During the purchase of a new apartment, the developer
generally gives you a saleable area statement showing the Carpet area, Built up
area, terrace area etc & gives you a cost sheet. It is assumed that the
areas are more or less same & you proceed with the transaction. How many of
us ACTUALLY CROSS CHECK the CARPET AREA, you are paying for?
Let us understand the basics. Carpet area is the usable
floor area (in short, where you can lay a continuous carpet). Built up area is
the area including the walls, on which the developer calculates the per unit (per square foot) rate. Generally the
loading Built up area over Carpet area in considered to be around 20%, but may
also vary in case to case. This the developer should tell you when you have
approached for purchase.
Recently we were approached by someone to check his carpet
area of the new flat he has purchased in a prime location in Pune city. He had
a doubt , the the area seemed to be less than that what the builder had
mentioned. We measured our the area & it was about 40 sq ft less than what
was expected, which means, at a rate of 10000/- per square feet after consider
further loading on the carpet area for built up
area, he was actually paying almost rupees 5 lakhs extra. When he
brought this to the notice of the developer, the developer refused point blank.
Finally the person has gone to consumer court against the developer.
It may not be possible for everyone to hire Architects to
get measure the apartment, but simple do it
yourself measurement techniques may help. E.g - Just measure a single vitrified tile in the
apartment. It may be 2’ x 2’ or even more. Now count the number of tiles in
each room, In case of half cut tile, take the measurement. This way you can
determine the area of each room. Add all areas , also including area of tile
under every door & opening to get the exact carpet area.
Moral of the story is “Keep your eyes open & be aware”
that you are purchasing the right area.
Hrishikesh Ashtekar
