m² cost – are we really comparing the same thing?

Building footprint ≠ usable living area

One of the biggest misunderstandings in the market is the differing definition of area.

There are at least three different indicators:

Building footprint

The building’s footprint on the ground (outer contour).
Sometimes terraces are not included, and other times they are.

Usable living area

The actual usable indoor area without exterior walls.

“Expanded” area

Some manufacturers include the following in their m² calculations:

• terraces

• balconies

• lofts with limited ceiling height

• technical rooms

As a result, the price per m² is artificially reduced.

What does this look like in practice?

Example:

• House A – 120 m² (including a 25 m² terrace and loft)

• House B – 95 m² of actual usable area

If both cost €150,000, then:

• House A = €1,250/m²

• House B = €1,579/m²

It looks like House A is cheaper.
But in reality, the actual living area may be very similar.

How does Arma Houses address this issue?

For modular houses – building footprint without the terrace

Arma Houses indicates the area of modular houses as the building footprint, excluding the terrace.

This is important because:

• some modular houses have lofts that are not full-value living space,

• different loft sizes can create the illusion of a larger house area in m²,

• the market often uses “expanded” calculations that include terraces and more.

For private houses – the real usable living area

For timber frame private houses, the stated area is the actual usable interior area.
This makes it possible to compare offers objectively.

If you want to understand how to buy a good house, the first question for the seller is:

“Are these m² the usable living area without terraces and lofts?”

What is included in the price? The most common way prices get “padded”

A low price per m² often means an incomplete package.

Check whether the price includes:

Document preparation

• building project

• approvals

• technical documentation

Foundations

Does the price include only the house, or foundation construction as well?

Delivery and installation

This is especially important for modular houses

Engineering systems and equipment

• electrical installation

• heating system

• ventilation

• plumbing

If these items are not included, the final price can increase by 20–40%.

Material quality – is the comparison objective?

Not all energy-efficient houses are the same.

Insulation

Cheaper insulation:

• lower-density materials

• worse sound insulation

• greater heat loss in winter

Higher-quality materials:

• better energy efficiency

• lower heating bills

• longer service life

Structural quality

Timber frame houses can vary greatly in:

• frame thickness

• structural joint solutions

• window quality

• ventilation system

Arma Houses uses the highest-quality materials available on the market. They cost more, but they provide:

• better energy efficiency

• a more stable structure

• comfort in winter and summer

It would not be objective to compare such a house with a project using minimal insulation solely to reduce the price.

How to compare modular house offers correctly?

Ask these 7 questions

1. What exact area is being stated – building footprint or usable area?

2. Do the m² include terraces?

3. Is the loft counted in full?

4. Are foundations included in the price?

5. Are delivery and installation included?

6. What is the insulation thickness and material?

7. Is document preparation included?

 

the cheapest m² does not always mean the best choice