*Question for anyone that bought a Condo*

[Keigotw]

When you go buy a condo (not build yet)
and look at the floor plan, you see the measurement for each room
10'.5" x 13'
9'x10'.5"
etc..
then on the bottom they say

*All Plans and Diamensions are approximate and subject to change at the discretion of the vendor*

So my question is: for those that Now got their condo
did you measure to see if you got what the floor plan says when you originally saw it?

did you get more?
or less?

[TrevorK]

This is how they can most likely get away with imperfections in constructions (Walls not exact, walls crooked, etc...).

I imagine it'll be as close as possible to those numbers.

[me!]

the numbers given are just general approximates for marketing purposes. It all depends where the builder measured from and how exact the draftsmen in the architect's office dimensioned the rooms (if at all). Also depends if the developer made changes along the way, or if the building dept asked for changes along the way due to pipes, etc.

[sodapop]

They are restricted to not deviate from the dimension on your sales agreement by a certain percentage - by law. I think it is 4-5% - I don't remember. You should read your documentation carefully, or ask the developer.

[me!]

They are restricted to not deviate from the dimension on your sales agreement by a certain percentage - by law. I think it is 4-5% - I don't remember. You should read your documentation carefully, or ask the developer.


where the heck did u read this?????

[thelefteyeguy]

edit...checking

[DeeCee]

What you see on at the display suite is definately not what you get! I work with Architect drawings everyday. I bought a condo suite a couple years ago. Since then, because I have access to the architect's drawings for my particular condo, I've been keeping an eye on the new revisions of the drawings. The square footage has changed at least 4 times since the display suite measurements. Well, give or take 20 square feet.
Changes come for a variety of reasons. Different wall thicknesses, walls that have to be moved, doors that have to be swung the other way, etc... The first draft of drawings is rushed out so that the brochures can be produced, so they can start selling the suites. As time goes on, there are by-laws and permits, that have to be met so things get moved around, thus affecting the drawings.

[grant]

Yet another reason you shouldn't buy condos before they're built...

but still, the suckers keep on coming...

[Keigotw]

What you see on at the display suite is definately not what you get! I work with Architect drawings everyday. I bought a condo suite a couple years ago. Since then, because I have access to the architect's drawings for my particular condo, I've been keeping an eye on the new revisions of the drawings. The square footage has changed at least 4 times since the display suite measurements. Well, give or take 20 square feet.
Changes come for a variety of reasons. Different wall thicknesses, walls that have to be moved, doors that have to be swung the other way, etc... The first draft of drawings is rushed out so that the brochures can be produced, so they can start selling the suites. As time goes on, there are by-laws and permits, that have to be met so things get moved around, thus affecting the drawings.

So usually if there is a change. I goes toward smaller?
never bigger then the floor plan?

[mjl_toronto]

Yet another reason you shouldn't buy condos before they're built...

but still, the suckers keep on coming...

um..sorry dude but the same thing applies to new homes as well. Measurements will never be completely accurate.

[Keigotw]

Can someone tell me How the heck they get
758 SQ FT ??
http://img230.echo.cx/img230/5173/suite1b22xx.th.gif (http://img230.echo.cx/my.php?image=suite1b22xx.gif)

from the measurement given on the Plan
I Calculate is only 678 SQ FT

[thelefteyeguy]

the measurement of the "sqft" includes the cement behind the drywall. THis does not = to usable space....this same logic is applied to freehold homes also.

but the measurements for the rooms are usable space.

so if you have thick cement walls or lots of vents....then youre out of luck.

also they have to "fairly" divide the floor so that they can calculate the amount of maintenace for each suite....

from you pic the calculation should be

W= 9.5+10.5+1(for cement/drywall) = 21
L= 21+8.5+8+1(for cement/drywall)= 39
21x39=819 - (52 for balcony) = 767 ~ cement / drywall allowance

btw if you are really unhappy with the changes the builder makes during construction (that it is materially different than the specs...ie 1 ft difference, window location is incorrect) you can contact a lawyer to see what can be done...the builder can take the unit back

also all specs can be off by a mere inches since the cement can be slight off, drywall etc....you can get it perfect. ALso some ppl say that cement does get slightly (very very little) smaller on higher levels compared to lower levels

also cement can expand and construct depending on climate so specs can be different.

[Keigotw]

the measurement of the "sqft" includes the cement behind the drywall. THis does not = to usable space....this same logic is applied to freehold homes also.

but the measurements for the rooms are usable space.

so if you have thick cement walls or lots of vents....then youre out of luck.

also they have to "fairly" divide the floor so that they can calculate the amount of maintenace for each suite....

from you pic the calculation should be

W= 9.5+10.5+1(for cement/drywall) = 21
L= 21+8.5+8+1(for cement/drywall)= 39
21x39=819 - (52 for balcony) = 767 ~ cement / drywall allowance

btw if you are really unhappy with the changes the builder makes during construction (that it is materially different than the specs...ie 1 ft difference, window location is incorrect) you can contact a lawyer to see what can be done...the builder can take the unit back

So that is how they come up with those #'s
thanks for the info. I learn something new

[thelefteyeguy]

So that is how they come up with those #'s
thanks for the info. I learn something new

dont worry too much about the specs...*usually* its very close.

the condo business is not the same as HK...i work for a company that protects homeowners in ontario and there has never been a story of a unit size been significantly different.

[Keigotw]

dont worry too much about the specs...*usually* its very close.

the condo business is not the same as HK...i work for a company that protects homeowners in ontario and there has never been a story of a unit size been significantly different.

That is great
thanks again
now I can stop worrying

[grant]

um..sorry dude but the same thing applies to new homes as well. Measurements will never be completely accurate.

Don't be sorry for me, i've never bought a newly built structure either.

Whether it's attached, detached, or apartment, buying before it's built is foolish.

[me!]

tip:

In order not to be an ignoramus in front of builders, architects, and developers,

it is concrete not cement!

portland cement is but one ingredient in making concrete and concrete is what you see as the finished product.