Understanding the Difference: Covered Areas, Carpet Area, and Super Area

When it comes to buying or renting a property, it is essential to understand the different terms and measurements used in real estate. Three common terms that often confuse buyers and tenants are covered area, carpet area, and super area. Each of these measurements refers to different aspects of a property and understanding their differences can help you make an informed decision. So, let’s dive in and explore what each term means.

Covered Area

The covered area refers to the total area of a property that is covered by walls and a roof. It includes all the rooms, corridors, balconies, and other enclosed spaces within the walls of the property. This measurement is typically used to determine the overall size of a property and is often mentioned in property listings or floor plans.

For example, if you have a house with three bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and two bathrooms, the covered area would include the total space occupied by these rooms.

Carpet Area

Carpet area, on the other hand, refers to the actual usable area within the walls of a property. It is the area where you can lay a carpet or any other flooring material. It excludes the thickness of the walls and other structural elements. Carpet area is the most important measurement for buyers or tenants as it determines the actual space available for use.

When you are looking at a property’s carpet area, you need to consider the efficiency of the layout and how effectively the space is utilized. A smaller covered area may still have a spacious carpet area if the layout is well-designed.

Super Area

Super area, also known as built-up area or saleable area, is the sum of the covered area plus the proportionate area of common spaces such as lobbies, staircases, corridors, and other amenities. It includes the area that is shared among multiple units in a building, such as the lobby or the elevator shaft.

The super area is often used by developers to calculate the cost of a property, as it includes the shared spaces that add value to the overall project. However, it is important to note that the super area does not directly translate to the actual usable area of the property, as it includes common spaces that are not exclusively owned by the buyer or tenant.

Understanding the Differences

Now that we have defined each term, let’s summarize the key differences:

• Covered Area: Total area covered by walls and roof, including all rooms and enclosed spaces.
• Carpet Area: Usable area within the walls, excluding the thickness of walls and structural elements.
• Super Area: Covered area plus the proportionate share of common spaces.

It is important to clarify with the seller or developer which measurement they are referring to when discussing the size of a property. This will help you understand the actual space you will have access to and avoid any misunderstandings or discrepancies.

When comparing properties, focus on the carpet area as it directly reflects the usable space you will have. A property with a smaller covered area but a larger carpet area may be more spacious and efficient in terms of layout.

Remember, the covered area, carpet area, and super area are all important considerations when buying or renting a property. Understanding their differences will enable you to make an informed decision and ensure that you choose a space that meets your requirements.

So, the next time you come across these terms in a property listing or conversation, you can confidently differentiate between covered area, carpet area, and super area.