Superficial Floor Area

The superficial floor area also known as the square metre method of estimating is one of the quickest methods of calculating the cost of a building construction project.
Superficial floor area. Synonym discussion of superficial. The internal gross floor area is measured within the external walls i e. Superficial definition is of relating to or located near a surface. The floor area within the inside perimeter of the exterior walls of the building under consideration exclusive of vent shafts and courts without deduction for corridors stairways closets the.
Floor area enclosed by external walls without adjustments for partition walls staircases or lifts. Of relating to or located near a surface. Floor area method also works well with certain external works contracts such as concrete paving or macadam surfacing. Local zoning laws vary across municipalities and may exclude certain building elements in calculations for construction floor area.
Net internal area nia or usable floor area ufa the nia is the gia less the floor areas taken up by lobbies enclosed machinery rooms on the roof stairs and escalators mechanical and electrical services lifts columns toilet areas other than in domestic property ducts and risers. It is the first estimate that will be prepared by a quantity surveyor when initial sketch drawings are produced by the architect. In that case the superficial floor area method is found to be reliable with an accuracy of 10 to 15. For example when measuring a simple rectangular single storey plan 20m x 5m with 230mm external brickwalls and no open space in a location where the building rate is r8.
The rules of measurement of gross internal floor area are defined in the latest edition of the rics code of measuring practice edit find out more edit related articles on designing buildings wiki. The total floor area of the building on all floors is measured between the internal faces of the enclosing external walls and it includes internal walls parititons columns stairs lift shafts main roof slab. Lying on not penetrating below or affecting only the surface. Square see the full definition.
Superficial floor area method estimating preliminary estimate preliminary estimate cost planning and estimation ppt. Visit the post for more. For example the town of stonington connecticut excludes areas including elevator and stair bulkheads accessory water tanks and cooling towers terraces outdoor steps and unroofed open porches from construction floor plans.