Trades / 241 cards
Designer + owner
Layout, sizes and selections: the calls the owner and designer make before anyone picks up a tool.
013 cards
Before the foundation
Footings, slab and everything under it: drains, pipes, radon and sump. Once the concrete is poured, these are the hardest to change.
0210 cards
Before framing
Room sizes, openings, stairs, ceiling heights and anything structural. Cheap on paper, expensive once the walls are up.
BathroomsFree
Door
Bathroom dimensions you should know
- 32″ door, more for accessibility
- swing clear of fixtures
- outward or pocket doors help small rooms
038 cards
Before rough-in
Where pipes, wires, ducts and boxes go, before the inspector signs off on them.
KitchensFree
Refrigerator
Appliances
- check door swing and depth
- recess for a flush fit
- water line shutoff you can reach
BathroomsFree
Around the toilet
Bathroom dimensions you should know
- 15″ center to side (code), 18″ good
- 21″ in front (code), 30″ good
042 cards
Before drywall
Blocking, insulation, fire blocking and anything else that lives inside the walls.
06218 cards
Throughout the job
Choices and checks that aren’t tied to one stage. Settle them early, or check them as the work goes.
KitchensFree
Single wall
Which layout works for you?
- everything on one wall
- works in studios, small units and open plans
- keep the order: fridge → sink → cooktop
L-shaped
Which layout works for you?
- the most common, most versatile layout
- a natural work triangle
- fits small to medium rooms
Galley
Which layout works for you?
- two parallel runs
- very efficient for serious cooks
- keeps cooking and cleanup apart
U-shaped
Which layout works for you?
- the most counter and storage
- everything within reach
- suits medium to large rooms
Peninsula
Which layout works for you?
- partly open to living space
- adds prep, seating or a buffet
- fits small to medium rooms
Island
Which layout works for you?
- great for entertaining
- adds prep, storage and seating
- lets several people work at once
Open kitchen
Which layout works for you?
- feels larger and more social
- good for entertaining and small homes
- daylight reaches further
Closed kitchen
Which layout works for you?
- hides the mess
- contains smells and noise
- more wall for storage
Cooktop
Appliances
- gas: visible flame, needs venting
- induction: fast, safe, needs the right pans
- 30″ or 36″ wide
Dishwasher
Appliances
- within 36″ of the sink
- raised or double units for big households
- drain pan under it
Counter height
Kitchen dimensions: a useful guide
- 36″ standard
- adjust ±1–2″ for the main cook
- a lower 30–32″ baking section is a luxury
Counter depth
Kitchen dimensions: a useful guide
- 25″ top on a 24″ box
- a standard-depth fridge sticks out about 6″; recess it or choose counter-depth
Space above counter
Kitchen dimensions: a useful guide
- 18″ is typical
- 15″ minimum (NKBA)
- more behind a range, by the hood spec
Above the cooktop
Kitchen dimensions: a useful guide
- 30″ to unprotected combustibles (code)
- hood height per the maker, often 24–30″
Island
Kitchen dimensions: a useful guide
- 42″ clear on working sides
- 48″ where two cook
- same height as the counters for a seamless look
Seating
Kitchen dimensions: a useful guide
- 24″ of width per seat
- 15″ knee space at 36″ high
- 12″ at 42″ high
Work triangle
Planning tips: a kitchen that works for you
- each leg 4–9 ft
- total 26 ft or less
- no leg crossing an island by more than 12″
Clear walkways
Planning tips: a kitchen that works for you
- keep through-traffic out of the work aisle and triangle
Storage planning
Planning tips: a kitchen that works for you
- mix of drawers and doors
- everyday items 24–72″ off the floor
- pull-outs and dividers
Natural light
Planning tips: a kitchen that works for you
- daylight over the sink or prep zone
- makes the room feel bigger
Future ready
Planning tips: a kitchen that works for you
- room for a bigger fridge
- an extra circuit for later appliances
- materials that age well
Looks over function
Common mistakes, and how to avoid them
- finishes that look good but don't wear well
Sinks
Maintenance: keep it looking good
- mild soap, soft sponge
- no abrasive pads on stainless
- dry after use to stop spots
Backsplash
Maintenance: keep it looking good
- mild cleaner
- clean grout regularly
- wipe splashes after cooking
Appliances
Maintenance: keep it looking good
- clean hood filters monthly
- vacuum fridge coils yearly
- follow the maker's guide
Hardware
Maintenance: keep it looking good
- damp cloth, no harsh chemicals
- tighten screws
- adjust soft-close dampers
BathroomsFree
Single wall
Which bathroom layout works?
- all fixtures share one plumbing wall
- cheapest to build
- works in long, narrow rooms
Classic 5 × 8 full bath
Which bathroom layout works?
- the standard American hall bath
- 60″ tub/shower across the end
- toilet and vanity side by side
Parallel
Which bathroom layout works?
- fixtures on two facing walls
- good for medium rooms
- keeps wet and dry sides apart
L-shaped
Which bathroom layout works?
- uses corners efficiently
- tucks the shower away
- small to medium rooms
Wet + dry zones
Which bathroom layout works?
- shower behind glass or a wall
- the rest of the room stays dry
- easier to clean
Powder room (half bath)
Which bathroom layout works?
- toilet and sink only
- no shower, so less waterproofing
- a place for a statement sink or mirror
Family bath
Which bathroom layout works?
- built for several users
- double vanity eases mornings
- more storage
Primary bath
Which bathroom layout works?
- separate tub and shower
- often a private toilet room
- feels open and calm
Movement space
Bathroom dimensions you should know
- 30″ clear at each fixture
- 60″ circle for a wheelchair
Mirror
Bathroom dimensions you should know
- center about 60–65″ off the floor
- bottom a few inches above the faucet
Accessories
Bathroom dimensions you should know
- paper holder: 26″ high, 8–12″ ahead of the bowl
- towel bar: about 42–48″
- robe hook: about 66–70″
Designer / architect
Bathroom team, timeline and cost
- layout and space planning
- materials and fixtures
- coordinates the trades
Kitchen, Bathroom and Stairs are open to everyone. The rest are in the full fieldbook.
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