Measuring the Average Square Footage of a House: A Comprehensive Guide
When it comes to buying, selling, or assessing a property, knowing the average square footage of a house is crucial information. Square footage refers to the total amount of floor space in a building and is calculated by multiplying the length and width of a room or a house. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide on how to measure the average square footage of a house, including the necessary tools, the process, and some tips to make the process easier.
Gathering the Necessary Tools
To measure the average square footage of a house, you’ll need the following tools:
- Measuring tape
- Calculator
- Graph paper (optional)
A measuring tape is essential to measure both the exterior and interior of the house. A calculator is necessary to calculate the total square footage of the house. Graph paper is optional, but it can make the process of measuring the average square footage of a house easier, especially if you find it difficult to visualize the measurements.
Measuring the Exterior
The first step in measuring the average square footage of a house is to measure the exterior. This includes measuring the length and width of the house, including any porches, decks, or other exterior features. It’s essential to measure the longest and widest points of the house to ensure accuracy. For example, if the house is not square, it’s crucial to measure the diagonal to get a more accurate measurement of the width.
Measuring the Interior
Once you have the exterior measurements, it’s time to move inside and measure each room individually. Start with the largest room and work your way down to the smaller rooms. Measure the length and width of each room, including closets and any other interior spaces.
When measuring the interior, it’s important to measure each wall separately, as some walls may be longer or shorter than others. It’s also crucial to measure any irregularly shaped rooms, such as those with bay windows or alcoves, as these can have a significant impact on the overall square footage of the house.
Calculating Square Footage
After measuring each room, it’s time to calculate the total square footage of the house. To do this, simply multiply the length and width of each room, and add up all the results. The final number will be the average square footage of the house.
Using Graph Paper (Optional)
If you find it easier, you can use graph paper to help you measure the average square footage of a house. Simply draw each room to scale on the graph paper, and then count the squares to find the total square footage. This method can be especially useful if you’re not confident in your ability to visualize the measurements.
Tips to Make the Process Easier
Here are some tips to make the process of measuring the average square footage of a house easier:
- Measure the walls at their highest point, as some walls may be sloped, and this can impact the overall square footage of the house.
- Measure each room, including closets and other interior spaces, before moving on to the next room to ensure accuracy.
- Use a measuring tape with a locking mechanism to prevent the tape from retracting mid-measurement.
- Label each measurement, so you don’t mix them up when calculating the total square footage of the house.
Conclusion
In conclusion, measuring the average square footage of a house is a straightforward process that requires a few basic tools and some time and effort. By following these steps and tips,