Designing Kitchens: Drawing the Final Plan

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When you’ve reassessed your costs, decide what changes you need to make on your plans, and make a final drawing that includes them. You will use this drawing for approval by the building department, so it should be entirely accurate. It doesn’t need to be professionally drawn, however, since most building departments simply want to see your Existing Plan and have a clear plan of your proposed changes. On the other hand, if your project includes major structural, plumbing, and wiring changes, you may want to get some help. Include all measurements of walls, doors, and windows, and show surrounding rooms.

To obtain a plumbing permit, you should show the location of all plumbing fixtures. Some building departments may want to see more, but you should start with the locations. The field inspector will make sure code requirements are met during installation. Requirements for electrical permits vary, but you should show all light fixtures, switches, and outlets on your plan. Whenever something is not clear, make notations.

It is usually unnecessary to draw elevations to obtain permits, but you may want to do so for your own purposes. You can call out all the actual materials and products you’ve decided to use, which will help you make sure you order everything you need.

The Final Materials List

Your final materials list functions as an order form, so it will include information that you did not need when you were estimating costs. Some manufacturers will provide forms for ordering your products or materials. Others will riot. In either case, you will want to keep your own records. The best method is to make up a ruled sheet that includes spaces for the name of the object or material, model number, color, finish, size, quantity, and price. Add any special characteristics needed to distinguish it in ordering. Whenever you know a delivery date, indicate this in pencil in a far-right column. From these dates you can begin to plan your schedule. Be sure to follow all the manufacturer’s instructions and dimensions, and write them down in the proper order. Some read exactly opposite from what you might think. For example, cabinets are grouped by their front-to-back depths and by category (base. wall, etc.), not by width and height. Go over your list several times to make sure all your specifications are correct.

The drawings below represent final plans for the kitchen illustrated throughout this guide. Wall elevations are drawn to indicate heights, materials, and colors. Compare the drawings to the final result, pictured below.

ill.60: Existing Floor Plan

ill.61: Proposed Floor Plan

Primary Alterations

1. Expand counter width for drainboard.

2. Install track lighting.

3. Install new venting for hood.

4. Increase counter width by 3”.

5. Remove refrigerator; expand counter to 45”.

6. Position refrigerator on north wall.

7. Replace round table and light fixture.

Proposed Wall Elevations:

Materials