Extreme Measures

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Forum Categories BOMA 2017 - Office Buildings Question

Measuring for rentable square footage

Cris Diffee: Coldwell Banker Commercial/Hocker & Associates; April 8, 2019

I'm working with an owner/occupant of an office building who wants to lease some of the space. His architect told him to include an additional 12" for the outside façade of the building in the measurement for the RSF since the lease space is on the outside wall. Is that correct? I had always measured to the glass and then added 3" for interior walls. My client wants to know the BOMA standard. I really appreciate your help! Cris Diffee, Coldwell Banker Commercial dba Hocker & Associates.

David Fingret: Extreme Measures Inc.; April 8, 2019

Hi Cris,

The architect is incorrect. You should never arbitrarily add area under the BOMA Standards. All areas are measured to or according to actual surfaces. At the exterior perimeter of an office building, a Tenant Area is measured to the vertically dominant inside finished surface (usually the glazing), but there are many other intricacies and things to consider when applying the BOMA 2017 Office Standard. I recommend having the building analyzed by a professional. If your client wants to learn the standard, start by purchasing the it at www.boma.org.

Thanks,
David