Square footage calculations strictly measure finished, heated, and livable indoor spaces above ground level. Areas excluded from this calculation generally lack permanent heating, finished flooring, or standard ceiling heights, and include the following spaces:
All unfinished areas are not included in square footage calculations. These typically include the garage, attic, rooms with less than seven feet of ceiling clearance, unfinished basements, screened porches, exterior storage areas, pool house, guest house, and detached in-law quarters.
Garage space is not included in square footage, and many standards do not count basements (even if they're finished) in overall square footage. Either way, make sure to measure the basement's square footage for your records — you can still include it in any future property listings.
Measuring multi-story homes
Measure each floor separately. Add up the square footage from all finished levels. Don't include unfinished spaces like attics or basements unless they meet local criteria for livable space.
For a basement to count toward a home's total square footage, it must have legal ingress and egress, such as doors or windows that provide safe and accessible exit points during emergencies. This is a vital safety feature and a legal requirement in most areas.
Yes, stairs are generally counted in a home's square footage, but they are only counted as part of the finished living area.
Yes, closets count in a home's square footage.
Factors that decrease property value the most fall into three main categories: location issues, structural damage, and poor neighborhood conditions. These factors can collectively slash a property’s value by 5% to 30% or more.
Yes, bathrooms are counted in a home's total square footage. Under real estate and appraisal guidelines (such as ANSI standards), any finished, heated, and accessible indoor space is included.
To comfortably afford a $400,000 house, you generally need an annual household income between $100,000 and $135,000. The exact salary required depends on your specific financial situation, but this range ensures your monthly payments remain manageable.
Since demand outweighs supply, housing prices are higher, and homes sell faster. Meanwhile, the worst months to sell a house are November through March or during the fall to winter, when potential buyers are preoccupied with holiday plans. Sellers should expect lower sales prices and higher DOM during these months.
We often see errors in square footage calculations due to inconsistent measurement techniques. Some professionals measure from the exterior walls, while others use interior dimensions, leading to discrepancies in the final square foot count. Another common mistake is including non-habitable spaces in the total area.
If the actual measurements taken by a home appraiser result in a higher square footage than the tax assessment office has on record, using the higher square footage calculation could increase the value of your home. That's great if you want to sell, but it may also increase your property taxes.
Yes, hallways are included in a home's total square footage. As long as the space is finished, heated, and directly connected to the main living area, it counts as livable space.
🔹 What Kind of House Can You Build for $100K? ✅ Small Homes (500-1,000 sq. ft.) – Tiny homes, cabins, or simple ranch-style houses.
Can Basement Bedrooms Qualify for Appraisals? Basement bedrooms can qualify if they meet the same criteria as above-ground bedrooms, including size, egress, and heating requirements. Ensure that basement windows are large enough and fully accessible without tools or keys.
Yes, a 70-year-old woman can absolutely get a 30-year mortgage. Under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, lenders are legally prohibited from discriminating against applicants based on age. Approval is based entirely on your ability to repay the loan, supported by your credit score, income, assets, and debt.
You cannot comfortably afford a $400,000 house on an $80,000 salary. Financial experts typically recommend buying a home that costs 3× to 4× your annual income. On an $80,000 salary, your target comfortable price range is roughly $240,000 to $320,000.
On a $100,000 salary, purchasing a $500,000 house is generally considered a financial stretch. Most lenders and real estate experts recommend a maximum home price of $350,000 to $400,000 for your income level.
Yes, staircases are considered living space and are included in a home's total square footage. They count toward the Gross Living Area (GLA) on the level from which they descend, including any landings.
The absolute minimum size for a full bathroom (containing a toilet, sink, and shower/tub) is 36 to 40 square feet. This footprint is most commonly laid out as a 5-foot by 8-foot rectangle.
Yes, 600 square feet is enough for two people if you prefer a minimalist lifestyle and value a prime location over extra elbow room. However, it requires an efficient layout and strict organization to remain comfortable.
The cooler weather and shorter days also contribute to decreased foot traffic, as people prefer to stay indoors. November is often considered the worst month for selling, with seller premiums dropping significantly.
The biggest red flag in a home inspection is compromised structural integrity, frequently caused by hidden water damage or foundation issues. While minor electrical or plumbing fixes are easy to manage, structural failures compromise the safety of the entire home and can cost tens of thousands of dollars to repair.