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Optimizing Space Utilization: Impact of BOMA 2024 on Square Footage

Written by Jon Pedican | Sep 5, 2024 4:10:14 PM

Unveiling the impact of the BOMA 2024 standards on square footage and how it will revolutionize space utilization in commercial real estate.

Evolution of BOMA Standards

 

The BOMA 2024 Office Building Standards (ANSI/BOMA Z65.1-2024) represent a significant milestone in the evolution of office standards. These updated standards are a response to the fast-changing needs of the commercial real estate sector. With a series of refinements and clarifications, the BOMA 2024 Office Standard adapts to contemporary building designs and tenant requirements, keeping in sync with the ever-changing industry landscape.

Understanding the Impact on Square Footage

The BOMA 2024 standards will generally lead to an increase in square footage, providing a more accurate representation of building assets and tenant areas. This increase reflects the inclusion of various elements in the rentable area calculations.

The BOMA 2024 standards increase square footage by including more outdoor amenities, calculating tenant balconies/terraces without a load factor, incorporating rooftop equipment in rentable area calculations, and optimizing Method B circulation for accurate measurements.

Sub-classification: The BOMA 2024 standards also include more comprehensive reporting of tenant areas, with separate calculations for storage and specialized areas, leading to an increase in square footage.

Ground-Level Amenities Enhancement

The BOMA 2024 standards bring about an enhancement in ground-level amenities. With the inclusion of more outdoor amenities in the rentable area calculations, square footage increases. This update reflects the importance placed on providing attractive outdoor spaces for tenants, allowing them to enjoy additional amenities outside of their office spaces.

 

 

Tenant Balconies/Terraces Calculation

The BOMA 2024 standards change the calculation method for tenant balconies and terraces. Previously, these areas were subject to a load factor. However, with the new standards, tenant balconies and terraces are calculated without a load factor, resulting in an increase in square footage. This change acknowledges the full value and usability of these outdoor areas, providing tenants with more space to utilize and enjoy.

 

 

Rooftop Specialized Equipment Inclusion

The BOMA 2024 standards now include tenant shafts and rooftop equipment in the rentable area calculations, leading to an increase in square footage. By considering these elements as part of the rentable area, the standards ensure a more accurate representation of the total space available for tenants. This inclusion recognizes the importance of tenant shafts and rooftop equipment in the overall functionality and value of a building.

 

 

 

Optimizing Method B Circulation

The impact of the BOMA 2024 standards on square footage in relation to Method B circulation will depend on the building layout. However, the standards aim to facilitate more accurate measurements and potentially decrease or remain unchanged square footage. Improvements to Method B circulation allow for better optimization of space utilization within a building, ensuring that square footage is allocated efficiently and effectively.

 

Optimizing with the Software

Optimizing the BOMA 2024 standards using software can streamline the process of managing and calculating square footage, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in space utilization. Here’s how software can help:

1. Automated Calculations: The software can automatically apply the new BOMA 2024 standards to calculate rentable areas, including outdoor amenities, rooftop equipment, and tenant balconies/terraces, ensuring up-to-date and precise square footage data.

2. Customizable Reporting: With the inclusion of sub-classifications for storage and specialized areas, software can generate detailed reports for each tenant's space, providing clear breakdowns of usable and rentable square footage.

3. Real-Time Updates: As building layouts or tenant needs change, the software can instantly adjust measurements, ensuring that your calculations remain accurate and reflect the most current BOMA standards.

4. Enhanced Visualization: By integrating floor plans with the new standards, software can visually demonstrate how the inclusion of outdoor areas and rooftop equipment impacts overall space, allowing property managers and tenants to see the added value.

5. Efficiency in Leasing: Leasing professionals can optimize space offers based on the new BOMA standards, using the software to match tenants with areas that fully utilize rentable square footage, including outdoor and rooftop spaces.

By leveraging software to automate and manage these changes, you ensure compliance with BOMA 2024 while maximizing the value of your building’s rentable area.