If you want to instal new cabinets in your home you will have to measure your home first. Measuring is easy, you will need paper, pencil, and a measuring tape. A second person helps, but it’s possible alone.

1) First, look around the room and think about the overall shape. Draw it in the middle of your paper. Leave a blank space for doorways in the wall. Then draw lines coming off the corners of your shape so it looks like you are looking down into the room. Draw any windows, doors, vents or radiators on those walls. Do not draw appliances or cabinets that will be removed.

Next label all of the horizontal dimensions around the room. Measure from corners to any windows or doors and the distance between windows and doors. Measure the actual size of the window and door openings. Disregard moldings for now. Also measure your ceiling height. You will want to do this in every area you want cabinets because ceiling height can vary even in the same room.

Now measure the heights of doors, windows, and the height from the bottom of the window to the floor. If there is any plumbing or venting that you want to keep, note that as well. Measure the width of the window and door moldings or note if there are multiple moldings. Finally, label any door swings with a curved line.

Your drawing doesn’t have to be to scale or look neat, but you should measure accurately. Your design and cabinets will be based on your measurements, so double check! After you finish measuring take some pictures to send your designer. Try to get pictures of each wall in the room. Great job! You are one step closer to your dream kitchen.

Here in Philadelphia, there are a lot of urban roof decks. These entertaining spaces are usually two floors above the kitchen and barbecuing becomes a marathon workout. Enter the Outdoor Kitchen. Todays home-cooks want a place to work around the BBQ, and keep their beer cold. Northeast weather is harsh though, so your indoor kitchen won't do. Here are the best (and worst) options:

Wood Cabinets

Wood looks great and adds warmth to the space. Only a few wood types should be used for outdoor cabinetry, so make sure you buy from a reputable company. The negatives? Doors can warp and wood needs more upkeep than other options.

Stainless Steel Cabinets

Stainless is tough and we think it looks the best. It can be powder-coated many different colors and is low maintenance. However, it is the most expensive, and it gets hot in full sun.

Synthetic Cabinets

Like wood, plastics come in different grades, so look for a quality material that won't fade or crack. Synthetic materials are low maintenance, easy to clean, and come in a variety of colors.

Counters, hardware and floors

We recommend a stone counter like marble, granite, soapstone or quartzite. Counters will need to be sealed for outdoor use. Avoid synthetic counters, as they can melt against a hot grill. All hardware should be stainless. Outdoor cabinet pulls can be wood or plastic, but stainless is best. Set your kitchen on a solid surface like a concrete pad or hardwood deck.

Outdoor Appliances

Only use outdoor rated appliances. The Northeast has harsh weather and indoor appliances won't cut it. Built-in grills can sit against stainless cabinets, but wood and synthetic cabinets should have a heat barrier. Any water will need to be shut off in the winter, so instal a shut-off valve in a convenient location.