How Is Real Estate Square Footage Calculated: A Comprehensive Guide for Accurate Measurements

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Understanding how real estate square footage is calculated is essential for both buyers and sellers. Accurate measurements help determine property value, layout efficiency, and even potential tax implications. This guide aims to provide a clear and concise explanation of this process, ensuring that you have the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions.

I. The Basics of Real Estate Square Footage Calculation:

Defining square footage: Square footage refers to the measurement of a property's enclosed space, including rooms, hallways, and closets.

Usable versus non-usable areas: Certain areas, such as walls, staircases, and mechanical rooms, are typically excluded from square footage calculations.

Common measurement standards: Various measurement standards exist, including the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Property Measurement Standards (IPMS). These guidelines ensure consistency in square footage calculations.

Key terms to understand: Gross area, net area, and rentable area are important terms to grasp when discussing real estate square footage calculations.

II. Steps for Calculating Real Estate Square Footage:

Measure the exterior dimensions: Start by measuring the exterior length and width of the property. This provides a baseline for

The garage does not count towards the square footage of a house, as that is considered an unfinished space. A garage will only count towards the square footage of a home is if it has been legally converted into a living space.

What is included in real estate square footage?

Any space that has walls, flooring, ceiling and heat would count as finished square footage. So, it's likely that stairwells, closets, walk-in pantries and other areas you might be questioning would contribute to the square footage count of a home.

How do landlords calculate square footage?

Once you have the length and width of each area, multiply the length by the width and note the square footage of each room. Once you've moved through the whole house, add the square footage of each space to calculate the total square footage of your rental property. You can round up to the nearest whole number.

How do appraisers calculate square footage?

The appraiser should use the exterior building dimensions per floor to calculate the above-grade gross living area of a property. For units in condo or co-op projects, the appraiser should use interior perimeter unit dimensions to calculate the gross living area.

Do bathrooms count as square footage?

Bathrooms

Bathrooms are also always included in your home's square footage if they meet the minimum requirements. For example, a half-bathroom in your free-standing garage cannot be counted because it is not attached to the main house.

How does appraiser measure square footage?

Appraisers tend to use one common measurement type when it comes to measuring the square footage. They measure the Gross Living Area of your home. For condominiums, they generally just measure the interior meaning only the inside area of your unit. Some may add 6 inches to the measurement for the wall thickness.

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Do home appraisers verify square footage?

They use that information to identify how many square feet are found in a particular dwelling, but they don't verify that information by measuring the house or otherwise determining whether the square footage provided is correct and complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is meant by 1 square feet?

a unit of area measurement equal to a square measuring one foot on each side; 0.0929 square meters. Abbreviation: ft2, sq.

How do you calculate 1 square foot?

Multiply the length by the width and you'll have the square feet. Here's a basic formula you can follow: Length (in feet) x width (in feet) = area in sq. ft. Tip: If you can't picture what a square foot is, try drawing a square that is 1 foot tall by 1 foot wide—you've got one square foot!

How can I find the square footage of a property?

Multiply the length by the width and you'll have the square feet. Here's a basic formula you can follow: Length (in feet) x width (in feet) = area in sq.

Does utility room count as square footage?

The square footage includes all the finished living spaces and rooms - yes.. to... closets, hallways, bathrooms, laundry rooms - no... to garages or unfinished basements or attics. Sketch a floor plan of the home's interior.

FAQ

How do you figure square footage for a house for sale?

When measuring square footage, just use a measuring tape or a laser measure to obtain its length and width. Multiply the two, and you have the total area or square footage in sq ft (or square meter if using metric).

What counts in house square footage?

What is not considered to be square footage during an appraisal?

Spaces like garages, three-season porches and unfinished basements or attics are not included in the square footage of a house. But if a basement or attic has been “finished,” then the space may be included in the home's square footage if it also meets ceiling height requirements.

Do bathrooms count in square footage?

Bathrooms