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- 1). Clip the graph paper onto a clipboard. You will be drawing the footprint of your house at a scale of 1/8 inch to 1 foot. Using a tape measure that is long enough to measure the entire length of the back of your house, place the tape at one corner, stretch it to the opposite corner and secure it to hold it in place. This is easier if you have someone to help hold the tape. Record the length of the house either by counting the appropriate number of squares, or by using the architect's scale. Record the length. Keeping the tape in place, locate doors, windows and so on, and record their locations.
- 2). Measure the yard next. Hold the end of the tape at a house corner and stretch it out at a 90-degree angle until you reach the property line. Lay it down so you can take additional measurements off that tape. Record the length of that line on your grid. Use another tape measure to locate other existing features in your yard. For example, if you have an existing tree at the 25-foot mark, using the second tape measure held at the 25, measure out to the tree. Record that distance.
If you have an odd-shaped lot, use triangulation to locate a corner. From a recorded corner of your house, measure diagonally to the needed point. Record that distance. Next, measure diagonally from the opposite house corner. Record that distance. - 3). Draw up your plan. With a clean piece of grid paper, plot your measurements, using the architect's scale and a straightedge. Start with the house first and work outward. If you used the triangulation method to locate points, place the pointed end of the protractor on the paper at the corner of the house where you took the measurements, adjusting the protractor to the distance recorded. Make an arc. Now do the same for the other corner. The point is where the arcs cross.
- 4). Double-check a few measurements to be sure they are accurate. If distances are off by a few inches, do not worry. A few feet off will need corrections, as this could make a significant difference in the overall layout.
- 5). Photocopy your plan so you will have a clean original. Now you are free to sketch out a scaled plan to locate plants, patios, pools or whatever you are envisioning for your backyard design.
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