Are you in the market for a commercial building? Whether you're looking to start your own business or expand an existing one, finding the right space is crucial. One important factor to consider when searching for a commercial building is the square footage. Knowing the square footage of a building can help you determine if it meets your needs and if it's worth the investment. In this blog post, we'll explore how to find the square footage of a commercial building and why it's important.
Before we dive into the details, let's first understand what square footage means. Square footage is a measurement of the total area of a building, including both the usable space and any non-usable areas such as walls, hallways, and staircases. It's typically measured in square feet (sq ft) or square meters (sq m), depending on the country you're in. Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of how to find the square footage of a commercial building.
Determining the Square Footage of Each Floor
The first step in finding the square footage of a commercial building is to determine the square footage of each floor. To do this, you'll need to measure the length and width of each room or area on the floor. For rectangular or square-shaped rooms, simply multiply the length by the width to get the square footage. For example, if a room is 20 feet long and 15 feet wide, the square footage would be 20 x 15 = 300 square feet.
However, commercial buildings often have irregularly shaped rooms or areas. In these cases, you can break down the space into smaller, regular shapes such as rectangles or triangles and calculate the square footage of each shape separately. Add the square footage of all the shapes together to get the total square footage of the floor.
Including Non-Usable Areas
When calculating the square footage of a commercial building, it's important to include non-usable areas such as walls, hallways, and staircases. These areas take up space and should be accounted for in the total square footage. To measure non-usable areas, simply measure the length and width of each area and multiply them together. Add the square footage of all the non-usable areas to the square footage of the usable areas to get the total square footage of the building.
Calculating the Total Square Footage
Now that you have the square footage of each floor, it's time to calculate the total square footage of the commercial building. Add the square footage of each floor together to get the total square footage. For example, if the ground floor has a square footage of 1,000 sq ft and the second floor has a square footage of 800 sq ft, the total square footage would be 1,000 + 800 = 1,800 sq ft.
Estimating the Square Footage
In some cases, you may not have access to the actual measurements of a commercial building. Maybe the building is still under construction or the owner doesn't have the measurements readily available. In these situations, you can estimate the square footage based on the building's exterior dimensions. Measure the length and width of the building's exterior walls and multiply them together to get an approximate square footage. Keep in mind that this method may not be as accurate as measuring each room individually, but it can give you a rough estimate.
Importance of Knowing the Square Footage
Knowing the square footage of a commercial building is essential for several reasons. First, it helps you determine if the building has enough space to accommodate your business needs. If you're planning to set up a retail store, for example, you'll need enough square footage for display areas, storage, and customer traffic. Second, the square footage affects the cost of the building. Commercial properties are often priced based on their square footage, so knowing the exact square footage can help you negotiate a fair price. Lastly, the square footage is necessary for obtaining permits and licenses for your business. Local regulations may require you to provide the square footage of your commercial space when applying for permits or licenses.
In conclusion, finding the square footage of a commercial building is crucial when searching for a new space for your business. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can accurately determine the square footage of a building and make an informed decision. Remember to consider both the usable and non-usable areas, and don't hesitate to estimate if the measurements are not readily available. Armed with the knowledge of the square footage, you'll be well-equipped to find the perfect commercial building for your business.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Determine the square footage of each floor by measuring the length and width of each room or area. |
| 2 | Include non-usable areas such as walls, hallways, and staircases in the square footage calculation. |
| 3 | Add the square footage of each floor together to get the total square footage of the building. |
| 4 | If measurements are not available, estimate the square footage based on the building's exterior dimensions. |