Understanding how to calculate the square footage of a house plan is essential for effective planning, buying, or appraising a property. The square footage essentially refers to the area of the livable spaces within a home, and it’s calculated based on specific guidelines that account for various types of spaces.
Step 1: Identify the Areas to Measure
When measuring the square footage of a house, it’s crucial first to identify which areas will be included in the calculation. Generally, only the livable areas that are heated and cooled are considered. This includes:
- Bedrooms (including closets)
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Living rooms
- Hallways
- Enclosed patios
- Finished attics with sufficient ceiling height
Spaces such as garages, unfinished basements, and three-season porches typically do not count toward the square footage.
Step 2: Measure the Dimensions
To accurately calculate square footage, you’ll first need to measure the length and width of each room. Use a tape measure for this task. For rooms that are irregularly shaped, break them down into smaller rectangles or squares for easier calculation.
- Length (L): Measure along the longest wall.
- Width (W): Measure along the perpendicular wall.
Step 3: Calculate Individual Room Areas
Once you have the dimensions, it’s time to calculate the area for each room. The formula to determine the square footage of a rectangle is:
[ \text{Area} = \text{Length} \times \text{Width} ]For instance, if a room measures 12 feet long and 10 feet wide, the area would be calculated as follows:
[ \text{Area} = 12 \, \text{ft} \times 10 \, \text{ft} = 120 \, \text{sq ft} ]Repeat this calculation for all livable areas in the home.
Step 4: Sum the Areas
After calculating the square footage for each room, the next step is to add all the areas together to find the total square footage of the house. This aggregate number represents the livable area, which is often emphasized by real estate agents and appraisers.
[ \text{Total Square Footage} = \text{Area of Room 1} + \text{Area of Room 2} + \ldots + \text{Area of Room N} ]Step 5: Include Multi-Story Areas
If the house has multiple floors, measure the square footage for each level separately. If the second floor has the same dimensions as the first, you can simply double the square footage obtained from the first floor. Note that staircases and closets must be included in the calculations as well.
Step 6: Adjust for Specific Features
Certain features may require adjustments in your calculations:
- Finished vs. Unfinished: Only include areas that are finished and suitable for living (e.g., an attic with at least 7 feet of clearance).
- Overhangs and External Structures: Note that overhangs do not contribute to square footage calculations, and outdoor spaces like balconies and uncovered patios typically are not included unless they are fully enclosed and livable.
FAQ Section
1. What is the difference between gross and livable square footage?
Gross square footage includes all areas under the roof, including walls and non-livable spaces such as garages and balconies. Livable square footage refers specifically to areas used for living and is typically what appraisers use when determining home value.
2. How do I measure irregular shaped rooms?
For irregularly shaped rooms, divide the space into smaller rectangles or squares, measure each section, calculate their area individually, and then sum these areas to obtain the total square footage.
3. Is basement square footage included in the total?
Finished basements that are heated and livable can be included in the square footage. Unfinished areas, however, are generally not taken into account.
