Deck height

I've thought about this a little for when I start looking at components for building my engine. My approach would be to take the height measurements front and back on both decks. Then take a precision straight edge and feeler gauges to see how out of flat the deck is. Then I would determine the amount that would need to come off to get both decks equal and square and probably add a few thousandths. Then I'd start looking at pistons and other components to get the desired compression ratio, quench, etc... The engine would be going to the machine shop, but I'd still like to take the measurements myself so I'd have an idea of components that would work. Then I could verify my measurements with the machine shop and possibly make component adjustments. I've never been involved in an engine build but this process has been in the back of my mind since I purchased my car. I also have access to the various tools described. If you know anybody that works at a machine shop (not necessarily automotive) they may have these instruments. In the end the engine building shops are going to be able to give you the most accurate measurements.