When remodeling a kitchen the old saying “failure to plan is planning to fail” is especially true when referring to your kitchen drawings. The basic elements of a good set of kitchen drawings will be discussed in this article.

Floor plans –

A large scale comprehensive kitchen remodel should ideally include two complete kitchen floor plans. One shows the space in its current condition and is commonly called an “as built” plan. A second kitchen floor plan drawing is needed to depict the kitchen in its completed state and is referred to as the “proposed kitchen floor plan”.

In addition, the floor plans used for you new kitchen drawings will show the exact position of each and every new item you have selected. New cabinetry will be shown here along with appliance positions and the various door swings of those appliances .You should also see cabinetry, countertops, flooring and appliance make and model numbers in addition to all global plan notes including particular cabinetry names.

Many kitchen designers like to show various cabinet dimensions on their kitchen floor plans. Typically this results in a labyrinth of extension and dimension lines. With the exception of random depth dimensions this should be eliminated altogether in favor of establishing these cabinet dimensions on elevation drawings. Simply put, the idea behind kitchen floor plan is to display room specific dimensions only. The primary role of the kitchen floor plan drawings is to display dimensions such as wall length and position, window location and size and walkway clearance and elevation markers. You should see the new cabinetry and countertops here but only as they concern to the room lay-out. The only cabinet/appliance dimensions you should see would be those showing cabinet/appliance depth.

Elevation Drawings –

Nearly all cabinetry dimensions should be presented on the particular wall elevations indicated on the kitchen floor plans. Appliance dimensions and how they integrate with the surrounding cabinetry will also be clearly visible here too. Specific cabinet heights and mounting heights for wall cabinets are noted in these elevations.

The exact door design and drawer front style should be clearly reflected on the cabinets illustrated here. You should also notice all special accessories here such as molding combinations, corbels and cabinet on lay carvings. Look for any special modification notes needed for cabinetry either from the cabinet maker or particular requirements from your installer in the elevation area of your kitchen drawings.

CAD software drawing applications are standard in the kitchen and bath business today. Notwithstanding, some dealers and designers still provide hand drawings. Larger drawing sheet sizes are better regardless of the method used to render kitchen plans. 8 1/2″ x 11″ sheets are simply too tiny to show all the required detail essential for clear and concise kitchen plans.

The ideal scale for kitchen drawings is 1/2″ = 1′ – 0″. At this scale floor plans and elevations are easier to read. In most cases sheet sizes larger than 8 1/2″ x 11″ will be mandatory to show kitchen floor plans, elevations and notes.

For your kitchen remodel to be a complete success you need as much detail as possible on your kitchen drawings. General contractors, sub contractors and local inspectors must all have every question answered in black and white prior to construction. Magazine quality kitchens don’t just happen they are very carefully planned. By knowing just what to look for in carefully planned kitchen drawings you will more easily be able to select the right professional to remodel your kitchen.