Measure Like a Pro: Your Guide to Accurate Floor Space Calculations
Getting a detailed idea of your flooring budget!
Embarking on a new flooring project is exciting! Getting a good initial measurement is key to understanding the project scope and getting a preliminary budget. This guide will walk you through how to measure your space, including those often-overlooked details that can impact both the material needed and the installation process. By providing us with these measurements, you'll get a more accurate estimate from Factory Carpets & Vinyls right from the start!
Tools You'll Need:
Tape measure (a long one is essential)
Paper
Pen or pencil
Optional: Laser measure (for quicker overall measurements in large areas)
Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Your Space:
Create an Overall Sketch: Draw a rough layout of the entire area you plan to re-floor. Include all connected rooms or hallways. This overall sketch is particularly important for carpet installations, as carpet pile has a direction. For a seamless and professional look in adjoining areas, carpet should ideally be laid in the same direction. Indicate on your sketch which direction you would prefer the carpet to run in each area.
Overall Measurements (Crucial for All Flooring): For each room or area, measure the length at its longest point and the width at its widest point. Note these overall dimensions on your sketch.
Specific Measurement Guidance by Flooring Type:
Carpet: For carpet estimates, providing the overall length and width measurements of each area is usually sufficient for an initial estimate. However, please clearly indicate any significant "cut-ins" or unusual shapes (e.g., a large bay window area, an angled section) that would noticeably alter the amount of carpet needed.
Example (Carpet): Hallway: 6 meters long x 1.5 meters wide. Large Bay Window in Living Room: Approximately 3 meters wide x 1 meter deep.
Laminate, Vinyl Planks, and Hybrid: For these types of flooring, calculating the approximate square meterage (m2) for each area is very helpful for an initial estimate. Multiply the length by the width for each section.
Example (Laminate/Vinyl/Hybrid): Hallway: 6 meters long x 1.5 meters wide = 9m2. Living Room: 5 meters long x 4 meters wide = 20m2.
Measuring Cut-Ins and Defining Boundaries: This is where detail matters!
Doorways: Clearly mark all doorways on your sketch. Note if the flooring will continue into the doorway or stop at the frame.
Adjoining Flooring Types: Pay close attention to where the new flooring meets existing flooring of a different type. For example, if your hallway (being measured for carpet) leads into a tiled bathroom, clearly indicate this transition on your sketch. Note the type of existing flooring (e.g., "meets tile").
Transition Bar Locations: If you currently have transition bars between different flooring types, mark their locations on your sketch. This helps us understand the existing setup.
Cupboards and Wardrobes (Floor Area): If you plan to have the new flooring installed inside walk-in wardrobes or large built-in cupboards, measure their internal floor dimensions. For carpet, just note the length and width. For laminate, vinyl, or hybrid, calculate the m2. For standard built-in wardrobes with sliding doors and no floor space, you can usually exclude them. If in doubt, measure the floor area inside.
Important Height Considerations:
Door Heights: Note the clearance between the bottom of your doors and the existing floor. If you are changing from a thinner flooring like vinyl to a thick pile carpet, there's a possibility the doors may need trimming to open and close smoothly. Make a note of any doors that seem to have minimal clearance.
Vinyl to Carpet Transitions: If you are replacing vinyl with carpet in an area, the difference in thickness can sometimes affect door heights or the need for specific transition solutions where it meets other flooring. Please make a note of any areas where this change is occurring.
Getting a More Detailed Budget Idea:
By providing us with these more detailed measurements and notes, you'll enable the Factory Carpets & Vinyls team to give you a more accurate preliminary quote. Please include your overall measurements, notes on adjoining flooring types, transition bar locations, and any door height concerns when you send your information for an estimate.
Ready for a Precise Quote?
Once you have this detailed information compiled, contact Factory Carpets & Vinyls to schedule your FREE, no-obligation measure and quote. Our experienced consultants will then visit your property to take precise measurements and discuss the perfect flooring solutions for your home, taking all these important details into account.
