Accuracy of floor space?

T1T2T3T4

Hi guys. Is the sizes given for the total square foot of the property typically accurate (found with floor plan)? And does it include everything, including an integrated garage? We're using this to compare sizes of properties/to see what we're getting for our money. 

Doozergirl

They're not consistent.  You do need to be careful. 

Some will include things that others do not, some will give two measurements. Some
still give none.  🙄

T1T2T3T4

Doozergirl said:

They're not consistent.  You do need to be careful. 

Some will include things that others do not, some will give two measurements. Some
still give none.  🙄

That's what I'm concerned about. I'm looking at a property that gives a large total square footing but then all the measurements from the floor plan give a total that is 360 square foot less than what they gave. Yes it's missing the measurements of the entrance hall, landing, family bathroom, ensuite and downstairs WC but can't see how that would make up the gap

Thrugelmir

Stairs. Built in wardrobes. Cupboards. 

T1T2T3T4

Thrugelmir said:

Stairs. Built in wardrobes. Cupboards. 

Oh isn't the room sizes inclusive of the inbuilt cupboards then? I forgot about the stairs actually. 

Mickygg

Yes be careful. I went through mine and was definitely 100 sq feet too much overall. I included everything. 

T1T2T3T4

Mickygg said:

Yes be careful. I went through mine and was definitely 100 sq feet too much overall. I included everything. 

Is there a way of checking other than manually measuring everything? Yes I'm concerned that the house we're looking at is overestimated size wise. And like I said, we use it to gage how it fairs with other properties and how much space we're getting for our money

davidmcn

T1T2T3T4 said:

Mickygg said:

Yes be careful. I went through mine and was definitely 100 sq feet too much overall. I included everything. 

Is there a way of checking other than manually measuring everything?

No. Manually checking is what the professionals do.

Doozergirl

T1T2T3T4 said:

Mickygg said:

Yes be careful. I went through mine and was definitely 100 sq feet too much overall. I included everything. 

Is there a way of checking other than manually measuring everything? Yes I'm concerned that the house we're looking at is overestimated size wise. And like I said, we use it to gage how it fairs with other properties and how much space we're getting for our money

Use the external footprint instead of internal. 

A cavity wall is 30cm thick.  Internal walls more like 15cm unless they were originally external
walls, in which case use 30cm as a guide.   Add measurements for the thickness of each wall to the floorplan measurements to come up with length and width, then multiply for the external area. 

Back to primary school maths! 

pinkteapot

Also, square footage isn't the be-all and end-all (especially if the houses you're viewing are of a similar-ish size). Room layouts (how the layout has been designed) makes a MASSIVE difference to how usable spaces actually are. Look at how much of a room's wall space is taken up by doors, windows and radiators as it limits you on furniture layout. Look at built-in storage cupboards (often more of them in older houses than newer) - they mean you'll need less storage furniture taking space out of your rooms. 

princeofpounds

I've seen floorplans where the area has been calculated using a measurement into a deep alcove, as if that was the width of the whole room. I've also seen floor plans where a room in the eaves had usable floor space about half that of actual floor space, unless you're two foot tall.