A commercial property's square footage is more than a number on a leasing brochure.
It can influence rent calculations, tenant negotiations, operating expenses, and the way a building is marketed. If the measurements are inaccurate or based on outdated assumptions, the consequences can extend beyond a simple discrepancy on a floor plan.
That's where a BOMA study comes in.
For commercial property owners, landlords, and developers, a BOMA study provides a standardized approach to measuring and calculating building area. It can help establish a clearer understanding of how space is allocated and how rentable area is determined.
But before commissioning a study, it's worth understanding what it actually measures, when it makes sense, and how the results can affect your next real estate decision.
What Is a BOMA Study?
BOMA refers to the Building Owners and Managers Association.
The organization publishes measurement standards used in commercial real estate to calculate building areas. These standards help establish consistent methods for measuring office, retail, and other commercial properties.
A BOMA study typically involves reviewing building plans, measuring relevant areas, and applying the appropriate measurement standard to determine usable and rentable square footage.
The distinction matters.
Usable area generally refers to the space a tenant occupies for its own use. Rentable area can include a proportionate allocation of certain shared building spaces, depending on the applicable standard.
That difference can affect the square footage used in lease calculations.
A BOMA study isn't simply about measuring a room. It's about establishing a consistent framework for understanding the building's area.
Why Rentable Square Footage Matters
Imagine a commercial building with several tenants.
Each tenant occupies a private suite, but the building also contains shared spaces such as corridors, lobbies, and other common areas.
The landlord needs a consistent method for determining how much rentable area should be attributed to each tenant.
That calculation can influence lease economics.
If the measurement method is unclear, inconsistent, or outdated, the owner may encounter questions during leasing negotiations.
A BOMA study can help clarify the measurement basis and establish documentation that supports future decisions.
For property owners, this is particularly important when leasing multiple suites or managing a building with changing tenant configurations.
When Should You Consider a BOMA Study?
There are several situations where a BOMA study may be worth considering.
Before Leasing a Commercial Property
If a building is entering the leasing market, accurate area calculations can help support marketing materials and lease negotiations.
The owner should understand the measurement standard being used and ensure the available documentation reflects the current building conditions.
After a Major Renovation
Renovations can change the way space is configured.
A new corridor, relocated suite boundary, or revised common area may affect the way building area is allocated.
If the property has undergone substantial changes, the owner may need to revisit the measurement documentation.
When Tenant Boundaries Change
Commercial buildings rarely remain static.
A tenant may expand into an adjacent suite. A landlord may divide a large space into smaller units. A previously shared area may become part of a tenant's premises.
Those changes can affect the building's area calculations.
During an Acquisition or Asset Review
A property owner evaluating an acquisition or reviewing an existing asset may want to understand how the building's area was calculated.
A BOMA study can provide a more consistent basis for reviewing the property's leasing information.
The appropriate timing and standard depend on the property, the transaction, and the intended use of the measurement.
What Does a BOMA Study Include?
The scope varies depending on the building and the applicable measurement standard.
A study may involve:
Reviewing existing architectural drawings.
Evaluating the building's current configuration.
Measuring relevant spaces.
Identifying usable and rentable areas.
Reviewing the allocation of applicable shared areas.
Preparing documentation that supports the measurement calculations.
Existing drawings are useful, but they aren't always a complete representation of the building as it exists today.
That is particularly true for older properties or buildings that have undergone several renovations.
The measurement process should account for the actual conditions and the standard being applied.
How Architecture and Project Management Fit Into the Process
A BOMA study can become particularly useful when a property is being repositioned, renovated, or prepared for new tenants.
The measurements may inform decisions about suite layouts, leasing strategies, and potential tenant improvements.
For example, a landlord may be considering dividing a large retail suite into two smaller spaces.
Before committing to the layout, the owner needs to understand the existing building conditions, the proposed suite boundaries, and how the changes may affect the overall property.
Architectural expertise can help evaluate the physical implications of the proposed configuration.
Project management can help coordinate the decisions, schedule, and work required to implement the changes.
The measurement itself is only one part of the larger real estate strategy.
A BOMA Study Is Not a Substitute for Good Project Planning
Accurate measurements don't automatically solve every leasing or construction challenge.
A building may have the correct rentable area and still require substantial work before a new tenant can occupy the space.
Existing systems, accessibility requirements, permitting, construction costs, and tenant-specific needs all influence the next steps.
The value comes from using reliable information to make better decisions.
Before commissioning a BOMA study, clarify the purpose of the measurement, the applicable standard, the documentation required, and how the results will be used.
Those details can help establish the right scope.
Need a Better Understanding of Your Commercial Space?
Lupo Group works at the intersection of architecture, project management, and commercial real estate strategy.
If you're reviewing a property, planning a renovation, or preparing commercial space for leasing, the team can help you evaluate the architectural and project-delivery considerations.
Contact Lupo Group to discuss your property and determine what support makes sense for your next project.
Suggested Internal Links: