When you submit a scan, CubiCasa automatically analyzes the property to identify which spaces qualify as living areas and should be included in the Gross Living Area (GLA) calculation.
However, some property characteristics, such as heating systems, permitted spaces, or specific local requirements, cannot always be determined from the scan alone.
That's why we provide the Quick Edit tool, allowing you to easily adjust space properties and control which areas are included in or excluded from your GLA floor plan.
What qualifies as a living area?
To be included in the GLA, a space must meet all of the following requirements:
Heated: The space has a heating system.
Finished: The space meets the finishing standards of the main living area.
Enclosed: The space is fully enclosed by walls and a ceiling.
Contiguous: The space is directly accessible from the main living area.
Permitted: The space meets applicable building permit requirements.
Ceiling height: The space meets the minimum ceiling height requirement, generally 7 ft (213 cm).
Important: GLA calculations may also depend on applicable measurement standards and local requirements. For example, below-grade areas are generally excluded from ANSI GLA calculations, even when finished.
For more information about how spaces are classified and displayed, see our Legend for GLA Floor Plans.
How to include a space in the GLA
Open the floor plan in our Quick Edit tool.
Double-click the label of the space you want to include. The space properties panel will appear on the right.
Check all applicable property checkboxes: Heated, Finished, Enclosed, Contiguous, and Permitted.
Verify that the ceiling height meets the applicable minimum requirement, generally 7 ft (213 cm).
Repeat these steps for any additional spaces you want to include.
Save your changes and wait for your updated floor plan to be delivered.
⚠️ Need to adjust the ceiling height? If the displayed ceiling height needs to be corrected to meet the 7' threshold, you will not be able to change it yourself. Please submit a Change Request.
Repeat this for each space that qualifies. Then save your floor plan and wait for the delivery.
How to exclude a space from the GLA
A space is excluded from the GLA when at least one of its required properties is off.
Open the floor plan in our Quick Edit tool.
Double-click the label of the space you want to exclude. The space properties panel will appear on the right.
Uncheck at least one applicable property, such as Heated, Finished, Enclosed, Contiguous, or Permitted.
Repeat these steps for any additional spaces you want to exclude.
Save your changes and wait for your updated floor plan to be delivered.
Definitions of space properties
Heated: The space has a heating system that meets the applicable requirements for living areas.
Finished: The space has finished walls, flooring, and ceilings comparable to the main living area of the property. Unfinished surfaces, exposed construction materials, or incomplete interior finishes may indicate that a space does not qualify as finished.
Enclosed: The space is fully enclosed by exterior walls and a ceiling or roof, with no openings to the outside other than standard doors and windows. Spaces with missing exterior walls or no ceiling are generally not considered enclosed.
Contiguous: The space is directly accessible from the main living area without having to pass through an exterior space or a non-living area, such as a garage or porch. For example, a finished room that can only be accessed by walking outside the main house would generally not be considered contiguous.
Permitted: The space complies with applicable building permit requirements. Whether a space is legally permitted may require verification by a qualified professional, such as an appraiser or local building authority.
Addition: An area added to the property after its original construction. This may be an entirely new room or an extension of an existing space.
Conversion: An existing space that has been modified from its original use, typically from an unfinished or non-living area into a finished space. Common examples include converted garages and enclosed porches.
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU): A separate living unit located on the same property as the primary residence. Spaces classified as part of an ADU are identified separately from the main living area in the GLA floor plan. Read more here.