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Newly Modified ANSI Square Footage Standard Available

The NAHB Research Center last week announced the release of the newly modified American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard Z765-2003, which describes the procedures to be followed in measuring and calculating the square footage of detached and attached single-family dwellings, including townhouses, rowhouses and other side-by-side houses in the United States.

Two changes have been made to the standard.

First, enclosed stamped, stained and acid-etched concrete floors in conditioned space is included in calculations of square footage. (As in the previous version of the standard, painted and unfinished concrete floors will not be considered in the calculations.)

The second modification accommodates physical barriers and limitations to taking direct measurements, such as access to the interior of the structure, and the nature of the building’s surrounding terrain. Recognizing that building dimensions determined through indirect measurements or plans can be inaccurate, the standard requires calculations made under these circumstances to include a declaration that estimated building dimensions have been used and that there are limitations associated with the indirect measurement.

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The standard was last previously reviewed in 2001.

“The square footage standard has been consistently used to level the playing field among home builders,” said Wayne Foley, president of Foley Homes in Fairfax County, VA, and the chairman of the review committee.“Additionally, some local governments have adopted the standard for use in lot coverage and energy program-related requirements.”

The square footage standard is voluntary; it must be applied as a whole; and is not meant to replace or supersede any legal or required methods for measuring areas. It may be used in proposed, new or existing single-family homes of any style or construction, but is not applicable to mutlifamily buildings, and it does not cover room dimensions.

To purchase a copy of the square footage standard, click here, or  call the NAHB Research Center at 800-638-8556.

For more information on the ANSI Z765-2003 modifications, e-mail Tom Kenney.
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