It is a known fact that the purchase of a home is a big decision for everyone. After price and location, it is relevant that you be aware of the carpet area. It is seen that buyers get confused between the carpet area, built-up area, and super built-up area. To be precise, all these terms may sound alike; however, they are entirely different from each other. If you are not aware of the terms, it is possible you end up paying for what you will not be able to use.
This article will help you understand the carpet area in simple terms. You will also get to know about the difference between built up area vs carpet area. The article will also enlighten readers on the RERA guidelines on carpet areas and how they help the buyers. After going through this article, you will be confident when comparing the areas of properties.
What is Carpet area?
Carpet area, as the name suggests, is nothing but the usable area inside your home. In other words, carpet area is the area where you can actually spread your carpet. It includes rooms such as the living room, bedrooms, kitchen, and bathrooms inside the walls of the building.
However, carpet area does not include:
- Thickness of internal and external walls
- Balcony or terrace
- Sections like the lobby, lifts, and stairs
This measurement matters the most as it indicates the amount of space that one can live in. While comparing two properties, it is always important to look at the carpet area first.
As per RERA carpet area guidelines, builders are supposed to disclose the carpet area in proper advertisements, promoting transparency and eliminating any chances of misleading advertisements.
Why Carpet Area is Important to the Buyer
This is because most developers are advertising their property by using the built-up area or super built-up area. This makes the property sound more spacious. In fact, the actual area may be relatively much smaller.
Carpet area helps you:
- Plan furniture placement
- Estimate interior design needs
- Compare properties fairly
- Calculate the price per usable square foot
If one looks at the carpet area, one can realize the actual worth of the property.
What Is Built Up Area?
Built up area refers to carpet area plus the thickness of walls and balcony space attached to the apartment. This means constructed area within the boundaries of your unit.
It comprises:
- Carpet area
- Internal and external wall thickness
- Balcony or terrace area
Built up area is always greater in figure than the carpet area since the carpet area has no walls and balconies added on. On an average, built up area is 10-20% greater than the carpet area.
Builders typically advertise the size of an apartment through the built-up area. Buyers should understand that the built-up area does not mean pure living space.
What is Super Built-up Area?
Super Built up area is the Built up area along with its proportionate share of common areas. Shared areas comprise of:
- Lift Area
- Staircase
- Lobby
- Clubhouse
- Gym
- Corridor
Developers divide the overall common area among all the flats and add this value to the built-up area of the individual flat. This gives the overall super built-up area.
This figure is usually the biggest of all three. While this helps to compute the total size of the project, it is not private living space.
Built up area vs Carpet area – Key Differences
Understanding the difference between carpet area vs built up area can save you from confusion.
|
Feature |
Carpet Area |
Built Up Area |
|---|---|---|
|
Meaning |
Usable floor space inside walls |
Carpet area + walls + balcony |
|
Includes |
Rooms, kitchen, bathrooms |
Carpet area + wall thickness + balcony |
|
Excludes |
Walls, balconies, common areas |
Common shared areas |
|
Importance |
Shows real living space |
Shows constructed area |
Carpet area shows what you can use daily. Built up area shows how much has been constructed for your unit.
Difference Between Built Up Area Vs Super Built Up Area
Super built up area goes beyond built up area.
| Feature |
Built Up Area |
Super Built Up Area |
|---|---|---|
|
Includes |
Carpet area + walls + balcony |
Built up area + share of common areas |
|
Usage |
Private constructed space |
Includes shared amenities |
|
Marketing Use |
Frequently used |
Commonly used in advertisements |
When comparing Commercial and Residential Properties, always convert the price into cost per square foot based on carpet area for better accuracy.
RERA carpet area guidelines: An explanation
Before RERA, developers defined the size of the property differently. This led many buyers to be misled. In order to resolve this problem, the government formulated rules.
As per RERA carpet area guidelines:
- Carpet area refers to the net floor area available within the apartment.
- Wall thickness and common areas are not considered.
- Builders are required to provide disclosures on the carpet area in the sale
agreements.
These rules create transparency and ensure consumers do not pay for inflated space.
However, developers are still required to sell apartments based on carpet areas rather than super built-up areas. This change benefits buyers significantly.
Example to Understand Area Differences
Suppose we are considering an apartment of 1200 sq ft super built up area.
An idea of what the actual breakdown might look like:
- Carpet Area: 750 sq ft
- Built up area: 950 sq ft
- Super built-up area: 1200 sq ft
In this example, we understand that the actual usable space is much smaller compared to what is advertised. If the price is calculated using the carpet area, the actual cost will become clearer.
Which Area Should You Focus On While Buying?
Buyers must always concentrate on carpet area while making decisions, as it directly relates to real-time living comfort.
However, knowing built up area and super built up area enables you to:
- Evaluate project density
- Understand construction layout
- Compare pricing models used by developers
Nevertheless, carpet area still proves to be the most reliable factor in determining the size of property.
Common Buyers’ Mistakes
Many buyers make silly mistakes while checking the property details.
1.Neglecting Carpet Area
Some of them are attracted only by the total area mentioned in the advertisements and later realize that the usable area is smaller.
2.Not Comparing Price Per Carpet Sq Ft
Comparing price based on super built-up areas may mislead you. Always calculate the cost per carpet area.
3.Assuming Bigger Super Built Up Means Bigger Home
Super built-up area includes shared spaces. It does not guarantee larger rooms.
Understanding the carpet area avoids these costly mistakes.
How to Calculate Price Depending on Carpet Area
To calculate the true value of property:
1. Ask for the carpet area in square feet.
2. Divide the total price of the property by carpet area
3.Compare that figure with other properties.
This method enables you to decide with enough information.
Final Thoughts – Why Carpet Area Matters Most
Carpet Area is essentially the space where you live. Built up area vs built-up area are useful during planning and costing of construction but are not areas where you live.
Now, thanks to RERA carpet area guidelines, the consumer is aware of this information! While considering any property, it is always recommended to ask about carpet area before entering into any kind of agreement!
So, when you think of carpet areas, you secure your funds and get a house of your real requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is carpet area in simple words?
Carpet Area is defined as the actual usable internal floor space in your residence. It includes rooms, kitchen, and bathrooms, whereas the thickness of the walls as well as the common areas is not considered.
2. Carpet area vs built-up area – how they differ?
Carpet area refers only to the usable space provided. Built-up area refers to the carpet area plus wall thickness and balcony areas.
3. What does super built up area include?
Super Built Up Area is Built Up Area + proportionate area of Common Spaces such as Lifts, Lobby, Clubhouse etc.
4. Why are the RERA carpet area guidelines important?
Under RERA, carpet area guidelines for builders ensure that they disclose the available areas adequately. These rules also prevent misleading advertisements and will help protect buyers.
5. Which area do I need to check before purchasing a flat?
Always start by checking the carpet area, as it is the real picture of the living area inside your home.
6. Will balcony space be covered under carpet area?
No, the space available on the balcony is not considered a carpet area. It is considered a built up area.
7. Why do the builders advertise the super built-up area?
Developers usually offer super built-up area, which look bigger. In addition, it includes facilities which are part of the building, which you do not use exclusively.
