Best practices for measuring
After making a mistake with an air conditioning unit for the window, I learned the hard way that I need to measure everything before making a purchase. What have you found to be the most accurate and least stressful way to deal with the measuring process? I’d love to hear the tips that other DIYers have for the process!
Some people are skilled at eyeballing the dimensions to get a workable estimate, but that's not in my wheelhouse, so I have to take measurements. I do each measurement twice. One thing I've learned is to measure the doorway too, so I can ensure there's enough clearance to get what I'm buying inside.
Is it difficult to install a window unit, HomeFlipper? It's been exceptionally hot this summer, so I hope it turned out okay.
Just so you know I just bought me a brand new airconditioning unit last month to help me get through this crazy hot summer. There are add ons you can get for free which most people don't know. Before going through the hassle, I would suggest you call or contact the nearest home appliances store near you for some info and assistance.
Before I bought mine, I already had a spot (well measured with a measuring tape )I thought was the best location for it until the sales staff/technical told me otherwise.
He told me that buying a new one comes with many add ons, like deciding the best spot, free measurement, free delivery, and the best part, free installation! All I did to return the favor was to offer the two of them a cup of coffee each. Need I say I got the AC for an unbeatable bargain?
Quote from HomeFlipper on August 11, 2020, 3:22 pmAfter making a mistake with an air conditioning unit for the window, I learned the hard way that I need to measure everything before making a purchase. What have you found to be the most accurate and least stressful way to deal with the measuring process? I’d love to hear the tips that other DIYers have for the process!
Now, this is a tricky one! What I do, is maybe to ask the vendor for detailed and most precise measurements of the device I wish to buy. Amazon is doing a great job nowadays to include the Weight, Size, and dimensions of most of the products in their inventory. But still, this can be confusing if you fail to interpret them correctly.
You need to know how to accurately convert from pounds to Kgs, or from fts to Meters. I would also like to hear what strategies other people are applying here.
Recently I was installing plenty of AC devices into a new building and there have been a lot of problems with the wrong measurements.
What I like to do is measure everything with my own measurement tool, and then (depending on what I plan to install), ask someone who usually does this job to tell me exactly how much space do I need.
For instance, if you're installing AC in your living room, you need to have some free space above it. If you don't leave at least 7-10 cm, it's hard to install it.
Also, just like EmoryB said, it's important to measure your doors haha.
Measure twice, cut once. Always double-check your work as you're doing it and never assume the first measurement is always right.
Blueprints or drawings help, but so does experience.
We ran into this problem when we redid our bathroom. We measured the tub and surround, but did not think about the door! We wanted to put in a 1-piece tub with surround but it would not fit in the doorway. We actually ended up tearing a side wall down to get the unit in the bathroom.
So my tip is to measure everything, twice.
My dad always taught me, measure twice and cut once. Of course we don't always do this. We are in a hurry and do it quick. My advice would be to be sure you have plenty of time to finish a project without having to rush. Don't eyeball any measurement, it doesn't normally work out good.
