Calculating Home Square Footage For Insurance

When it comes to calculating the square footage of a house for insurance purposes, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, it's important to understand why square footage matters. The square footage of a property is a crucial factor in determining its value, as it helps calculate the rebuild value, which is distinct from the market value of the house. Square footage is also essential for real estate transactions involving mortgages, as lenders need this information to verify the property's worth.

To calculate the square footage, start by sketching a rough outline of your house, including rooms, hallways, and other liveable spaces. Then, for each area, multiply the length by the width (in feet) to get the square footage. Add up all these individual measurements to determine the total internal square footage of your house. It's worth noting that basements and garages, even if finished, are typically excluded from the calculation as they are below-grade (underground). Additionally, if you have a two-storey home, calculate each floor separately as liveable space may differ between floors.

While calculating square footage on your own is possible, it's always a good idea to consult with professionals, such as real estate agents or appraisers, to ensure accuracy. They can provide valuable insights into local building costs and help you determine the appropriate amount of dwelling coverage for your insurance policy.

Sketch a rough outline of your house, including rooms, hallways and other liveable spaces

Sketching a rough outline of your house is a vital step in calculating the square footage of your home for insurance purposes. This step will help you visualise the space and ensure an accurate calculation of your home's rebuild cost. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Firstly, start by sketching the exterior walls of your house. Lightly draw the shape and dimensions, keeping it simple with a basic rectangular shape. Choose an appropriate scale for your drawing; a common scale for a house is 1:100. This means 1 inch on the paper will represent 100 feet in real life.

Next, add reference lines to your drawing for scaling purposes. These lines are typically drawn through the midpoints of the vertical and horizontal walls.

Now, it's time to add the interior walls. Before you begin, predetermine the thickness of these walls. A standard thickness is 6 inches, which allows room for plumbing and electrical tubing. Draw the interior walls lightly, indicating the number of rooms, hallways, and other liveable spaces.

Once you have the basic structure, locate the doors. Mark the entry door(s) to the house, as well as the doors to each room and any closets. The standard door width is 2 feet 8 inches, and placement on the wall is usually measured from the centre of the door.

After placing the doors, add windows. Similar to doors, windows are measured and placed from their centre. Keep in mind realistic spacing and sizing for the windows.

If you have them, sketch in any large fixtures, such as kitchen appliances, bathroom fixtures, and built-in cabinets.

Finally, add dimensions and measurements to your sketch. Label the length and width of each room, hallway, and other spaces. Indicate the placement of doors and windows in relation to the walls. You can also add notes and labels to identify specific areas, such as the hall, kitchen, dining room, and bedrooms.

Remember, this sketch doesn't have to be perfect. It is a rough outline to help you understand the layout and square footage of your home for insurance calculations.

Measure each area by multiplying length by width, and record the square footage

Measuring the square footage of a house is a crucial step in determining the property's value, whether you're selling, disputing a tax assessment, or planning renovations. Here are some detailed instructions on measuring each area of your house by multiplying its length by its width and recording the square footage:

Gather the Right Tools:

Start by gathering the necessary tools: a measuring tape or a laser measuring tool. If you're measuring a simple rectangular room, you can use a tape measure to find the length and width. For more complex floor plans or odd-shaped rooms, a laser measuring tool can be more accurate and easier to use.

Measure Each Room Individually:

Divide your house into individual rooms, including hallways and vestibules, and measure each space separately. For each room, measure the length and width in feet. Then, multiply the length by the width to calculate the room's square footage. For example, if a bedroom is 12 feet by 20 feet, it has 240 square feet of area (12 x 20 = 240). Repeat this process for each room, and record the square footage for each space.

Add the Square Footage for the Entire House:

Once you've measured and recorded the square footage for each room, it's time to calculate the total square footage of your house. Simply add up all the measurements from each room to determine the overall square footage. For instance, if your house has three rooms measuring 120, 80, and 230 square feet, the total square footage is 430 square feet (120 + 80 + 230 = 430).

Handle Complex Features:

If your house has complex features like closets, alcoves, or bay windows, measure them separately and add their square footage to the main room. For closets, simply multiply their length and width to find the area. For alcoves or bay windows, calculate their area separately and add it to the main room's square footage.

Excluded Spaces:

Remember that some spaces are not included in the total square footage, such as basements and garages, even if they are finished. Basements are typically excluded because they are built below ground level. Finished attic spaces may be included, but regulations, including ceiling height, must be met.

