How to Calculate the Square Footage of a Home

One of the most important factors in determining the value of a home is its square footage. When an appraiser calculates the square footage of a home, they measure every room and all common areas. In this blog, we will discuss how appraisers calculate the square footage in order to determine an accurate value for a home.

The Process of Calculating Square Footage

When measuring the entire house, appraisers typically use an outside measurement method. This means that they will measure from one exterior wall to another and multiply it by itself for each side of the house. Common measurements include widths and depths from corner-to-corner or from midpoint-to-midpoint. 

In addition to measuring each room, appraisers also need to consider other areas such as hallways, closets and stairwells when calculating square footage. The closets are counted as part of their respective rooms and usually count toward total square footage; however, hallways and stairwells are not always included because they do not provide additional living space.   All measurements should be taken with precision, so if there are any discrepancies between measurements taken by different individuals they should be noted and taken into consideration when calculating square feet.

Other Considerations

Appraisers take many factors into consideration when calculating a home's square footage including unfinished spaces such as attics or garages that may have been converted into living spaces but were not originally considered part of the home’s design. They also look at any additions made since construction such as porches or sunrooms that can add additional livable area even though they are not attached directly to the house itself. These extra considerations can all increase a home’s value by adding more operational space to its overall size calculation.

Conclusion:

Calculating a home’s square footage is an important factor when determining its value, so it is important for appraisers who do this work to take all necessary steps in order to get an accurate measurement. Appraisers must take into account each individual room, hallways and stairwells (if applicable), unfinished spaces such as attics or garages, and any additions made since construction like porches or sunrooms in order to accurately calculate a home’s total livable area for appraisal purposes. By following these steps carefully, you can ensure that your appraisal report provides an accurate representation of your property's value based on its size alone!