Because of a growing interest by the public in the square feet of a house and the price per square foot, REALTORS® are finding it necessary to be more accurate in their quotation of square feet of a house. This comes from the fact that the square footage is a major criterion in establishing the fair market value of a house.

Since both REALTORS® and appraisers are heavily relied upon by buyers and sellers to assist in establishing
real estate values, it is imperative that guidelines be established and accuracy be practiced in house
measurements.  The results of inaccuracy are unhappy buyers and sellers, and may lead to court actions against those who instigated the inaccuracy.

The diagrams on the bottom of this page and on the next page are to be followed as a guide in achieving standardization in measurements.  In taking these measurements, remember:

DO NOT include porches or patios as living space unless completely finished and heated.

DO NOT include garages in square feet calculations.

DO measure from the outside foundations, including overhanging room areas.

DO indicate the per cent (%) of finished lower levels and basements.

DO add the outside wall thickness to you measurements if you are taking your  measurements from the inside.

DO use accurate measurements (round to the nearest one half (½) foot) when calculating  the square feet on each level

DO round off to the nearest square foot before entering square feet figure in worksheet.