does the square footage of a listing include the garage?

In general, the square footage of a listing includes the livable or habitable space within the home, which typically includes bedrooms, living areas, bathrooms, and kitchens. In some cases, the square footage may also include additional finished areas such as basements or attic spaces that have been converted into usable living space. If the garage is finished and converted into a usable living space, it may be included in the square footage of the listing. However, if the garage is unfinished or used primarily for storage, it is less likely to be included in the square footage of the listing. ***contact info*** Aziz Qwasme’ (281)818-1931 Zazahtx@gmail.com IG: zaza_living Zaza living llc

No. Livable space only.

This HCAD link in the first reply is broken now. Looked at the HCAD site and can't find this topic there. Anyone else got a better link?

What about "Building sqft"? An attached garage is technically part of a building.

It does not, unless it has been converted to living/air-conditioned space and it has been updated in the records or noted on the listing.

You might be able to include it if it's livable area with HVAC system.

No, only the living space is part of the square footage listed in the tax records and MLS listings

Garages are not included in the square footage, only above grade heated/airconditioned living area is in the square footage.

No, square footage of a home is only considered to be the living space. If you convert the garage into living space then you can include this area. Get with your Realtor before doing any kind of major changes like this to discuss the ramifications.

No Square feet is normally living area only.

No it does not. It might be if it is air conditioned and vented.

Great Answers! No it does not unless it has been converted into a living space that has a heating/cooling unit in it. Alot of consumers have converted garages into living spaces. Especially if it not being used.

Wow, so many good answers!

The square footage of an attached garage should not be included. If you do include the square footage of the garage on MLS, the price per square foot will appear lower. The appraiser will not include the garage and that may cause a problem if your price was based on the square footage with the garage.

As others have said, normally the sqft does not include the garage. However, we measure and report the garage dimensions in homes we market. So the garage dimension will be known and accessible to potential buyers (or other interested parties).

Not unless it has been converted to a fully functional living space, like the rest of the home and it is no longer used as a garage in any capacity.

Good Question! If the garage has been converted into living space with AC/Heat then it can be added to the sq footage of a home. However it must be used as living space, if Dad just likes to hang out there so he has put in a window unit and space heater but it is still being used as a garage then it would not be considered in the over all square footage.

No, the sq.ft. of a listing is generally living sq.ft. and the areas are vented. Unless perhaps that the garage has been converted to a room with an a/c vent then it may be counted.

No, it shouldn't. A functioning garage should never be included in the livable square footage of a home unless the garage has been converted into livable space. HCAD measures from the exterior and then reduces the measured space by the approximate garage size. Most HAR listings use HCAD information unless the seller provides it. In any case, 99% of Realtors will know to question discrepancies that can affect all parties.

Square footage in our area typically reflects the approximate amount of living space of a property, which does not include garages.

No. It is enclosed living area only. Garages and porches are excluded.

For the most part no, unless it's air-conditioned and heated.

No, it does not. "All HCAD residential building measurements are done from the exterior, with individual measurements rounded to the closest foot. This measurement includes all closet space, hallways, and interior staircases. Attached garages are not included in the square footage of living area, but valued separately. Living area above attached garages is included in the square footage living area of the dwelling. Living area above detached garages is not included in the square footage living area of the dwelling but is valued separately. This method is used on all residential properties in Harris County to ensure the uniformity of square footage of living area measurements district-wide. There can be a reasonable variance between the HCAD square footage and your square footage measurement, especially if your square footage measurement was an interior measurement or an exterior measurement to the inch." From HCAD website...

Hope this helps!