2004 Media Releases & Alerts
ANSI Square Footage Standard Now Available Following Industry Review and Update
January 6, 2004, Upper Marlboro, Md. - Today, the NAHB Research
Center announced the release of the newly-modified American National Standards
Institute (ANSI) 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 were made to the standard after the industry review period. The
first is the inclusion in square footage calculations of stamped, stained, and
acid-etched concrete floors in conditioned space. (As with the previous version
of the standard, painted and unfinished concrete floors will not be considered
in the calcuation of finished area.) 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 developed through indirect
measurement or plans can be susceptible to inaccuracy, the ANSI Z765-2003
standard requires that calculations developed under such circumstances include
a declaration that clearly states the use of estimated building dimensions and
the limitations associated with the indirect measurement.
ANSI procedures require periodic review to ensure that standards are current and
relevant. The last ANSI Z765 review occurred in 2001.
Wayne Foley, president of Foley Homes in Fairfax County, Va., served as the
review committee chair. In explaining the relevance of the standard's
application, Foley said, "The square footage standard has been consistently
used to level the playing field among home builders. Additionally, some local
governments have adopted the standard for use in lot coverage and energy
program-related requirements."
The square footage standard is offered for voluntary application. It must be
applied as a whole, and is not meant to replace or supercede any legal or
otherwise required existing area measurement method. It may be used in
proposed, new, or existing single-family homes of any style or construction,
but is not applicable to apartment/mutlifamily buildings, and does not cover
room dimensions.
To purchase the square footage standard, visit www.nahbrc.org/bookstore
for an electronic download, or contact the NAHB Research Center at (800)
638-8556 to order a print copy by phone.
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