Rental properties come in a variety of forms and sizes. When you’re looking through the various floor plans accessible online, one of the first things you’ll want to look at is the square footage. You could come across a listing that reads, “A fantastic one-bedroom apartment with 900 square feet of living space.”
That sounds fantastic, but how much space does 900 square feet entail? How much space do you really require? How can I make a smaller square footage apartment feel bigger? What is a square foot, since we’re on the subject? Let’s get our measuring tapes out and get to work!
WHAT IS THE SIZE OF A SQUARE FOOT?
A square foot is defined as a square with one foot (or 12 inches) on each side. If you have tile flooring in your kitchen or bathroom, you may count the tiles to gain a rough estimate of the room’s square footage. (However, this only works if the tile is a regular floor tile.) If you’re unsure, take a measurement of one of the tiles.)
Start with your primary living space if you want to figure out the square footage of your entire flat. Measure the length of the room first, then the breadth with a tape measure. Multiply the two figures to get the space’s area, or square footage. Do this in each room, then combine the totals to determine your apartment’s overall square footage.
Keep in mind that square footage is calculated in a variety of ways. Much relies on who is conducting the measurement and what is being measured. The measurement might be done in terms of total space or habitable space, for example. Total space includes clothing and utility closets, whereas livable space just considers the rooms where you spend the most time, such as the bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and living room.
Comparisons of Square Footage
If you’re still unsure how much room you’ll have in that adorable studio apartment you’ve eyed, here are some approximate comparisons (they aren’t precise and are simply meant to give you an idea):
This square footage is about equivalent to: 100 square feet for a doctor’s exam room; 200 square feet for a college dorm room; 250 square feet for a one-car garage; 400 square feet for a two-car garage; and 700 square feet for a three-car garage.
800 square feet is the size of a regulation racquetball court, 900 square feet is the size of an elementary school classroom, and 1,000 square feet is the size of half a tennis court.
WORKING OUT HOW MUCH SQUARE FOOTAGE YOU REQUIRE
The quantity of space you require in a Houston apartment is determined by a number of factors, and it is not the same for everyone. If you live alone, you may not require as much room as you would if you shared a home. Consider how much space each of you will need to be comfortable while sharing an apartment with a roommate (i.e., a private quiet space and a dining space). The number of belongings you want to bring, as well as the size of your furniture, may have a role.
If you must have a king-size bed, for example, your living area will be 42 square feet. A 12-foot wall is required for your eight-foot sectional. Measure the width and depth of your must-have pieces of furniture, keeping in mind that you’ll need approximately 30 inches of room around each item to move about.
TRENDS IN HOUSE SIZE AND SQUARE FOOTAGE
Houses and apartments have varied in square footage over time, which is an intriguing side point. A single-family home in the United States is around 2,600 square feet on average. The average dwelling size in 1970 was 1,660 square feet. The average home size in 1950 was 983 square feet. (An intriguing side note to the fascinating side note is that, while homes are growing in size, family sizes are shrinking.) According to US Census statistics from 1940, each household had an average of 3.6 individuals. It’s now about 2.5.)
Today’s apartments, on the other hand, average approximately 1,015 square feet, down from 1,117 square feet in 2011. This might be because more studios and one-bedroom apartments are being developed, while fewer two- and three-bedroom apartments are being created.
Some people believe that smaller is better. There’ll be less maintenance, lower utility costs, and maybe less clutter. Perhaps this explains the recent tiny house and micro apartment craze, which runs counter to the larger housing tendency. A micro apartment is typically between 100 and 300 square feet, whereas a small house is 400 square feet or less.
So… how much space do you require? Between 100 and 2,600 square feet… more or less, depending on who lives with you, how much things you have, the size of your furniture, and your particular choice.
Isn’t that helpful? Okay, you should definitely narrow that down a bit. Here are some things to think about when determining how much room you’ll need to feel comfortable in your home:
SQUARE FOOTAGE VS. APARTMENT FEATURES
What room do you lean toward while you’re at home? Look for a kitchen that is reasonably open if you enjoy cooking in an apartment and spending as much time as possible in it. You could choose a kitchen that is “L” or “U” shaped. If you spend the most of your time in the living room, choose one with the best arrangement.
Is there enough space for your sectional and large-screen television, for example? If you want an apartment in Galleria area or an apartment on the beach, square footage may not be as important as location. Knowing what you want can help you figure out how much space you’ll need.
SPACE IN YOUR APARTMENT AND HOW YOU USE IT
A smaller micro or studio apartment will definitely fit you better than a large apartment if you simply use it as a place to sleep. You’ll want an apartment with a large dining area if you often entertain and enjoy hosting dinner parties.
If your mother comes to town on a regular basis and you need a somewhere for her to stay, a one or two-bedroom apartment is a better option than a studio. If you work from home, think about how much room you’ll need for your workplace and where you’ll put it.
BUDGET FOR YOUR APARTMENT
Keep in mind that you are responsible for the entire unit. You’re paying for wasted space if you just utilize one room most of the time. Utility expenses are also heavily influenced by your square footage.
If conserving money is a major concern for you, square footage may play a role in your decision. The lower the expense of heating and cooling a flat, the smaller it is. Because square footage plays a big role in setting rent prices, search for a floor plan that includes everything you need in a sensible arrangement.
SQUARE FOOTAGE VS. APARTMENT LAYOUT
The layout of the apartment is just as essential as the square footage, so consider how the apartment is laid out when selecting which location is right for you. If the design works for you, a 250-square-foot tiny flat may be adored. Take a look at how the rooms and halls are laid up. If you’re sharing an apartment with others, a split floor plan with bedrooms on opposite sides of the common space may be preferable.
Look at the location of the windows if you like a lot of natural light. You may not want a wall of windows in your bedroom if you work evenings and sleep during the day. Do you prefer an open floor plan or one with some room separation? Do you want a balcony or a patio?
Instead than focusing on a certain square footage, try to discover a plan that provides the perfect sorts of spaces for you. You may be shocked by what you discover!