In everyday life, if you are planning to build a house, renovate a property, or work professionally in the real estate industry, understanding how to calculate building area is essential.
Accurate calculation of building area is not just a formality, but it can also significantly impact your project’s financial condition and legal compliance. In contrast, miscalculations can lead to cost overruns, documentation errors, and even legal disputes in the future.
In this article, you will understand the process of calculating building area, from knowing different types of building area, practical calculation methods, important tips, as well as some relevant case study examples. Let's take a closer look at how to calculate building area below!
The Goal of Calculating Building Area
Before we go further, let’s understand the difference between land area and building area first. Land area refers to the size of the land itself. Meanwhile, the building area is the portion of the land that is occupied by the building structure.
The goal of calculating building area is not only to determine the size of the building, but there are also other important objectives. Some purposes of calculating building area include:
1. Providing the Basis for Cost Calculation
Knowing the building's dimensions can help you budget more precisely. You can manage the purchase of materials, such as cement, sand, and bricks, as well as labor costs and contractor fees. All cost components are highly dependent on the area to be built.
By having accurate measurements, you can avoid overordering materials or stock shortages that could cause project delays.
2. Fulfilling Administrative Requirements
When you are applying for a Building Construction Permit (IMB), building area data is one of the crucial requirements. Not only that, in the real estate transaction, banks and notaries also require this data to determine the property’s legality and value.
3. Supporting Property Investment Valuation
If you want to invest in the property, the building area also impacts the selling price and rental rate. A more spacious and efficiently designed property often has a higher potential investment value. This also applies to the assessment of land and building tax that is imposed by the government.
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Understanding Some Types of Building Area
Different types of building areas can impact the calculation process. Here are some types of building areas that are commonly used.
1. Gross Floor Area
Gross floor area covers the total floor space of a building, such as walls, columns, and other structural elements. This building area type is widely used for building planning, taxation, and permit reports.
2. Net Floor Area
In contrast, net floor area only calculates the area that can be effectively used by occupants, excluding structural walls or columns. It is commonly used in spatial planning and interior design.
3. Open Area
Some areas, such as balconies, terraces, or carports, fall under the open area category. Even though open areas are not fully enclosed, this category still enhances the comfort and aesthetic value of the building. In some cases, a portion of this area is also included in the calculation of the total building area.
Easy Ways to Calculate Building Area
How to measure the building area is quite simple. For accurate measurement, you can do the following steps:
1. Prepare the Building Plan
You can start the calculation by preparing a detailed building plan. If possible, use a scaled drawing to ease the calculation. Make sure that all rooms, walls, and open areas are drawn clearly.
2. Measure the Dimensions Of Each Room
Use the right tool, such as a measuring tape or laser distance meter, to measure the length and width of each room. Accordingly, don’t forget to record the results systematically to simplify the calculation process
3. Calculate the Area Of Each Room
Use the simple formula, which is length x width, to get the area of each room. For irregularly shaped areas, break them down into smaller rectangular or triangular sections for easier calculation.
4. Sum the Areas of All Rooms
Once each section is measured, sum them up to get the total building area. If needed, don't forget to include additional areas, such as terraces or balconies.
5. Double-Check and Verify the Calculations
The last step is to double-check all of your notes and calculations by verifying the results with the building plan. If it is necessary, you can consult construction professionals for higher accuracy.
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Tips for Accurately Calculating Building Area
Although calculating the building area is not difficult, ensure that the calculation results are accurate to prevent future errors. Here are some tips that you can apply:
1. Use Modern Measuring Tools
For more precise results, use modern measuring tools such as laser distance meters. This tool can minimize human error that often happens in manual measurements.
2. Examine the Scale of the Layout Carefully
If you are using building plans, always verify the scale that is being used. Misreading the scale can significantly impact the final result of the building area calculation.
3. Consult with Professionals
If you feel unsure about the calculation results, it is perfectly fine to ask for some opinions from an architect or surveyor. This consultation can provide clarity on your measurement and ensure the accuracy of your data.
Example of Modern Building Area Calculation
The building area formula is relatively easy. For example, let's say you have a house that is 10 meters long and 8 meters wide, then the calculation of the building area is easy enough. Here's how it works:
Building Area = Length × Width
Building Area = 10 m × 8 m = 80 m²
As a result, the building area of the house is 80 square meters. If it’s a two-story house with identical floors, the total building area would be 80 m² × 2 = 160 m². It is simple, right?
A careful building area calculation is a fundamental step in any construction project. Not only does careful calculation help develop a realistic budget, but it also plays a crucial role in fulfilling administrative requirements and determining an accurate property value.
By understanding the different types of building areas, following systematic steps, and applying some important tips, you can confidently plan and execute your construction.
Hopefully, this guide can serve as a practical reference for you, whether you are a homeowner, contractor, or property developer. Do not hesitate to continue expanding your knowledge and always consult with experts if it is needed.
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