Measuring square footage
June 5, 2008 · Print This Article
Understanding how square footage is measured is similar to uncovering a hidden mystery for most people. In the past, we’ve made it simple and listed the total square feet of many of our homes irregardless of ceiling height. We did this because we felt it gave a better representation of “usable” space, and less people were confused. After years of being unconventional, we’ve decided to conform as much as possible when listing the total square feet for our homes.
Generally, a ceiling height must be over 7 feet tall to be counted as square feet. Since many of our homes under 130 square feet have ceiling heights of less than 7 feet, we will measure the square footage of the house simply by the total footprint. The rules for room with sloped ceilings are intricate; but a quick summation is that if the ceiling height is above 5 feet, that portion is included in the square footage. If the ceiling height is below 5 feet, that area is not included.
When measuring the total square footage of a house, the exterior walls are usually included. We’ve included measurements to the framing of the house (and not the exterior finish). See it gets complicated. Just know that the total house measurements include the walls, and typically room sizes do not.
You will notice that the total square feet on our homes might be different from the past on both our website and from some of our printed materials. Please know that the houses haven’t changed, only the area that is measured.
Jay, on your web site when a house is clicked on, only the narrative comes up, not the photo. Also, when you have an opportunity look at http://www.Berkeley=-engineering.com and see their houseboats, especially the Cape Codder. Really cool.
Duane
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on June 11th, 2008 4:38 pm:
Thanks for letting us know. There was a computer glitch. Photos are working again.
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lee Gilbert reply on July 20th, 2008 7:25 am:
photos don’t work on my browser, opera, is there still a glitch?
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If it is a general rule that you don’t need a permit to build anything under 120 square feet then why not use the conventional rules of finding the square footage by ceiling height? it seems that that would open some options for a bigger tiny build.
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Jay Shafer reply on December 1st, 2008 9:46 pm:
A lot of communities actually measure those small structures as everything (tall or short) within the roof line.
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Amazing site and a great concept, I hope your business really takes off. I love RV s and you got them beat by a mile. If you ever sell them in Canada pls let me know.
sincerely Brian
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Jay Shafer reply on January 1st, 2009 2:18 am:
Will do, Brian.
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thanks for your reply, good idea, good service = winner. Thank you.
sincerely Brian
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You should really have a strong writer proofread your text before publishing it. This article reads very poorly, and error-ridden text makes a company look unprofessional. It may seem a small thing, but who wants to buy a product for tens of thousands of dollars from someone who lacks attention to detail?
I don’t expect you to publish this comment; it’s just a suggestion that I hope you’ll consider.
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Jay Shafer reply on February 23rd, 2009 2:07 pm:
You’re absolutely right, X. As soon as we get the resources together, we will need to hire someone.
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D. Lein reply on March 6th, 2009 4:04 pm:
Jay - No need to post this, but I’ve spent most of my professional life as a writer and editor and would be glad to volunteer some hours for you vetting posts and other copy if you like. Your site has given me much to think about; I’d love to think I could be helpful in some small way. I’m trying to figure out a way to come to your workshop here in Minneapolis — I’m not planning to move out of my huge 900-square-foot house any time soon, but when my son leaves for college in a few years it would be cool for him to take a dorm room with him…. hmmm….
Best, Deborah
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Jay Shafer reply on March 9th, 2009 6:47 pm:
Thanks, Deborah. If you’re willing to proofread our current website and send the corrections my way, I will be sure you get a free ticket. Be forewarned: there’s a lot of work to do. Spelling is not our strong suit here.
Donna F. reply on March 21st, 2009 2:52 am:
Actually, this reply is to Jay’s comment below, but there is not currently a “reply to” link beside his comment.
Jay, now I’m a bit jealous, because spelling is my strong suit and I can also proofread very well and I surely did want to come to a workshop when you were in Atlanta, only 2 hours from me. But you told me that I could get into the workshop for free once I purchased the plans (granted on a discount). But I cannot purchase even a $20 book because I am not working. I would gladly have proofread to earn a free ticket for that weekend.
Grrr.
Jay Shafer reply on March 22nd, 2009 6:23 pm:
Perhaps we can work something else out, or, if I don’t hear back from the original questioner soon through this board, the job may be yours.
Donna F. reply on March 23rd, 2009 3:53 am:
Thanks, Jay. I should be delighted! Just please let me know and I’ll be happy to gitter done. =-)
I LOVE IT - i’m from Poland and if I only have money i will buy it!!! it’s beautiful
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There are quite a few things I wonder about the construction of Tumbleweeds though, such as what covers the underside of the trailer decking since it’s exposed to the elements, what keeps it dry and mold free? Mold is something we Oregonians have to take into consideration, it grows on everything around here.
What about condensation within the floor, walls and ceiling, or mold forming in these areas? Does the house-wrap on outside walls and the tar paper on the roof deter that?
Can a vapor barrier be used on the walls, floor, and ceiling?
Also, is the 120 sqft max because of permits? I know that many city codes stipulate that structures 120 sqft or less don’t require a permit, but I always thought that pertained to building a structure such as shed on ones property, I didn’t know that it applies to building a recreational vehicle as well. If that is the reason, then I assume one would have to get a permit in order to build something larger.
I once saw, and have the picture saved on my computer, of an RV that someone made that is similar to a Tumbleweed with the siding, the windows, the roof was not as steep, but still a residential looking place, only it was a fifth wheel. With two people and a very bossy cat, we may need a rolling home just slightly bigger. Thinking, thinking…….
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Jay Shafer reply on May 29th, 2009 7:07 am:
1) The wood deck is treated, but putting an additional vapor barrier on the ground below is a good idea.
2) Vapor barriers (in this case, the foam board insulation itself) prevent this.
3) Yes. I stuck with 120 in case someone wanted to build on a foundation and not pull permits. The wheels do the trick, otherwise.
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