GROSS

FLOOR AREA
(GFA)
Prepared by:
Dr. Salman Riazi Mehdi Riazi
Definition of GFA
 Gross Floor Area (GFA) refers to the total floor space inside a building,
including all levels and areas, measured from the exterior walls.

 It encompasses both usable or occupiable spaces, such as offices,

residential units, and common areas, as well as non-occupiable spaces like
stairwells, corridors, and mechanical rooms.

 GFA is a key metric in real estate and construction, often used to determine
zoning compliance, assess building efficiency, and calculate various ratios
such as floor area ratio (FAR).

 It is typically expressed in square feet or square meters and provides a

comprehensive measure of the overall size of a building.

 The calculation of GFA excludes areas like open courtyards, balconies, and
uncovered terraces.

 It is an essential factor in preparing project estimates, as it directly influences

various aspects of construction costs.
 Formula of Calculating GFA
 Involves calculating the total floor space within a building,
considering all levels and areas.

 The formula for calculating GFA is generally as follows:

 It's essential to follow standardized measurement practices and

guidelines specific to the region or industry, as different places may
have variations in how they define and measure GFA.

 Professional surveyors, architects, or real estate experts often

perform these measurements to ensure accuracy and consistency.
Steps in Measuring GFA
General steps for measuring GFA:

1. Identify the Building Footprint: Determine the outer boundaries of the building at ground level.
This forms the footprint of the building.

2. Include all Enclosed Spaces: Measure the floor area of each enclosed space within the building,
including rooms, corridors, lobbies, and utility rooms. Include both occupiable and non-occupiable
spaces.

3. Exclude Certain Spaces: Exclude areas that are not considered part of the GFA, such as open
courtyards, balconies, and uncovered terraces.

4. Measure Vertical Penetrations: Include all vertical penetrations, such as stairwells, elevators, and
shafts.

5. Include Below-Grade Areas: If there are below-grade floors or basements, include their floor
areas.

6. Calculate Total GFA: Sum up the floor areas of all included spaces to obtain the total Gross Floor
Area.
Benefits of Measuring GFA
Benefits of Measuring GFA (Cont’d)
Using GFA to Produce a Good
Project Estimate
 Understand the Project Requirements: Begin by thoroughly understanding the project
requirements, including the type of construction, intended use of the building, and any
specific features or design elements.

 Determine Construction Type and Complexity: Different construction types and levels
of complexity can impact construction costs. Consider whether the project involves
residential, commercial, industrial, or institutional construction, and assess its
complexity in terms of design and functionality.

 Use Benchmarking Data: Utilize benchmarking data from similar projects to estimate
costs per square foot/meter. Historical project data or industry cost guides can provide
valuable insights into the average costs associated with different building types and
construction features.

 Breakdown Costs by Construction Phases: Divide the project into different

construction phases (e.g., site preparation, foundation, superstructure, finishes) and
estimate costs for each phase based on the GFA. This breakdown helps in creating a
detailed and accurate estimate.
Using GFA to Produce a Good Project
Estimate
 Account for Project-Specific Factors: Identify and account for any project-specific factors
that may impact costs. For example, if the project involves unique design elements,
specialized materials, or environmental considerations, adjust the estimate accordingly.

 Incorporate Contingency: Include a contingency allowance in your estimate to account

for unforeseen circumstances, changes in scope, or other unexpected events that may
affect construction costs. Contingency percentages often vary based on project
complexity and risk.

 Use Unit Costs and Quantity Take-offs: Break down the GFA into specific construction
elements (e.g., walls, floors, roofing) and use unit costs for these elements. Quantity
take-offs can help estimate the quantities of materials needed for each construction
element.

 Consider Construction Methodology: The chosen construction methodology (e.g.,

traditional, design-build, modular construction) can impact costs. Evaluate the
advantages and disadvantages of different construction methods and adjust your
estimate accordingly.

 Factor in Soft Costs: In addition to hard construction costs, consider soft costs such as
permits, design fees, project management, legal fees, and financing costs. These are
often expressed as a percentage of the total construction cost.
Using GFA to Produce a Good Project
Estimate
 Review and Update Regularly: Construction costs can fluctuate over time due to market
conditions, inflation, or other factors. Regularly review and update your estimate to ensure
its accuracy and relevance to the current market conditions.

 Collaborate with Stakeholders: Collaborate with architects, engineers, contractors, and

other stakeholders to gather input on design decisions, materials, and construction
methods. Their expertise can provide valuable insights into cost implications.

 Document Assumptions and Methodology: Clearly document the assumptions,

methodologies, and data sources used in your estimate. This transparency helps in
communicating the basis of your estimate to project stakeholders.

 Use Estimating Software: Consider using construction estimating software tools that can
streamline the process, improve accuracy, and provide detailed reports. These tools often
have databases with cost information for various construction elements.

 Seek Professional Advice: If needed, consult with construction cost estimators or

professionals with expertise in the specific type of project to ensure the accuracy of your
estimate.
THANK
YOU
Any Questions???