Can someone tell me how to get the correct square footage of living space for a home? What measurements should I take to compile this number? And what areas do not come into consideration? Thanks. Dave.

tkrussell

Square foot is measured by multiplying the length by the width of a room, a building, the yard, etc. any flat space.

If say a rectangle single family home, one story, with a basement, attached garage, and one small finished room, say a den, in the basement. The livable areas are the first floor and the den in the basement.

Measure the den inside from wall to wall, 20 ft lenght and the width, 15 ft.
A=LW
A=20 x 15
A=300 sq ft.

For the firsrt floor, just measure the outside, side to side 60 ft and front to back, 25 ft.

A=LW
A=60 x 25
A=1500 sq ft.

Total sq ft of living space is 1500 + 300 = 1800 sq ft.

If the building is odd shaped, break it down into small rectangles, add the products of each, and all the products for the total.

skiberger

length times width of each floor. It doesnt include a basement unless it is finished to code (windows & doors with proper egress specs) A garage is not included and the attic in not included unless there are finished rooms.
Example: if you have a ranch/ single story house on a slab, no garage, say 40' long by 32' wide that equals 1280'. Your house is 1280sq ft.

skiberger

you beat me to it TK

dmatos

In some locations, basements are not included in sq footage calculations even if they are finished. Don't know the exact details, but I do know that the finished room in my basement does not count towards the total square footage of my house.

thetachi464

here in kentucky the basement is only included if it is a walkout basement(sometimes called a daylight basement).

MOWERMAN2468

Check With A Realator In Your Area To See If The Basement Is Included.