1. What is Exterior Square Footage?

Exterior square footage refers to the total area of the outside surfaces of a house. It's calculated by measuring the building's footprint and multiplying by factors that account for architectural features.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Address \) — The physical address of the property
• \( Lookup() \) — Database function that retrieves base square footage
• \( Factor \) — Adjustment factor based on architectural features

Explanation: The system first looks up the property in a database to find its base measurements, then applies appropriate adjustment factors for features like multiple stories, roof overhangs, etc.

3. Importance of Exterior Square Footage

Details: Accurate exterior square footage is crucial for construction estimating, painting quotes, siding replacement, and exterior renovation projects.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the complete property address including street number, name, city, and zip code for most accurate results. The system works best with standardized addresses.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this calculation?
A: Accuracy depends on the quality of the underlying database. Most residential properties are within 5-10% of actual measurements.

Q2: Does this include all exterior surfaces?
A: Yes, it includes walls, roof surfaces, and other permanent exterior features.

Q3: What if my address isn't found?
A: New construction or recently changed addresses may not be in the database. Contact support for manual calculation.

Q4: How often is the database updated?
A: The database is updated quarterly with new construction and major renovations.

Q5: Can this be used for commercial properties?
A: The calculator is optimized for residential properties. Commercial properties may require manual measurement.