As a contractor, designer or business owner, getting the right measurements is important in ensuring ADA clearance in your space or building. However, that is only half of the work, the other half is documenting them properly.

It’s true that a simple ada tape measure  can help you stay compliant, but if you don’t record what you measured, how you measured it and when, it won’t do much good when it’s time for inspection.

So, in this article we’ll explore how to document ADA measurements the right way without taking up too much of your time.

4 Steps to Document your Measurements 

1. Get the right tools

Before you begin documentation, you’ll need the right tools. The tools you need include:

• Tape measure (probably one with easy-to-read markings)
• Clipboard or tablet/phone for notes
• A printed or digital ADA checklist so you know what you’re measuring 
• Camera or smartphone to snap proof while you go
• A laser measurer (optional but recommended 

You don’t need anything sophisticated, just something reliable and consistent.

2. Set up a simple measurement log

There’s no point in overcomplicating things, especially a measurement log. You just need a clear place to record the details such as a spreadsheet, a form or even handwritten notes. The measurements log should include these basics:

• What you measured (e.g., restroom sink knee clearance)
• Required clearance (based on ADA standards)
• Actual measurement (what your tape shows)
• Date/time
• Notes (like “pipes are exposed and they need to be insulated”)

You can go ahead and keep things organized by area, restroom, entryway, hallway etc and it’ll save you a lot of time.

3. Snap photos while you measure

This part is very important in documentation. As the saying goes “a picture is worth a thousand arguments during an inspection”. Here’s how you can make the best of snapping photos while you measure:

• Take a shot of the tape measure in place, make sure the numbers are visible.
• Get a wider photo to show context (where the sink, door or fixture is).
• Label or caption your photos if you’re saving them digitally.

If you’re able to add notes to photo files or organize them on your phone. This method makes it easy to retrieve the photos whenever you need them.

4. Save and organize the documentation 

Once you’ve collected your measurements and photos, keep everything together. You don’t want to be searching through your emails or camera roll when it’s time for an ADA inspection. You can achieve this by:

• Setting up folders by room or project phase
• Save digital files in Google Drive, Dropbox or your project management app
• Keep a backup on a flash drive or email it to yourself so it can be safe.

Or you could share the photo documents with your teammates, contractors or inspectors. 

Conclusion 

Documenting ADA isn’t as complicated as it seems, you just need to be organized, disciplined and consistent. All you need is a tape measure and a phone to prove that your space is ADA-compliant and avoid legal consequences or renovations. 

Good documentation shows that you’re committed to creating an accessible and comfortable space for everyone to enjoy free movement in your space or business place.