Guides
Measuring a room for a renovation quote
A few measurements and the right photographs turn a vague enquiry into a useful first answer.
Before a survey, good information helps a contractor understand the job, suggest options and give a sensible range. You do not need professional tools: a tape measure, a phone camera and a simple sketch are enough.
Decision guides set out how to judge a quote, a programme or a contractor fairly, so the comparison is made on like-for-like information.
Measure each wall, the ceiling height, door and window positions, and where key services sit — sinks, toilets, sockets and AC grilles. Photographs should show each wall, the floor, the ceiling and any problem areas up close.
What matters most on this page
A simple sketch
Draw the room shape and write measurements on each wall.
Photograph every wall
Plus floor, ceiling and close-ups of problems.
Mark services
Sinks, drains, sockets, switches and AC grilles.
What to measure
Walls and ceiling
Length of each wall and the height from floor to ceiling.
Openings
Door and window widths, heights and positions.
Obstacles
Columns, bulkheads, steps and boxed pipes.
Levels and slopes
A spirit level or a marble on the floor shows whether the floor slopes, which affects new flooring and showers.
Before sending
Label the photos
So it is clear which wall or room each shows.
Note what you want to change
Short notes on each wall or item.
Include any drawings
Developer or building plans help.
Questions we are often asked
Do measurements need to be exact?
Not for a first answer. The survey confirms measurements before pricing.
Can I send a video instead?
Yes. A slow walk-through video is very helpful.
What if I cannot measure the ceiling?
A photo with a known object for scale can help until the survey.
Should I measure furniture too?
Yes, for pieces you are keeping. Their sizes often decide where sockets, lights and joinery go.
Related guides
- Reporting defects after a renovationAnother decision worth settling at the same stage.
- Adapting a home for older relativesAnother decision worth settling at the same stage.
- Renovating for a growing familyAnother decision worth settling at the same stage.
- Matt vs polished floor tilesA related choice about how the work is organised.
browse the guides, or see all renovation and fit-out services. We work on homes and commercial premises across Dubai.
Tell us about the property
Tell us what you are deciding between and what you have been given so far. We will tell you what is worth checking next.
Phone
+971 58 846 4007Good for talking a job through and arranging a visit.
WhatsApp
Send a messageUseful for photographs, floor plans and measurements.
Next step
Send your measurements and photos
Share a sketch and photographs of the room. We will reply with options and the next step.