Finding the right condo ‘fit’

Condo living is all about efficient use of space. Retailers like IKEA promote their compact, multi-functional furniture and other space-saving solutions specifically to condo owners who need to figure out how to pack all their essentials into a limited footprint.

If you’re planning the future layout of your condo based solely on the marketing materials however, you might be in for a surprise. There is a chance that the floor space may be a little less than expected.

Dimensions are a common issue, often discovered when you show up with your trusty tape measure to figure out how to get all your furniture into a 600-sq.-ft. unit.

To understand why your small condo might seem even smaller, it’s important to understand how floor space calculation works.

Let’s begin with the fact that builders aren’t required to include the square footage of condo units in their materials. It’s only if they voluntarily choose to include the information in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale (APS) that they need to follow certain calculation guidelines. In fact, what you may see in the sales materials is a standard clause along the lines of “Actual usable floor space may vary from the stated floor area.”

Tarion’s Builder Bulletin 22 is an educational tool for new homebuilders that lays out the rules for calculating floor space. When calculating area that meets an exterior wall or corridor wall, the measurement starts from the exterior face of the outside wall. For walls that separate one unit from another, the measurement starts from the halfway point between the walls. The area that you get is the total area of your unit. That’s why your 10 x 12-ft. bedroom might end up with usable space more in the neighbourhood of 9.5 x 11 ft.

Keep in mind that floor space may also be partially taken up by structural components or mechanical requirements.

When purchasing a new condo, read your APS and the feature sheet located within it. The marketing materials will give you an idea of what you are purchasing but the details of what the builder will deliver must all be in the APS.

When it comes to the size of the unit, Tarion only outlines the approved method for calculating floor area. Warranty coverage doesn’t include floor area discrepancies or miscalculations.

You can expect some variance – up to two per cent is considered reasonable by Tarion. However, if you want recourse if the area is not as promised, you need to address this in your APS.

So the best advice is to ensure that any commitments to square footage or other features are made in the APS and have a real estate lawyer familiar with condominium purchases review it. Remember that any promises, drawings or features that are in marketing material or made verbally by sales staff are not covered by the warranty.

If you’re buying a new condo or have just taken occupancy and have questions about floor space calculation guidelines or warranty coverage, visit Tarion.com or contact us at 1.877.9TARION or email customerservice@tarion.com.

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