What Is Square Footage in Real Estate?

Defining Square Footage in Real Estate

When you start looking for a new home, you will see many numbers and terms. Price, number of bedrooms, and property taxes are common examples. One of the most important numbers is the home’s square footage. Many buyers and sellers want to know what square footage in real estate is because it directly impacts a property’s price and perceived value. It represents the total livable area within a home. This measurement helps you compare different properties on a more equal basis.

A home’s square footage gives you a clear idea of its size. You can use it to calculate the price per square foot, a common metric for evaluating cost-effectiveness. A larger home generally costs more than a smaller one in the same neighbourhood. Understanding this measurement allows you to filter your search results effectively. It ensures you only view properties that fit your spatial needs, whether you need a compact condo or a large family house. This simple number provides a foundation for your entire property search.

How Professionals Measure Living Space

Real estate professionals follow specific standards to measure a home’s square footage. They calculate the Gross Living Area, or GLA. This term refers to the finished, heated space that is suitable for year-round living. The key factor is that the area must be “above-grade,” meaning above the ground. This creates a consistent and reliable measurement that buyers, sellers, and appraisers can use to determine a home’s value. The process ensures that comparisons between homes are fair and accurate.

Knowing what is included and excluded from GLA is very important. Appraisers and agents use clear guidelines to avoid confusion. A finished attic with appropriate ceiling height counts, but an unfinished garage does not. This distinction helps maintain a standard across all property listings. It provides a true picture of the home’s usable interior space.

• Included in GLA

  This includes all finished rooms above ground level. Examples are bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms, and finished hallways. A finished attic or a bonus room over a garage also counts if it is heated, accessible from the main house, and has a minimum ceiling height.

• Excluded from GLA

  Certain areas are always left out of the GLA calculation. These include garages, unfinished basements, screened porches, and decks. Patios and unheated sunrooms also do not count. While these spaces add value and enjoyment, they are not considered part of the main living area for valuation purposes.

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Related Article: Does Square Footage Include the Basement in Ontario?
Related Article: What Is the Role of Square Footage in Property Valuation?

Calculating and Verifying Square Footage Yourself

You can estimate a home’s square footage with a few simple tools. This gives you a better sense of the space and helps you verify listed details. All you need is a tape measure, a notepad, and a calculator. A laser measuring tool can make the process faster and more accurate. Start by measuring one room at a time. Measure the length and width of the room, then multiply the two numbers together to get the area for that specific space. For example, a room that is 10 feet wide and 12 feet long is 120 square feet.

To measure the entire house, sketch a simple floor plan. Break down each floor into basic shapes like squares and rectangles. Measure each shape individually and calculate its area. Add all the areas together to get a total for each floor. Remember to measure only finished, livable spaces. Exclude areas like the garage, open-to-below spaces, or unfinished storage rooms. Your calculation will be an approximation, as professionals use specific exterior measurement techniques. However, your estimate will be a useful reference during your home search.

Square Footage in Condominiums

Measuring square footage in a condominium unit follows different rules than for a detached house. For condos, the measurement typically covers the interior space of the unit. This is often called a “paint-to-paint” measurement. It calculates the area from the inside surface of the exterior walls. This means the thickness of the walls themselves is not included in the unit’s total square footage. This method provides the most accurate reflection of the actual living space you will occupy.

In Ontario, the Condominium Act requires developers to provide clear and accurate information in disclosure statements. These documents outline the unit’s boundaries and provide a floor plan with dimensions. It is important for buyers to review these documents carefully. They will show the official square footage that you are purchasing. Balconies, terraces, and patios are excellent features that enhance a condo lifestyle. They are not, however, included in the interior square footage calculation. Their dimensions are usually listed separately as outdoor space.

Why Discrepancies Happen and What to Do

You may notice that the square footage listed for a property varies across different sources. A current listing might show a different number than a previous one, or a builder’s plan might not match an appraiser’s report. These discrepancies are common and usually have a simple explanation. Understanding the reasons can reduce confusion and help you assess the situation properly. The differences are not always a cause for alarm, but you should investigate them.

Several factors can cause these variations in measurement.

• Different Standards

  An agent might use interior room measurements, while an appraiser uses exterior dimensions. Different standards will produce slightly different results.

• Inclusion of Spaces

  One measurement might include a finished basement or a three-season room, while another correctly excludes it from the Gross Living Area. This is a common source of large differences.

• Human Error

  Measuring a home is a manual process. Simple errors in using a tape measure, performing calculations, or entering data can occur.

• Renovations and Additions

  If a homeowner finished a basement or built an addition, the official records may not be updated yet, causing a mismatch with the current living space.

If you find a significant difference that concerns you, speak with your real estate agent. They can help investigate the source of the numbers and pull official documents or previous listings. For a major discrepancy, you may consider having the property professionally measured as a condition of your offer.

Conclusion

Square footage is a critical number, but it does not tell the whole story of a home. The layout and design of a space greatly affect how large and functional it feels. A 1,500 square foot home with an open-concept design and high ceilings can feel much more spacious than a 1,700 square foot home with low ceilings and many small, enclosed rooms. How the space flows from one room to another determines its true usability for your family’s lifestyle.

Consider other factors that influence the perception of space. Large windows that let in abundant natural light can make any room feel bigger and more inviting. Smart storage solutions can maximize usability in a smaller footprint. Ultimately, square footage is a tool for comparison. It helps you narrow down your choices. However, the best way to judge a home is to walk through it. Pay attention to how the space works as a whole. A home is more than its dimensions; it is about how it fits your life.