How to Calculate Total Living Area
Calculating the total living area of a property is a crucial step in understanding its value and potential. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to assess your property’s worth, a real estate agent trying to market a listing, or a potential buyer, knowing the total living area can provide valuable insights. In this article, we will guide you through the process of calculating the total living area, ensuring you have a clear understanding of what to include and how to measure it accurately.
Understanding Total Living Area
The total living area, also known as the gross living area (GLA), refers to the total space within a property that is intended for residential use. This includes all habitable rooms, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, and dining areas, as well as certain non-habitable spaces like closets and hallways. However, it does not include areas like garages, storage sheds, or outdoor patios.
Identifying the Spaces to Measure
To calculate the total living area, you first need to identify the spaces that should be included. This typically involves the following:
1. Bedrooms: Count all the bedrooms in the property, including any additional rooms that serve as bedrooms.
2. Bathrooms: Include all full and half bathrooms within the property.
3. Living Rooms: Count any living rooms, family rooms, or great rooms.
4. Dining Rooms: If there is a dedicated dining room, include it in the calculation.
5. Bedrooms and Hallways: Count any additional bedrooms and hallways, as they contribute to the total living area.
6. Closets: Include any walk-in closets or reach-in closets, as they are considered habitable spaces.
Measuring the Spaces
Once you have identified the spaces to measure, it’s time to take precise measurements. Use a tape measure to determine the length and width of each room. Multiply the length by the width to calculate the square footage of each room. For example, if a room is 10 feet by 12 feet, the square footage would be 120 square feet.
Calculating the Total Living Area
To calculate the total living area, add up the square footage of all the habitable spaces you have identified. For example, if you have two bedrooms, each measuring 120 square feet, and a living room measuring 180 square feet, the total living area would be:
120 sq ft (Bedroom 1) + 120 sq ft (Bedroom 2) + 180 sq ft (Living Room) = 420 sq ft
Remember to include any additional spaces like dining rooms, bathrooms, and hallways in the calculation.
Considerations and Tips
When calculating the total living area, keep the following tips in mind:
1. Round Up: If a space is more than half the size of a room, round it up to include it in the total living area.
2. Exclude Non-Habitable Spaces: Make sure to exclude areas like garages, storage sheds, and outdoor patios from the calculation.
3. Consult Local Regulations: Some regions have specific guidelines for calculating the total living area. Check with your local building department or real estate professional to ensure compliance.
By following these steps and tips, you can accurately calculate the total living area of a property, providing you with valuable information for your real estate needs.
