Is Staircase Included in Built Up Area?

The built-up area of a particular unit usually includes an internal staircase. The very first time, when I was checking my property brochure, I got confused by so many terms. The builder used multiple terms such as carpet area, built-up area, and super built-up area. While he was explaining to me, I asked, is staircase included in built up area? He said yes.

Does the Staircase Come Under the Built-Up Area?

Yes, the staircase is part of the built-up space, but only if it's an internal staircase connecting two levels in the same property or apartment.

The staircase is included in the super built-up area (common space shared by all people living there) rather than the built-up area if it is shared by several units, such as in an apartment corridor.

Difference Between The Carpet Area, Built-Up Area & Super Built-Up Area

• The actual usable portion of the property that is covered by the area where your furniture can be placed is referred to as the carpet area. The walls, balconies, and any other shared spaces are not included.

• The entire area of the property, including the carpet, walls, balconies, and other spaces, is referred to as the built-up area. It is estimated by adding the carpet area to the thickness of the exterior walls, balconies, and utility spaces, such as the dry balcony or terrace.

• Super Built-Up Area refers to the overall area of the property, which includes both the built-up area and common areas such as lifts, staircases, and so on. It also features a proportionate area for the project's amenities and facilities. The cost of the property is always computed using the super built-up area.

Carefully check your builder's area breakdown to figure out what is included.

Until last month, I had the same question. But, when I went to purchase a property, I asked my builder is staircase included in built up area. In response, he said that the exterior staircase is regarded as a component of the built-up area. He also informed me that:

• The entire area of the property, including the carpet, walls, balconies, and other spaces like lobbies and hallways, is referred to as the "built-up area."

• Wall thickness or mezzanine floors are also included in the built-up area.

• The built-up area also includes communal spaces like lifts and staircases. This is particularly true when the staircase is an essential part of the building's general layout and is used by all building occupants. 

He also said that you can calculate the built up area by using the below formula:

Floor Area Ratio (FAR) x Total Plot Area = Built Up Area

What Areas Included in Built Up Area?

In addition to the measures of the balcony, outer walls, and utility areas like the terrace or balcony the computation of built up area also includes the inclusion of the Carpet Area.

My builder informed me of the following lists that are mostly included in the built up area:

• Bedroom, 

• Living Room, 

• Bathroom, 

• Kitchen, 

• Study Room, 

• Guest Room, 

• Dining Room,

• Kid’s Room, 

• Balcony, 

• External Staircase, 

• Internal Staircase, 

• Pooja Room, 

• Terrace, 

• Lift, and

• Verandah

I hope you found this answer helpful.