How To Calculate Square Feet For House Plan

Calculating the square footage of a house plan is crucial for several reasons. It determines the cost of construction, property taxes, insurance premiums, and the size of furnishings needed. An accurate calculation ensures that you have a clear understanding of the space available and can make informed decisions regarding your new home.

The process of calculating square footage involves measuring the length and width of each room and multiplying them together. However, there are additional factors to consider when determining the total square footage of a house plan, which we will explore in detail below:

Exterior Dimensions

The exterior dimensions of a house plan provide the overall footprint of the structure. Start by measuring the length of the house from the outside edge of one exterior wall to the outside edge of the opposite wall. Repeat this process for the width, measuring from the outside edge of one side of the house to the outside edge of the other side. Multiply the length by the width to obtain the exterior square footage.

Interior Dimensions

Next, measure the interior dimensions of each room. For rectangular rooms, simply multiply the length by the width. For rooms with irregular shapes, divide them into smaller rectangular sections and calculate the area of each section separately. Add the areas of all the sections together to get the total interior square footage.

Exclude Non-Livable Areas

When calculating square footage, it's important to exclude non-livable areas such as garages, porches, and unfinished basements. These areas are not considered habitable space and should not be included in the total square footage.

Include Balconies and Patios

If the house plan includes balconies or patios, these should be included in the square footage calculation. However, only include the portion of the balcony or patio that is covered by a roof. Open or uncovered areas should not be included.

Consider Floor Levels

If the house plan has multiple floors, each floor should be calculated separately. The total square footage is then the sum of the square footage of all the floors.

Use Online Calculators

For convenience, there are numerous online square footage calculators available. These calculators can simplify the measurement and calculation process, providing accurate results for your house plan.

Example Calculation

Let's consider an example to illustrate the process:

Exterior dimensions: 50 ft length x 30 ft width = 1500 sq ft
Interior dimensions (living room): 20 ft length x 15 ft width = 300 sq ft
Interior dimensions (kitchen): 12 ft length x 10 ft width = 120 sq ft
Interior dimensions (bedroom 1): 15 ft length x 12 ft width = 180 sq ft
Interior dimensions (bedroom 2): 12 ft length x 10 ft width = 120 sq ft

Total interior square footage: 300 sq ft + 120 sq ft + 180 sq ft + 120 sq ft = 720 sq ft

Total square footage (excluding non-livable areas): 1500 sq ft (exterior) + 720 sq ft (interior) = 2220 sq ft

By following these steps and considering the various factors involved, you can accurately calculate the square footage of your house plan, enabling you to make informed decisions and plan accordingly.