How To Calculate Square Feet For House Plan

How to Calculate Square Feet for House Plan

Calculating the square footage of a house plan is crucial for determining the size and cost of your future home. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you do it accurately:

1. Gather House Plan Measurements:
Obtain a copy of your house plan and identify the scale used. The scale indicates how many units on the plan equal a specific length in real life.

2. Measure Exterior Dimensions:
Outline the exterior walls of your plan on a piece of paper or graph paper. Use the scale to convert the measurements on the plan to actual lengths and widths.

3. Calculate Exterior Area:
Multiply the length and width of each exterior wall to get its area. Add these areas together to get the total exterior wall area.

4. Subtract Non-Living Spaces:
Measure and calculate the area of any detached structures, such as garages or sheds. Subtract these areas from the total exterior area, as they are not considered living space.

5. Measure Interior Dimensions:
Outline the interior walls of your plan. Measure and calculate the area of each room, including bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and living rooms.

6. Add Interior Areas:
Combine the areas of all interior rooms to get the total interior area.

7. Calculate Total Square Footage:
Add the total exterior wall area from step 3 to the total interior area from step 6. This gives you the total square footage of your house plan.

Tips:
- Use a calculator to ensure accuracy.
- Don't forget to include the thickness of exterior walls in your calculations.
- If your house has a multi-level design, calculate the square footage for each level separately and add them together.
- Consider rounding up slightly to account for any minor variations or additions.

Accurate square footage calculations are essential for estimating construction costs, obtaining building permits, and planning interior layouts. By following these steps, you can determine the size of your home and make informed decisions regarding its design and budget.