The GBA (Gross Building Area) floor area is the total area of a building, measured to the outside face of the exterior walls.
Understanding Gross Building Area (GBA)
GBA is a crucial metric used in real estate, architecture, and construction for planning, valuation, and regulatory compliance. It represents the entire built-up area within the building's perimeter.
Key Components of GBA
GBA encompasses both enclosed and unenclosed areas, measured at all building floor levels. Here's a breakdown:
- Enclosed Areas: Include all spaces within the building that are roofed and walled in, such as offices, corridors, lobbies, storage rooms, mechanical rooms, and occupied basements.
- Unenclosed Areas: Include areas that are covered but not fully enclosed by walls, such as covered walkways, exterior balconies, and loading docks. These areas are measured up to the outside face of any balustrades or supports.
How GBA is Measured
The measurement of GBA is typically taken from the normal outside face of the building's exterior walls. This includes:
- All floor levels
- Mezzanines
- Basements (if occupied)
- Penthouse floors
What is Not included in GBA
Certain features are generally not included when calculating GBA:
- Areas outside the building's footprint (e.g., parking lots, landscaping).
- Uncovered areas like open patios or decks without a roof.
- Areas dedicated solely to off-street parking (although parking garages themselves are included).
Importance of GBA
GBA provides a standardized measurement for:
- Building Valuation: GBA is often used in real estate appraisals to determine the value of a property.
- Space Planning: Architects and developers use GBA to plan and optimize the use of space within a building.
- Regulatory Compliance: Building codes and zoning regulations often use GBA as a basis for determining permitted uses, density restrictions, and other requirements.
- Construction Costs: Helps estimate construction costs, as it provides a total area to build.
In summary, GBA provides a comprehensive measure of a building's size, crucial for various aspects of its development, valuation, and regulation. It includes both enclosed and unenclosed areas, measured to the outside face of the exterior walls at all floor levels.
