bed or having breakfast on the patio. They may want to putter in a secluded garden or host lavish candlelight din­ners. Whatever you wish for.

KEEP A RENOVATION NOTEBOOK

Much as you’d create a shopping list, jot down house-related thoughts as they occur and file them in a renovation notebook. A notebook is also a convenient place to stash ideas clipped from magazines and newspapers, along with photos you may have shot. If you have kids, encourage their contributions too. At some point, consolidate the notebook ideas and begin creat­ing a wish list of the features you’d like in your renovated home. This list will come in handy when you begin weighing design options.

Architects call items on the wish list program requirements and consider them an essential first step for planning because they establish written criteria against which you can later compare pro­posed improvements. The list should contain both objective, tangible requirements (such as the number of bedrooms and baths) and subjec­tive, intangible requirements (such as how the house should eventually feet). If you’re presently
living in the house you’ll renovate, you’ll have strong opinions about what inconveniences you’re willing to tolerate and what you’re not. Here are questions to help you get started.

Comfort. Start with your gut feelings. Are the rooms big enough? Ceilings high enough? Do you have enough bedrooms and storage? Enough room to do the things you like? How’s the traffic flow? Do some rooms have two approaches/exits? Or do most feel like dead ends? Must you walk through one bedroom to get to another?

Is the house too drafty? Warm enough? Do rooms receive enough sunlight? Does window screening take advantage of prevailing winds? Can you shut out street noise? Do you feel safe? Can you see who’s on the porch without opening the door? Is the house easy to keep clean? Will your furniture suit your design plans?

Cooking and dining. Do you cook a little or a lot? Do you entertain often? Do you have enough counter space? Are the sink and appliances ideally suited to your cooking preferences? Are counters the right height? Does your kitchen have useful continuous counter space or are the counters interrupted by doors, windows, and foot traffic? Can you reach all shelves? Is storage space suffi­cient? The refrigerator large enough?

Can you easily transport food to and from din­ing areas? Can people hang out while you cook? While cooking, do you like to talk on the phone or watch TV? If you recycle cans and bottles, do you have a place to put them?

For recommended minimum cabinet and counter dimensions and common kitchen config­urations, see pp. 302 and 303.

Being social. If you plan to entertain, will it be formal or informal? Small card parties with friends or 40-chair club meetings? Is the living room cozy? How about accommodations for overnight guests? Can you escape hubbub when you prefer solitude? That is, when the kids have friends over, do they drive you crazy? (Of course, this may have nothing to do with the house.) Bathrooms. Do you have enough bathrooms, or do jam-ups occur during rush hours? When everyone showers in the morning, do you have enough hot water? Is there a linen closet nearby? Enough cabinet space for sundries?

Do you have tubs and showers where needed? In the tub, can you relax and soak in peace? Is the tub big enough for two? Can you shower with­out leaving pools of water outside the tub or stall? Is your bathroom presentable for entertaining? Family doings. If you have small children, are surfaces easy to keep clean? Do you have places to store toys? Are other cabinets childproof? Is there an enclosed, outdoor, safe play area? A
room where kids can play on a rainy day? Do you have rooms conducive to reading and home­work? Do your kids have enough privacy? And room for their possessions? Will the rooms meet their needs in 5 years? When the kids move out, will your empty nest be too big?

Working at home. If you bring work home or simply work at home, do you have a room that’s adequate for it? Are the walls soundproofed so you can work in peace or work late without dis­turbing others? Are there enough electrical out­lets? How about adequate lighting? Can you shut a door, making your workspace safe from pets and toddlers?

Outer spaces. Do porches protect you from the rain while you’re searching for house keys? Does the yard receive enough sun for a garden? Do you need an outbuilding for lawn equipment and tools? A garage that can double as vehicle shelter and workshop? A spigot near the driveway for car washing? Do you cook out often? Need a fence for privacy or to screen off the neighbors? Need a deck or patio for entertaining outdoors?