Understanding the size of your home is more important than you may realize. The square footage can impact everything from selling your home to planning renovations or even determining the amount of paint you need for a room. If you’ve ever wondered how to measure your home’s square footage accurately, then this guide is for you.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
To start, you’ll need some basic materials: a tape measure, a piece of paper, a pencil, and a calculator. If your home has multiple levels, you may also need a ladder to measure the staircase area properly.
Step 2: Sketch a Floor Plan
Draw a rough sketch of your home’s floor plan. This doesn’t have to be perfectly to scale, but it should include all the areas of your home you want to measure. This sketch will serve as a reference when you’re doing the calculations later on.
Step 3: Measure Each Room
Start measuring the length and width of each room. It’s recommended to measure wall-to-wall, at the widest parts of each room. If a room is irregularly shaped, you might need to divide it into smaller, more manageable shapes like rectangles and squares, then add the areas together. Don’t forget to include closets and hallways.
Step 4: Calculate the Square Footage
Once you have the measurements, it’s time to calculate the square footage. To do this, you multiply the length by the width of each room. For example, if a room is 12 feet wide and 15 feet long, then it would be 180 square feet (12 x 15 = 180). Write down the square footage of each room next to its sketch on your floor plan.
Step 5: Add Up All Rooms
Finally, add up the square footage of all rooms to get the total square footage of your home. If your home has multiple levels, repeat the process for each level and add these totals together.
Considerations When Measuring Your Home’s Square Footage
While measuring your home’s square footage may seem straightforward, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Some areas, like garages, balconies, or unfinished basements, are typically not included in total square footage, but you might still want to measure these spaces for your own reference.
- Be sure to account for areas of the home that aren’t perfectly rectangular. This can include alcoves, bay windows, or staircases. In these cases, do your best to estimate the area or consider seeking professional assistance.
- When selling a home, it’s crucial to provide accurate measurements. If you’re unsure, it may be best to hire a professional appraiser who can provide a reliable measurement.
By understanding your home’s square footage, you can make more informed decisions about renovations, interior design, and even pricing if you’re planning to sell your home. Plus, it can give you a better understanding of your living space and how to make the most of it.
