Why your condo layout is more important than its square footage

Home and condominium shoppers have amazing choices today in an array of buildings and locations across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. Of course, when it comes to buying a new home or condo, you want what is best for you within the limits of your budget. I always suggest making a must-have list, which is typically topped by location and price, and make layout high among your priorities.

Purchasing a new home, especially a condo, based on square footage alone can be counterproductive. Many large homes – especially resale – have a lot of wasted space. Nowadays, new homes and condos are designed to make the most of square footages, especially at current prices. Even the most compact townhomes and condo suites are far more livable than they used to be.

Livable space

Open-concept spaces help, with features such as linear kitchens, avoiding that broken-up-space look. A real eye-opener is to measure the “livable” space in the home you are in now. You may be surprised at how little space you have, which changes a lot as you look around. Maybe you don’t need as big a residence as you thought.

In-person walkthroughs of model homes and suites as you examine their floorplans is extremely helpful in transforming two dimensions into three in your mind. Until that is an option again, shopping online is the common method. This can be challenging for first-time buyers unfamiliar with reading floorplans.

Floorplans include symbols and abbreviations you will want to understand to help you envision yourself in the various designs. Builders may differ in style when rendering the layouts, but there are conventions that are used by most. First and foremost, plans feature the overall square footage and the area of the balcony or terrace (as per plan). On condo plans, you will notice a key plate in the corner that has a shaded area. This indicates where the suite is situated with regard to the building’s floor plate, and some key plates indicate on which floors the suite is available.

Extensions of living space

Plans are drawn as though you are looking down at the various rooms, which show room dimensions and arrows indicating which wall to which wall. Thicker walls on the drawing depict those containing electrical, plumbing or structural elements, so cannot be moved. If you see square boxes with “X” inside, they are fan coil units for the distribution of heating and cooling. Look at the floor space in the rooms. If the area is blank, this typically indicates carpeting. Parallel lines are probably hardwood or laminate. Squares likely mean ceramic or other stone flooring.

These are just a few of the commonly used abbreviations and icons. Ask your sales representative to explain anything that is not clear. As prices per square foot continue to rise, you really do want the most for your money. Avoid judging by square footage alone, though. And remember that, in a condo, the amenity spaces are essentially extensions of your living space. Today’s new home and condo designs are geared to the way individuals, couples and families really live.