Evaluating Homes based on Square Footage

Because square footage is often used as a basic statistic to define a property, home buyers should be aware that there may be discrepancies at times. Many are surprised when they find out that not everyone measures square footage the same way.  For example, when local governments and appraisers are looking at square footage, they generally include livable, heated space. This typically means no garages, porches, or attics; but when a builder quotes square footage they may be including those areas.

When advertising a home, a real estate agent or home seller might include garages or porches. There may also be an error in someone’s records, or an addition that is not accounted for. In the last case, prospective residents should ensure any additions are properly permitted before buying a home; otherwise they could end up paying for someone else’s building code violation.

Beyond that, estimates may be made using different tools. Some professionals may use a laser device while others prefer a tape measure. In some cases, particularly when a space has an irregular shape, someone might estimate by looking.

In closing, when choosing a home buyers should not concern themselves too closely with the precise square footage. Any discrepancies may be the result of different information sources, methods of estimating, or a clerical error omitting home additions.