Question and Answer
Q: I’m thinking of putting my home on the market and need to know its square footage. How do I calculate my home’s square footage?
A: The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) offers these suggestions for measuring your home’s square footage:
- Always start by measuring the outside of the house. Begin measuring from any corner and work your way around the house. Move counter-clockwise so the numbers on your tape will be right-side-up.
- Measure from the exterior face of the walls. Include any features that are on the same level as the floor, such as chimneys and bay windows.
- If there are stairs, include them on every level they serve.
- When there are openings to the floor below, subtract the opening from that level.
- For split-level designs, measure each level. You can add multiple floor surfaces into one level if they are within two feet of each other.
- Exclude any areas, such as porches and converted garages, that are not finished or heated the same as the rest of the house.
However, most houses are not perfectly square, and because regulations may vary from one region to another, it’s best to consult a professional appraiser for a truly accurate measurement of your home.
If you are ready to buy or sell a home in the Lodi or Stockton, CA areas, I am here to help. Let me guide you through this complicated process. Call me today.
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