May 1, 2021 | Upper Marlboro, MD
Consensus Committee Approves Latest Version of ANSI Square Footage Standard
Home Innovation Releases Updated ANSI Z765 Standard
In April, following an ANSI prescribed consensus process that began in 2019, the latest version of the American National Standard for Single-Family Residential Buildings, Square Footage - Method of Calculating, ANSI Z765-2021 was approved and made available to the public. This standard, which has been in use since 1996, addresses the need for uniformity in calculating and reporting square footage (area) measurements of dwellings in the United States. Home Innovation Research Labs, an ANSI Accredited Standards Development Organization, served as Secretariat for the consensus process.
A brief introductory letter in the Standard provides an overview of the changes made in this iteration:
“Most of the approved modifications did not fundamentally change the standard, but rather provided additional clarity. Modifications approved during this most recent review and update process were mainly in the Commentary section and included: (1) Clearer instructions for how/when to account for staircases to unfinished areas; and (2) Clarifications within Figure 5.”
A full record of the actions taken throughout the consensus process is available on www.HomeInnovation.com/Z765. To purchase a copy of the new standard, visit the bookstore.
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ABOUT: Home Innovation Research Labs, located in Upper Marlboro, Md., is a full-service research, testing, and consulting firm determined to improve the quality, durability, affordability, and environmental performance of single- and multifamily homes and home building products – in short, we aim to perfect the home. Founded in 1964 as a subsidiary of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), our team has been integral in solving many of our client’s most difficult product and technology issues, and helping to introduce some of the most groundbreaking innovations in construction. Through an interdisciplinary research approach – including market research, building science analysis, laboratory testing, and standards development – we help to find a home for innovation in the construction industry.
NOTE TO EDITORS ON STYLE USAGE: To identify this company and its work correctly, first reference should be "Home Innovation Research Labs." In subsequent mentions, “Home Innovation” should be used; we are not identified by an acronym. Prior to February 12, 2013, the company was known as the NAHB Research Center.