What is GLA?
Gross Living Area is defined by The Dictionary of US Real Estate Appraisal as the “Total area of finished, above-grade residential space; calculation by measuring the outside perimeter of the structure and includes only finished, habitable, above-grade living space”.
What does GLA stand for?
Gross Living Area.
Will this cost me any extra fee?
Yes, this is available for you if you have purchased the GLA Add-on.
What’s the use/purpose of the GLA floor plans?
It’s a solution for appraisals to assist with the evaluation of properties.
What standard do you follow for the GLA calculation?
We follow the ANSI Z765 calculation standard.
Are the external walls included?
This vary based on the property type, please read our dedicated article.
Why is there a difference in the GIA and the GLA (total) numbers?
The Gross Internal Area (GIA) calculation are based on simple logic rules to fit what buyers and sellers cares about.
GLA calculations follow a standard which is true from a legal point of view.
A simple example would be that an unheated room would not be counted following GLA standard, but in the Florida, it won't probably matter as the room will be a nice living area!
What does the different colors on the plans mean?
Green rooms are included in the GLA calculation.
Red rooms are excluded because they don't have the right properties
Yellow rooms are finished areas which are below grade, which is why they are excluded from the GLA.
Purple rooms are part of an ADU (read more about ADUs)
Does this require different software or equipment than I currently use?
No, you just need a supported device and scan the property with CubiCasa’s App. You will be able to download the GLA floor plan at the same place you download your floor plans.
Are the stairs included or excluded in the GLA?
The area of the stairs themselves is included in the level from which they descend. The area below the stairs (regardless of finish or ceiling height) is included in the level on which they land. Please check this article for more information.
Are fireplaces included or excluded in the GLA?
Fireplaces are excluded when they are covered at least partially by external walls on 3 sides.
Are spaces that are only accessible through excluded or ignored spaces included or excluded?
Spaces that can only be accessed through excluded or ignored spaces are also excluded if they were first included by the space type. For example, a bathroom/bedroom which would normally be included is now excluded since it is only accessible through an excluded space.
What type of properties can I scan to get the GLA?
Single residential property
Townhouses
Row houses
Apartments
How can I include or exclude a room from GLA?
How can I change a floor to below/above grade?
You can do it on the Quick Edit, you just need to select the floor, then click on the tool called “Toggle floor level above/below ground” (the penultimate icon on the top bar), then you will get a pop telling you if the floor is above or below ground, and asking you if you want to change it, if so, you just need to click on “OK”, if not, just click on cancel.
You can also check out this video for instructions.
You didn't find the answer you're looking for here?
You can of course search our help center, check our appraisal FAQ but you can also start a conversation with us.