Site Measurement Checklist

What to Measure

Incomplete measurements are one of the most common causes of rework and quote revisions. Before requesting a quote, measure the full scope of the project, not just the parts you are confident about.

• Overall run lengths for any continuous rail, fence, or screen
• Rise and run dimensions on stairs, measure both sides, as they often differ
• Widths at top, middle, and bottom of any opening or run
• Landing dimensions
• Gate opening width and clearance
• Post or anchor spacing if replacing or extending existing work
• Vertical clearances
• Any offsets or obstructions that affect the run path

Partial measurements create rework, always measure the full scope.

What to Photograph

Site photos give the fabricator context that dimensions alone cannot convey. Take them before requesting a quote, not after.

• Wide context shot showing the full stair, opening, or surface
• Straight-on detail shots of each end condition and transition
• Wall or slab condition at each anchor location
• Close-up of existing hardware, anchors, or post bases if any exist
• Neighboring surfaces that affect the install approach, tile, wood, concrete, cladding
• Anything unusual that a fabricator would want to see before committing to a quote

What to Note in Writing

Written context supplements measurements and photos. Include the following when sending project information:

• Substrate type at each anchor location, concrete slab, CMU, wood framing, steel deck
• Finish expectation and environment, interior, exterior, coastal, pool-adjacent
• Access restrictions or timing constraints
• HOA or building requirements if known
• Whether existing hardware or anchors need to be preserved or replaced

Related Resources

If you are measuring for a specific project type, these pages may also be useful:

• Handrails & Railings Service
• Fencing & Gates Service
• All Forms & Checklists