The Difference between Surface Area and Covered Area.

 Surface Area and Covered Area Explanation

In the field of civil engineering and construction, the term "area" generally refers to any surface of the earth. However, distinctions are made between "surface area" and "covered area."

 

Surface Area: 

This term is used to describe simple, unconstructed areas such as a ground surface or a platform. It is a unit for land measurement that applies to spaces that have not been built upon, such as an empty plot of land.

Covered Area:

 Covered area means the total built area on all floors. However, it is to be remembered that the covered area does not include open spaces like terraces, balconies, open lawns, courtyards, and more. It is the actual area under the roof + walls, pillars, and balconies. This term refers to the area covered by a constructed building, including each floor of the structure.

For example:

 First Floor Covered Area: The area covered by the first floor of a building.

 Second Floor Covered Area: The area covered by the second floor, which may be more expensive to construct due to the additional materials and labor required to shift materials to higher elevations.

 Third Floor Covered Area: The area covered by the third floor, is typically more expensive than the second floor for similar reasons.

When a plot of land is purchased with the intention of constructing a building, such as a home, the surface area represents the total land area of the plot, while the covered area represents the actual footprint of the building on each floor.

For example, when someone buys a plot to build a home, they will need to negotiate the construction price with a contractor or construction company. In this scenario, the covered area becomes a crucial unit of measurement. The contractor will typically quote a price per square foot of the covered area. For instance, a contractor might say, "I will build your house for $300–$600 per square foot of covered area." This calculation only includes the area covered by the building's slab.

The cost of construction can vary between floors due to the complexity and effort involved in shifting materials to higher levels. For example:

 First Floor:

 Generally has a base rate for construction.

 Second Floor: 

More expensive due to the additional effort required to transport materials to the higher level.

 Third Floor and Beyond Costs increase progressively with each higher floor due to increased labor and material handling challenges.

It's important to note that the covered area also depends on the design of the building. Different designs may require different amounts of materials and labor, which can affect the overall cost.

In summary, in civil engineering and construction:

 Surface Area: 

Refers to the land area of an unconstructed plot.

 Covered Area:

 Refers to the built-up area covered by each floor of a building, which is used to calculate construction costs.

 Cost Considerations:

 The cost of construction increases with each floor due to material transportation and labor efforts, and it varies depending on the building design.