Understanding the differences between carpet area, built-up area, and super built-up area is essential when purchasing or investing in real estate. Each area type has distinct characteristics and measurement criteria, which can impact property costs and usable space. Carpet area is the actual usable area within walls, built-up area includes walls and balconies, and super built-up area encompasses common shared spaces in addition to the built-up area.
1. Carpet Area
Definition: Carpet area refers to the net usable area within the walls of an apartment or house. It excludes the thickness of inner walls, common areas like lobbies, lifts, and staircases, and balconies. In simpler terms, it is the area on which a carpet can be laid.
Calculation: Carpet Area=Total Floor Area−(Wall Area+Balcony Area+Common Areas)\text{Carpet Area} = \text{Total Floor Area} – (\text{Wall Area} + \text{Balcony Area} + \text{Common Areas})Carpet Area=Total Floor Area−(Wall Area+Balcony Area+Common Areas)
Example Calculation: Consider a floor plan with the following spaces:
- Living room: 200 sq. ft.
- Bedroom 1: 150 sq. ft.
- Bedroom 2: 140 sq. ft.
- Kitchen: 80 sq. ft.
- Bathroom: 40 sq. ft.
Total carpet area = 200 + 150 + 140 + 80 + 40 = 610 sq. ft.
Note: The exact measurement of carpet area may vary by local real estate regulations, so confirm with the builder.
2. Built-up Area
Definition: Built-up area includes the carpet area plus the thickness of walls and other unusable areas like balconies. This area typically adds around 10–20% more to the carpet area.
Calculation: Built-up Area=Carpet Area+Wall Area+Balcony Area\text{Built-up Area} = \text{Carpet Area} + \text{Wall Area} + \text{Balcony Area}Built-up Area=Carpet Area+Wall Area+Balcony Area
Example Calculation: Let’s assume:
- Carpet area: 610 sq. ft.
- Wall area: 80 sq. ft.
- Balcony area: 50 sq. ft.
Total built-up area = 610 + 80 + 50 = 740 sq. ft.
This calculation shows that built-up area includes everything within the unit, which makes it larger than the carpet area. Builders may charge according to built-up area in certain regions.
3. Super Built-up Area
Definition: The super built-up area is the built-up area plus a proportionate share of common areas like lobbies, lifts, staircases, gym, clubhouse, and more. This area is often referred to as the “saleable area” in real estate.
Calculation: Super Built-up Area=Built-up Area+(Total Common AreaNumber of Units)\text{Super Built-up Area} = \text{Built-up Area} + \left( \frac{\text{Total Common Area}}{\text{Number of Units}} \right)Super Built-up Area=Built-up Area+(Number of UnitsTotal Common Area)
Example Calculation: Let’s assume:
- Built-up area: 740 sq. ft.
- Common area (total for the building): 5000 sq. ft.
- Total number of units: 20
Proportionate common area per unit = 500020=250 sq. ft.\frac{5000}{20} = 250 \, \text{sq. ft.}205000=250sq. ft.
Total super built-up area = 740 + 250 = 990 sq. ft.
This calculation shows how super built-up area, which includes a share of the common spaces, often differs significantly from the carpet area.
Conclusion:
Calculating the carpet area, built-up area, and super built-up area is crucial for buyers, as it directly affects the property cost, maintenance charges, and usable space. Buyers should understand each term and calculation method to avoid confusion, verify the builder’s calculations, and ensure they’re getting value for the price they’re paying.
FAQs:
- What is the difference between carpet area and built-up area?
- Carpet area is the net usable area within the walls, while built-up area includes the carpet area plus wall thickness and balconies.
- How does super built-up area affect the price of a property?
- Builders often charge per square foot of the super built-up area. A higher super built-up area means the buyer pays for the usable area plus a share of common amenities.
- Is carpet area always included in the super built-up area?
- Yes, the carpet area is part of the super built-up area, along with additional spaces like walls, balconies, and a portion of shared common areas.
- Are parking areas included in the carpet area?
- No, parking areas are not included in the carpet area. They are typically designated separately and may incur additional charges.
- Can the super built-up area ratio vary between projects?
- Yes, the super built-up area ratio can vary based on the number of amenities and common areas in a project.
Having clarity on these terms can ensure transparency in real estate transactions and allow buyers to make informed decisions.
