The International measurement standard is based on the IPMSC IPMS 4.2. standard. The standard collection was created by the International Property Measurement Standards Coalition to harmonise property measurement standards globally.
Similarly to the Default standard (based on RICS IPMS 3C), the International standard refers to the floor area in a building measured to finished surfaces, excluding areas occupied by walls and columns. However, this is the broadest and most simple measurement standard we support.
Measurement Basis
1. Measurement start
Measurements are taken from the finished surface of a wall (or in some cases - notional boundaries, external floor area or sheltered area). Areas are measured room-by-room.
2. Total area excludes
External and internal walls (half walls are included)
Area exclusions: External & internal walls
Columns, chimney breasts, voids in floor, upper levels of lift shafts (included only on level they start at)
Area exclusions: Columns
Area exclusions: Chimney breasts
Area exclusions: Voids in floor
Area exclusions: Upper levels of lift shafts
Any kind of niches, door and window reveals
Area exclusions: Windows
External areas such as balconies, terraces and rooftops are included (but stated separately)
Area inclusions: Terraces
3. Non-residential interior areas
Interior areas which are still usable parts of the property, such as garages, sheds, attics - are included in the total area.
Total area inclusions: Garages
4. Reduced headroom areas
This standard does consider areas with limited ceiling height separately
5. Stairs
Area occupied by stairs is only included on the level they start at
Area inclusions: On the level they start at
Although very similar to the Default standard, this is the broadest one, with the most simple and straightforward area inclusion rules.
The main differences compared to the Default standard are:
The International standard does not use the concept “internal dominant face” and therefore all types of niches aredisregarded and excluded from area calculations.
It doesn’t consider reduced ceiling height in calculations at all
External spaces, such as balconies and terraces are included in the total area and also indicated separately.