✏️ Editor’s Note: Realtor Associations, agents, and MLS’ have started implementing changes related to the NAR’s $418 million settlement. While home-sellers will likely save thousands in commission, compliance and litigation risks have significantly increased for sellers throughout the nation. Learn how NAR’s settlement affects home sellers.
There are plenty of reasons you should know how to calculate the square feet of a house. Whether you want to sell a home, renovate, assess the tax, or gauge the spaciousness, square footage matters.
Some legal requirements like a bedroom size must be a minimum of 70-80 square meters denote its legal importance. Such requirements include required ceiling height, etc., and varies from state to state.
The correct square footage helps you determine the true value of a house. It also helps conduct a precise home inspection or an appraisal.
How to Find The Square Feet of a House?
Here are the steps to measure square feet:
- Measure the length and width of each room with the help of a measurement tape or a mechanical tool.
- Use the formula of square footage area i.e., Length x Width = Area (in square feet).
- Multiply the length by the width. The product is the total area.
For example, if you measure a room that is 15 feet long and 12 feet wide, multiply the two dimensions to get the total area: 15 ft. x 12 ft. = 180 sq. ft.
- ✍️ Note: If you live in a township, condominium, or tract housing scheme, you can get square feet calculation through the architectural drawings of your home.
How to Calculate Square Feet of Uneven or Odd Spaces?
If you have odd-shaped spaces like L-shaped kitchens or living rooms, follow this process to calculate sq. ft;
- Divide the room into smaller shapes. The shapes will be small and large rectangles.
- Measure each section separately and find its square footage.
- Add the sq. footage of each section together to get the total square footage.
For example: Let’s say the area of larger part is A: 25 ft. x 10 ft. = 250 sq. ft and the area of the small one is B: 20ft. x 12ft. = 240 sq. ft.
If you add the two values, you will get the total area of the room i.e., 250 sq. ft. + 240 sq. ft. = 490 sq. ft.
How to Convert Sq Ft to Other Units of Measurement?
For convenience, you can convert the square feet into other units of measurement like square meters, inches, yards, acres, etc.
| Conversion | Method |
|---|---|
| Square Feet to Square Inches | Multiply sq. ft. by 144 |
| Square Feet to Acre | Divide sq. ft. by 43,560 |
| Square Feet to Square Yards | Multiply sq. ft. by 0.11 |
| Square Feet to Square Meters | Multiply sq. ft. by 0.093 |
What to Include and Exclude in Square Footage Calculations?
Every space in your property doesn’t contribute to the square footage calculation. You have to consider the Gross Living Area (GLA) before the calculation.
GLA of your house includes spaces that are finished, livable, and above-grade. Spaces like garages, basements, parking, attics, etc. do not fall under GLA.
Appraisers calculate GLA by measuring the outside perimeter of the structure. They exclude the below-mentioned structures from GLA:
- Basements and Garages: Basements and garages generally do not contribute to the total square footage as these are below grade.
- Ingress and Egress for Basements: If your state allows basements to be included in the square footage, ensure it must have a safe way to enter and exit.
- Ceiling Heights in Attic Spaces: Finished attic spaces, and foyer on the first floor count toward GLA, subject to specific regulations.
- Unlivable Spaces: Spaces unintended for living, such as utility rooms, storage areas, or mechanical rooms do not come under GLA.
Benefits of Square Footage Calculation
Square feet calculation provides benefits that are monetarily as well as analytically important. Here are some of the primary benefits:
- Accurate Valuation: Square footage provides a precise measurement of the actual living space within a property. You can use such measurement to determine how much is your home worth.
- Fair Pricing for Sellers: Sellers can strategically price their homes for sale. Homes with larger square footage typically command higher prices and reflect the increased utility and potential of the space.
- Comparative Market Analysis (CMA): Real estate agents use square footage as a key parameter in performing Comparative Market Analyses (CMAs).
- Investment Analysis: Buyers often evaluate the cost per square foot to compare different properties. This analysis helps them understand the value of their investment.
- Appraisal Accuracy: Appraisers use square footage as a fundamental factor to appraise a house. This ensures that the assessed value aligns with market standards and property characteristics.
The Bottom Line
If you figure out how to calculate the square feet of your house it comes in handy. For example, you can estimate the cost of a renovation project, painting a wall, or buying a carpet for the living room.
Square footage calculation helps in space optimization or mortgage loan procurement. The loan company will want to verify the property’s worth.
It may also help you follow the legal requirements to maintain a minimum size of a space or property.
FAQs
What is included in the Gross Living Area (GLA) calculation?
The space or a room must be finished and must contain walls, floors, and ceilings to be counted in GLA. It must be above the ground and enclosed with four walls. It also must be permitted by the local city or county building department.
GLA calculation is good for your property's listing as this can be one of the ways to be adopted by home appraisers.
What is a square foot and how big is it?
A square foot is equal to the length multiplied by the width of a space. Technically, one foot is equal to 12 inches. So, if a space is 12 inches in length and 12 inches in width, that equals one square foot or (12x12) 144 square inches.
You can convert square feet into square inches, if required.
What is price per square foot and why does it matter?
Price per square foot helps you evaluate a home’s worth. Certain elements, such as location, condition, number of rooms, upgrades, determine the price per square foot of a property.
As a seller, you can compare the median price per square foot of your house with similarly featured comps sales.
Who calculates the square feet of a house?
You can hire a professional appraiser to do it for a fee. The average appraisal costs of homes vary from $400 to $800.
You can also get it calculated with the help of an agent or through a home inspector.
Why do I need to calculate square feet of my home?
Whether you require a home appraisal or not, depends on your requirements. If you want to take a mortgage loan to buy a home or you want to refinance a mortgage, your bank will require it.
If you're looking for a renovation or planning to paint the house, you will need to calculate the cost per square foot.
