Accurate square footage of a home?

Profile picture for NuffSaid12
Can one of you expert realtors please tell me how to accurately measure the total square footage of living space in my home? I'd like to claim my home on Zillow and update/edit the facts, which are near non-existent on Zillow. There is nothing on public record that I can find or track down anywhere or in my own official paperwork on my house that indicates the accurate square footage of my home since it was remodeled in 1975 (two previous owners before me) and since we bought it in 1991. Apparently in 1975, a 2-car garage was converted to 2 additional bedrooms, a den, and full bath, and a 3-car attached garage was added. My home is still listed on public record as what is was when it was originally built in 1967: a 3-Br, 2-Ba home with a 2-car garage and 2,352 sq. ft. When it was appraised in 1996, the appraiser accurately identified all the rooms and indicated that it was a 5-bedroom, 3-bath, 3-car garage home, but listed the square footage as 2,220, LESS than the original square footage when it was built and obviously less than it should be after  the remodel of 2 additional bedrooms, a den, and bath. (She did not count the foyer or laundry room, which I understand.) One MLS snapshot record listed my house as 2250-2500 sq. ft.!!! Well, what IS it? Square footage matters in the estimated value and pricing of a home, and for doing a comparative analysis. This is nuts. Which rooms do I measure to get an accurate square footage of living space? Thanks so much! (I understand that for whatever reason, some public records may not have been updated when someone did a remodel or addition, and I don't wish to pursue correcting the facts about my house anywhere but on zillow.)
  Flag content
Close
Report a Problem

Please enter a valid email address.

Close
Content flagged

We will review this content. Thanks for helping make the site more useful to everyone. To learn more, read Zillow's Good Neighbor Policy.

Close
We're Sorry
This service is temporarily unavailable. Please come back later and try again.
September 03 2009 - Williamston

Replies (3)

Profile picture for casemoe
  Flag content
Close
Report a Problem

Please enter a valid email address.

Close
Content flagged

We will review this content. Thanks for helping make the site more useful to everyone. To learn more, read Zillow's Good Neighbor Policy.

Close
We're Sorry
This service is temporarily unavailable. Please come back later and try again.
September 03 2009
Profile picture for wetdawgs
Here's a guide.
  Flag content
Close
Report a Problem

Please enter a valid email address.

Close
Content flagged

We will review this content. Thanks for helping make the site more useful to everyone. To learn more, read Zillow's Good Neighbor Policy.

Close
We're Sorry
This service is temporarily unavailable. Please come back later and try again.
September 03 2009
Profile picture for NuffSaid12
"Wetdawgs," these clear guidelines were most helpful, and I used them!!! Thank you so much! Since I first posted my question, I found in my original mortgage papers a certified survey of my property and the measurements of the footprint of my house and every exterior, perimeter wall (all nooks & crannies), including the inset measurements of the deck & porch that can't be counted as part of the square footage (nor the 3-car garage addition).

Indeed, it turns out that the total square footage of liveable space in my house is closer to 2,840 sq. ft., far greater than any figure on record or any previous appraiser's or realtor's "guesstimate" or measurements since a previous owner's remodel in the 70s! Obviously, this much additional square footage of living space should make a significant difference in any comp analysis and setting a more realistic, initial asking price. However, to be on the safe side, a local realtor has offered to look at the survey figures himself and "check my math." As far as I can tell from my own physical measurements of every exterior wall, all measurements on the property survey are accurate.

I encourage all homeowners in the same predicament I was in, not even knowing the accurate square footage of liveable space in my house, to double-check their mortage papers for an official survey, or use the general guidelines that "Wetdawgs" posted to do these measurements yourself. Very helpful!
  Flag content
Close
Report a Problem

Please enter a valid email address.

Close
Content flagged

We will review this content. Thanks for helping make the site more useful to everyone. To learn more, read Zillow's Good Neighbor Policy.

Close
We're Sorry
This service is temporarily unavailable. Please come back later and try again.
September 06 2009
 
  • Be a Good Neighbor. Be respectful and on-topic. No spam or self-promotion! See our Good Neighbor Policy.

Have a question? Ask it here.

What's this?
Close

By starting a discussion, you can expect more of an interactive, back-and-forth experience where the conversation can go in many different directions.

Or start a discussion

E-mail successfully sent!Submission failed!

Related Discussions
Profile picture for NuffSaid12
DiscussionAccurate square footage of a home?
  • Last reply by NuffSaid12
  • September 06 2009
Related Articles
GuideComparative Market Analysis (CMA)
GuideYour Home Appraisal Whats the Big Deal?
GuideHow Condo Hotels Are Sold
GuideHome Pricing Strategies
GuideHiring an Appraiser as a Consultant
Be A Good Neighbor

Zillow® Advice depends on each member to keep it a safe, fun, and positive place. If you see abuse, flag it. More on our Good Neighbor Policy