Gross vs Net Square Footage - NCARB Practice Test Question

Below is a question from one of the case studies:

I understand steps 1, 2, and 4, but I'm uncertain about step 3. I've had other questions where I messed up by not converting from net to gross where figures of both were provided. For example, see another question of the same case study below:

In the second to last line, this question specifies that the cost is $150 per GROSS SQUARE FOOT. The first question I referenced does not specify gross or net, so I was uncertain if I was supposed to use the net/gross factor provided in the references. Ultimately, I assumed that since the question asked for the answer in "square feet" and the numbers given for calculation were also given in "square feet," no conversion was needed. I assumed incorrectly; the answer was supposed to be given in gross square feet while the numbers given were in net square feet, so a conversion was required.

My question is how should we determine whether to give our answers as gross or net square feet if it is not specified in the question? Is it generally just assumed that we should use gross unless otherwise specified?

Kara Zhang March 27, 2023 15:21

Pay attention on "GSF" OR "NSF", which is the unit for different rooms.

rebekkak April 06, 2023 12:56

Hi Colin,

It says that per the 'Client Space Requirements' the 15% gets added in for the gross sf.

Try using the search tool inside these documents to find these important #s using keywords. It should pop up. Also highlight pertinent wording in the scenario.

Hope this helps!

Rebekka O'Melia, R.A., NCARB, B. Arch, M. Ed, NOMA, Step UP ARE 5.0 Courses

Gross vs Net Square Footage - NCARB Practice Test Question

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