When it comes to calculating the square footage of a house's exterior, there are a few key factors to consider. Whether you're a homeowner looking to determine the size of your property or a contractor estimating materials for a project, knowing how to accurately measure the square footage is essential. In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of calculating square footage, discuss different methods for measuring, and provide step-by-step instructions on how to do it yourself. So grab your tape measure and let's get started!
The Importance of Calculating Square Footage
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of how to calculate square footage, let's take a moment to understand why it's important. Knowing the exact measurements of a house's exterior can be beneficial for a variety of reasons. For homeowners, it can help determine how much paint or siding is needed for a renovation project. Contractors can use square footage calculations to estimate construction costs and materials. Real estate agents rely on accurate measurements to assess property values. And for those looking to buy or rent a home, knowing the square footage can provide valuable insight into the layout and size of the property.
Method 1: Measuring the Exterior Walls
One of the most common methods for calculating the square footage of a house's exterior is by measuring the exterior walls. This method works best for houses with simple shapes, such as rectangles or squares. To get started, you'll need a tape measure, a pencil, and a piece of paper to record your measurements.
Start by measuring the length of each exterior wall, one at a time. If the wall is straight, simply extend the tape measure from one end to the other and record the measurement. If the wall has any indentations or protrusions, measure each section separately and add the measurements together. Repeat this process for all exterior walls.
Once you have the measurements for each wall, multiply the length of each wall by its corresponding height. For example, if you have a 10-foot wall and the height is 8 feet, the square footage would be 80 square feet. Repeat this calculation for each wall and then add all the square footage numbers together to get the total square footage of the house's exterior.
Method 2: Using an Online Square Footage Calculator
If you're not a fan of math or simply want a quicker and easier way to calculate square footage, there are several online tools available that can do the job for you. These calculators typically require you to input the measurements of each wall and will then calculate the square footage for you. Some calculators even allow you to upload a blueprint or floor plan for more accurate results.
To use an online square footage calculator, start by finding a reputable website that offers this service. Once you're on the calculator page, follow the instructions provided to input the measurements of each wall. Some calculators may ask for additional details, such as window and door measurements, so be sure to have that information on hand. Once you've entered all the necessary information, click the calculate button and the square footage will be displayed.
Calculating Square Footage for Different Types of Exterior Features
1. Including Porches and Patios
When calculating the square footage of a house's exterior, it's important to consider any additional features such as porches and patios. These areas are often included in the overall square footage of the property, as they contribute to the usable outdoor space. To calculate the square footage of a porch or patio, simply measure the length and width of the area and multiply the two measurements together.
2. Excluding Garage Space
In some cases, the square footage of a house's exterior may exclude the garage space. This is especially true if the garage is not attached to the main living area or if it is used solely for parking vehicles. To calculate the square footage of the house without including the garage, simply measure the length and width of the main living area and multiply the two measurements together.
3. Accounting for Sloped Roofs
Calculating the square footage of a house's exterior becomes a bit more complex when dealing with sloped roofs. In this case, you'll need to measure the length and width of each section of the roof separately, taking into account the slope. Once you have the measurements for each section, multiply the length by the width to get the square footage of that section. Repeat this process for all sections of the roof and then add the square footage numbers together to get the total square footage of the house's exterior.
4. Factoring in Multi-Story Homes
For multi-story homes, calculating the square footage of the exterior can be a bit trickier. In addition to measuring the length and width of each exterior wall, you'll also need to consider the height of each story. To calculate the square footage for each story, multiply the length of each wall by its corresponding height. Then, add the square footage numbers together for each story to get the total square footage of the house's exterior.
In conclusion, calculating the square footage of a house's exterior is an essential task for homeowners, contractors, and real estate professionals. Whether you choose to measure the exterior walls manually or use an online calculator, knowing the exact measurements can save you time, money, and headaches down the road. By considering additional features, excluding garage space when necessary, and accounting for sloped roofs and multi-story homes, you can ensure accurate square footage calculations. So the next time you're planning a renovation or looking to buy or sell a home, don't forget to calculate the square footage!
Summary
Calculating the square footage of a house's exterior is crucial for various reasons, including estimating construction costs, assessing property values, and planning renovation projects. There are multiple methods to calculate square footage, such as measuring the exterior walls manually or using online calculators. When calculating square footage, it's important to consider additional features like porches and patios, exclude garage space if necessary, account for sloped roofs, and factor in the height of multi-story homes. By accurately calculating square footage, homeowners, contractors, and real estate professionals can make informed decisions and ensure the success of their projects.
| Method | Description |
| Measuring the Exterior Walls | Measure each exterior wall and multiply the length by the height to get the square footage. Add all the square footage numbers together for the total square footage of the house's exterior. |
| Using an Online Square Footage Calculator | Input the measurements of each wall into an online calculator. The calculator will then calculate the square footage for you. |
| Including Porches and Patios | Measure the length and width of the porch or patio and multiply the two measurements together to get the square footage. |
| Excluding Garage Space | Measure the length and width of the main living area and multiply the two measurements together to get the square footage without including the garage. |
| Accounting for Sloped Roofs | Measure the length and width of each section of the roof separately, taking into account the slope. Multiply the length by the width to get the square footage of each section and then add the square footage numbers together. |
| Factoring in Multi-Story Homes | Measure the length and width of each exterior wall, as well as the height of each story. Multiply the length by the height for each wall and then add the square footage numbers together for each story. |