Detailed Definition
Square Footage of Living Area refers to the total area within a residential property intended for living purposes, measured from the external walls. This measurement excludes non-living spaces such as the basement, garage or carport, patio, or atriums. Measurement standards can differ significantly across different regions and property types. For example, in some regions, portions of the garage or carport might be included. Additionally, the square footage for condos or co-ops is usually calculated using interior measurements from paint to paint.
Examples
- Single-Family Homes: A single-family detached home with 2,000 square feet of living area will not include the area taken up by the garage or the basement.
- Condos and Co-ops: A condominium might be listed as having 1,200 square feet of living area, which for condos typically refers to the usable interior space measured from wall to wall.
- Multi-Story Properties: In a multi-story home, the total square footage of living area will sum the living areas of each floor, excluding non-living spaces like attached garages or exterior structures.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is attic space considered part of the living area?
In most cases, attic space is not counted as part of the living area unless it is legally recognized as habitable space with necessary finishes and proper access.
2. What about outdoor living spaces, like decks or porches?
Outdoor living spaces such as decks, porches, and patios are generally not included in the official square footage of living area, although they may contribute to the overall value of the property.
3. How is the square footage of a condo calculated?
For condos, square footage is typically measured within the unit’s interior boundaries, often referred to as paint-to-paint measurements, excluding shared walls and common areas.
4. Do unfinished basements count towards the square footage of living area?
No, unfinished basements do not count towards the square footage of living area. Finished basements may sometimes be included depending on local regulations and whether they meet specific criteria for habitable space.
5. Can square footage vary from the numbers provided by a real estate agent?
Yes, square footage can vary based on how it was measured. Different methods and local rules can result in different figures.
- Usable Square Footage: The area in a building where an occupant can place furniture and move freely.
- Gross Living Area (GLA): Comprised of the total finished area of a property, including all above-grade spaces.
- Footprint: The area of ground contact of a building.
- Floor Area Ratio (FAR): The ratio of a building’s total floor area to the size of the piece of land upon which it is built.
- Gross Building Area (GBA): A measure often used for commercial buildings, including the external walls and everything enclosed within them.
Online Resources
- National Association of Realtors® (NAR)
- American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standards
- Appraisal Institute
References
- National Association of Realtors® (NAR)
- Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP)
- Building Owners and Managers Association International (BOMA)
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Real Estate Principles: A Value Approach” by David Ling and Wayne Archer
- “The Appraisal of Real Estate” by the Appraisal Institute
- “Modern Real Estate Practice” by Fillmore W. Galaty
### What areas are typically excluded from the square footage of living area?
- [x] Basement, garage or carport, patio, or atrium
- [ ] Only the basement and garage
- [ ] Just the garage or carport
- [ ] Only exterior spaces
> **Explanation:** The square footage of living area generally excludes the basement, garage or carport, patio, and atrium, focusing on the space used for everyday living.
### Which part of a condo unit is used for measuring square footage?
- [x] Interior paint-to-paint measurements
- [ ] Including all common areas
- [ ] Outer boundary measurements
- [ ] Only usable space inside rooms
> **Explanation:** In condos, square footage is often measured from interior paint-to-paint measurements, excluding common area spaces.
### Does a finished attic count towards the square footage of living area?
- [x] Yes, if it meets habitable space criteria
- [ ] No, attic space is never included
- [ ] Only in single-story homes
- [ ] It always counts regardless of its finish
> **Explanation:** Finished attic space can be included in the living area if it meets habitable space criteria, including proper access, finishes, and possibly local code requirements.
### How is square footage measurement generally different for single-family homes and condos?
- [ ] Single-family homes include all spaces under the roof, while condos do not
- [ ] Both are measured paint-to-paint
- [x] Single-family homes are measured from exterior walls, while condos often from interior walls
- [ ] There is no difference
> **Explanation:** Single-family homes generally measure from exterior walls, while condos measure from interior paint-to-paint, excluding shared or common areas.
### What is the gross living area (GLA)?
- [ ] The total lot size
- [x] The total finished area of a property
- [ ] Only the bottom floor's square footage
- [ ] Only unfinished parts of a building
> **Explanation:** Gross Living Area (GLA) encompasses the total finished area of a property, including above-grade spaces.
### Do outdoor spaces like decks always contribute to the square footage of living area?
- [ ] Yes
- [x] No
- [ ] Only in luxury homes
- [ ] In newer properties only
> **Explanation:** Outdoor spaces like decks and patios generally do not contribute to the official square footage of living area, although they still add to property value.
### Does a non-habitable attic affect the living area square footage?
- [x] No, it does not
- [ ] Yes, it increases the square footage
- [ ] Only if it is used for storage
- [ ] Yes, but only slightly
> **Explanation:** Non-habitable attic space does not count as part of the living area square footage.
### Which legislation body often provides guidelines for property measurements?
- [x] ANSI
- [ ] NAR
- [ ] MLS
- [ ] HUD
> **Explanation:** The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) provides standard guidelines for property measurements.
### Are unfinished basements included in the square footage of living area?
- [x] No
- [ ] Yes, always included
- [ ] Only in certain states
- [ ] Yes, but considered differently
> **Explanation:** Unfinished basements are not included in the square footage of living area, as they do not meet the criteria of habitable living spaces.
### Which of the following benefits result from correctly measuring the square footage of living area?
- [ ] Better indoor air quality
- [x] Accurate pricing and appraisals
- [ ] Immediate property value increase
- [ ] Enhanced curb appeal
> **Explanation:** Properly measuring the square footage of living area ensures accurate pricing and appraisals, helping in correctly understanding the property’s value.