Seek Professional Help:

If you feel overwhelmed or unsure about measuring your house's square footage, consider hiring a professional appraiser. They have the experience and tools to provide accurate measurements and ensure you don't miss any critical areas.

Calculating the square footage of your house is essential for various reasons, including insurance, real estate transactions, and renovation planning. By following these steps and multiplying the length and width of each area, you can confidently measure and record the square footage of your house.

Add the total square footage of each space to get your home's total internal square footage

To calculate the total internal square footage of your home, you will need to add up the square footage of each individual space. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Start by creating a blueprint or sketch of your house, labelling each room, hallway, and other similar living spaces. This will give you a clear layout of the areas you need to measure.

Next, measure the length and width of each room in feet. You can use a measuring tape or a laser measuring tool for this step. For rooms with complex shapes, break them down into smaller, more manageable rectangles.

Multiply the length and width of each room to calculate the square footage of that particular space. For example, if a bedroom measures 12 feet by 20 feet, the square footage would be 240 square feet (12 x 20 = 240). Repeat this calculation for each room, hallway, and living space in your home.

Once you have the square footage for each individual space, it's time to add them all up. Simply sum up all the measurements to determine the total internal square footage of your home.

Keep in mind that basements and garages, even if finished, are typically excluded from the total square footage as they are considered below-grade or underground spaces. Additionally, if you have a two-storey home, be sure to calculate each floor separately as the livable space may differ between floors.

By following these steps, you will be able to accurately calculate the total internal square footage of your home, which is an important factor when determining the appropriate insurance coverage for your residence.

Exclude basements and garages, even if they are finished

When calculating the square footage of a house, it's important to exclude certain areas, such as basements and garages, even if they are finished. This is because these areas do not typically count towards the total square footage of a home and can impact the accuracy of your calculations.

Basements are usually excluded from square footage calculations because they are built below ground level. However, there are exceptions to this rule. For example, in Minnesota and western Wisconsin, if your basement has a finished floor, wall covering, ceiling, and heat, then its square footage can be included in the total. Additionally, if your basement has a bedroom, it may also be included in the square footage, as long as it meets certain requirements, such as having an egress window.

Similarly, garages are generally not included in the square footage of a house, even if they are attached to the house. The shared wall between the house and the garage is considered the outer wall of the house when determining square footage. However, if the garage is finished and can be accessed from the house without leaving the main living area, then it may be included in the square footage.

When calculating square footage, it's important to refer to local regulations and practices, as they can vary from state to state. Real estate agents and appraisers can also provide valuable guidance on which spaces can be included in the total square footage of a home.

Calculate each floor separately if you live in a multi-storey home

When calculating the square footage of your multi-storey home, it's important to calculate each floor separately. This is because the amount of living space can differ from floor to floor. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you calculate the square footage of your multi-storey home accurately:

• Start with a blueprint: Create a rough sketch of each floor of your house, labelling the rooms, hallways, and other similar living spaces. Be sure to include all areas that can be walked on or lived in, as these count towards the total living space.
• Measure and multiply: Measure each area by multiplying the length by the width (in feet). Don't forget to add about 6 inches to each measurement to account for the space through the sheetrock and framing to the exterior of the room's wall. Record the square footage for each room. A tape measure or laser measuring tool can come in handy for this step.
• Add up the totals: Once you have the square footage for each room, add all the measurements together to get the total internal square footage for each floor. It's okay to round up your calculations, especially if the space adds value to your home.
• Consider home additions and renovations: If you have a room that's not easy to calculate due to its shape, such as a deck, foyer, or renovation, break it down into smaller rectangles that are easier to measure. Add the sections together to get a more precise measurement. If a renovation has resulted in extra square footage, be sure to update your insurance company to ensure your policy reflects these changes.
• Exclude basements and garages: It's important to note that basements and garages, even if finished, are usually excluded from the total square footage as they are below-grade (underground). However, if your state allows basements to be included and you have a safe way to enter and exit the basement from the outside, you can include them.
• Include finished attic spaces: Finished attic spaces can typically be included in the total square footage, but be sure to check any regulations regarding ceiling heights.

By following these steps for each floor of your multi-storey home, you can accurately calculate the total square footage of your home for insurance purposes. Remember, it's crucial to provide your insurance company with accurate information to ensure you have the proper coverage for your needs.

Frequently asked questions