Difference Between Built Area vs Carpet Area

If you want to build or rent a house, it is very important to understand the correct distinction between the built area and the carpet area. It is crucial when navigating real estate transactions and property investments. These terms hold significant weight in determining the actual space available within a property and its corresponding value. In this blog, we are going to have a look at the “built area vs carpet area.” 

The built area encompasses all spaces enclosed within the walls of a structure, including walls, balconies, corridors, and common areas, providing a comprehensive view of the total constructed space. We will be exploring their significance, measurement methodologies, and implications in real estate transactions. While you read this blog that revolves around built area vs carpet area you get equipped with all the essential knowledge to navigate the complexities of property evaluation and investment strategies effectively.

Defining the built areas for better understanding

Built area refers to the total extent of space enclosed by the walls of a structure, encompassing all constructed elements within the property boundaries. This includes not only the actual living spaces such as rooms and halls but also ancillary areas like corridors, staircases, balconies, and utility rooms. Understanding the components and implications of built areas is essential for property developers, architects, real estate professionals, and buyers alike, as it directly influences design decisions, valuation assessments, and investment strategies in the real estate market.

How to calculate built-up areas?

Calculating built-up areas involves measuring all the spaces enclosed by the outer walls of a structure, including both usable and non-usable areas. This process requires meticulous attention to detail and accurate measurements to ensure precise results. Here's a step-by-step guide to calculating built-up areas:

• Before beginning the calculation, ensure you have the essential tools such as a measuring tape, laser distance measurer (if available), graph paper, and a pencil for sketching floor plans.

• Start by measuring the length and width of each room within the property using the measuring tape or laser distance measurer. Measure from the inside of one wall to the inside of the opposite wall to get accurate dimensions. Record these measurements for each room.

• Remember to include the thickness of the walls in your measurements. Walls contribute to the total built-up area, so measure the thickness of each wall and subtract it from the length and width measurements of the respective rooms.

• Once you have the length, width, and wall thickness measurements for each room, multiply the length by the width to calculate the area of each room. This will give you the usable area within each room.

• Repeat the process for other areas such as corridors, balconies, staircases, and utility rooms. Measure the length and width of each space and account for wall thickness before calculating the area.

• After obtaining the area of each space, add them all together to get the total built-up area of the property.

Important things about built-area

Have a look at the points that are given in the section quickly. It will help you understand the important things about the built area so that you will be able to get your math right.

• Includes all spaces enclosed by outer walls.

• Comprises both usable (rooms) and non-usable areas (corridors, balconies).

• Wall thickness is considered in measurements.

• Total built-up area affects property valuation.

• Used in construction planning and regulatory compliance.

• Important for real estate transactions and investment decisions.

• Calculated by measuring individual spaces and summing them up.

Defining carpet area for better understanding

Carpet area refers to the actual usable living space within the confines of the walls of a property, excluding the thickness of inner walls, balconies, and common areas. It represents the area where one can lay a carpet and utilize it for functional purposes such as placing furniture, walking, or living. Carpet area provides a more accurate depiction of the livable space within a property, disregarding non-usable areas and focusing solely on the area that occupants can utilize for their daily activities. This measurement is essential for determining the functional space available to occupants and plays a significant role in real estate transactions, lease agreements, and property valuations.

How to calculate the carpet area?

Calculating carpet area involves determining the actual usable living space within the confines of the walls, excluding non-usable areas such as wall thickness, balconies, and common areas.

• Use a measuring tape or laser distance measurer to measure the length and width of each room within the property. Measure from the inside of one wall to the inside of the opposite wall to get accurate dimensions.

• When measuring the dimensions of each room, ensure that you exclude the thickness of the walls. Measure only the usable area within the walls, excluding the space occupied by the walls themselves.

• Exclude non-usable areas such as balconies, corridors, staircases, and utility rooms from the calculation. Focus solely on the areas within the walls that are suitable for functional purposes.

• Multiply the length by the width of each room to calculate its area. This will give you the usable area within each room, which contributes to the overall carpet area.

• Once you have calculated the area of each room, add them all together to get the total carpet area of the property. This total represents the actual usable living space within the property's walls.

Important things about carpet areas

• Represents the actual usable living space within a property.

• Excludes non-usable areas such as wall thickness, balconies, and common areas.

• Focuses solely on areas within the walls suitable for functional purposes.

• Determined by measuring the dimensions of each room and excluding wall thickness.

• Essential for accurately assessing the livable space available to occupants.

• Plays a crucial role in real estate transactions, lease agreements, and property valuations.

 Built-up area vs carpet area

Built-up area and carpet area are two essential concepts in real estate that provide valuable insights into the spatial characteristics of a property. 

Built-up Area:

• Built-up area refers to the total extent of space enclosed by the walls of a structure, including all constructed elements within the property boundaries.

• It encompasses both usable (such as rooms) and non-usable areas (like corridors, balconies, staircases).

• Calculated by measuring the dimensions of each room and including wall thickness. It may also include common areas and amenities shared among multiple units.

• Used in construction planning, regulatory compliance, and property valuation.

• Provides a comprehensive view of the total constructed space, influencing design decisions and spatial efficiency.

Carpet Area:

• Carpet area represents the actual usable living space within the confines of the walls of a property, excluding non-usable areas like wall thickness, balconies, and common areas.

• Determined by measuring the dimensions of each room and excluding wall thickness. It focuses solely on areas suitable for functional purposes.

• Essential for accurately assessing the livable space available to occupants, influencing rental rates, property values, and investment decisions.

• Offers a precise depiction of the functional space within a property, enabling buyers and tenants to make informed decisions based on their spatial requirements.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between built-up area and carpet area is crucial for navigating real estate transactions effectively. While the built-up area encompasses all enclosed spaces, the carpet area focuses solely on usable living space. Both metrics provide valuable insights for property valuation and investment decisions.

FAQ

Should I pay for a built-up area or the carpet area?

When purchasing property, it's essential to consider both built-up area and carpet area. While built-up area may seem larger, carpet area represents the actual usable living space. Therefore, paying for carpet area ensures you're getting value for the functional space you'll utilize daily.

Which is a greater built-up area or a carpet area?