Finding the precise floor area of a 16x80 Fleetwood mobile home might seem straightforward, but several factors can influence the final square footage. This guide will walk you through the calculation, explore potential variations, and address common questions.
Calculating the Basic Square Footage
The most basic calculation assumes a perfectly rectangular home. In this case, the floor area is simply length multiplied by width:
16 feet * 80 feet = 1280 square feet
This 1280 square feet represents the nominal square footage. However, this number rarely tells the whole story.
Factors Affecting Actual Square Footage
Several features can reduce the actual usable living space compared to the nominal calculation:
- Walls and Partitions: Interior walls, closets, and other partitions reduce the usable floor area. The extent of this reduction depends on the home's floor plan.
- Exterior Features: Porches, decks, and other exterior features are typically not included in the stated square footage.
- Architectural Details: Features like bay windows or slanted ceilings can create areas that are difficult to measure accurately and may not be fully usable living space.
- Manufacturer Specifications: While the dimensions are usually 16x80, slight variations can occur in manufacturing, leading to minor differences in the final dimensions.
How to Determine the Precise Square Footage?
The most accurate way to determine the exact square footage is to measure the home yourself. Here's how:
- Measure Each Room: Measure the length and width of each room individually.
- Calculate Room Areas: Multiply the length and width of each room to find its area.
- Add Room Areas: Add the areas of all rooms to find the total square footage.
Remember to measure from the inside of the walls to get the accurate usable living space.
What About Fleetwood's Official Specifications?
While the 16x80 dimensions provide a good starting point, you should always check Fleetwood's official specifications or the documentation that came with your specific mobile home. These documents might provide a more precise calculation of the livable square footage.
Are there different models within the 16x80 range?
Yes. Fleetwood offers various models and floor plans within the general 16x80 size range. These variations will significantly impact the usable square footage. The presence of additional features like an attached garage or an extended porch will also alter the overall dimensions.
Does the square footage include the porch or deck?
Typically, the stated square footage of a mobile home does not include the porch or deck area. These are considered exterior features and are usually measured separately.
Does the floor plan affect the usable square footage?
Absolutely! A mobile home with an open floor plan will generally have a higher usable square footage than one with many small, separated rooms and hallways.
In conclusion, while a 16x80 Fleetwood mobile home nominally equates to 1280 square feet, the actual usable living space might be slightly smaller due to interior walls, architectural details, and other factors. For the most accurate measurement, conduct your own measurements or refer to the manufacturer's specifications for your specific model.
