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Expert: Paul S. Brown, AIA - 8/6/2009


Question
Hi Paul,

I have a basic question. I am drawing a floor plan for the house I am going to build.  Does the square footage of living area include the walls surrounding the living area? I am working on the legend for the overall square footage of the house and want to make sure I am doing it right. Thanks

Eddie

Answer
Hi Eddie:
Sounds like a fun project.
Generally, we calculate both 'net' and 'gross' areas for projects, and we use the different numbers depending on who needs which information.
If you are talking to a potential buyer of the house, and describing the area of the living room, you would want to give them the 'net' number, inside the living room walls; essentially, the area of the carpet (if carpeted).  If you are talking to a contractor who is doing up a price to build for you, give the 'gross' area as the basis of preliminary area-based cost estimating.
It sounds like, in your case, you are calculating the general overall area of the house, and this is usually a 'gross' number, taken to the outside face of the exterior walls.
Hope this helps.
Thanks,
PB

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Paul S. Brown, AIA

Expertise

How to work with an Architect. What to expect for design fees. What services are normally included; what are not included? How do I find an Architect in my area? Why do I need an Architect? How to be clear about your space needs. Why time must be managed properly.

Experience

24 years involvement in the practice of Architecture, including some teaching experience. Most of my work has been within the employment of various firms, but I have also done some small-scale projects on my own. Particular interests include Environmental Design, "Green" Design, and Appropriate Technologies. LEED (TM) Accredited Professional. I have some specific experience with Historic Preservation, Medical Facilities, Commercial Interiors, and Public School projects. Education: Bachelor of Environmental Design Degree (Architecture), 1978, Miami University in Ohio. I am registered to practice professionally in the states of Massachusetts and Maine.

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