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Answers (3)
- Lucy Armentrout, "Lucy Armentrout"
- Contributions:71
Square footage for "improved" space in a basement MAY be included in the total square footage of your home. The two basic tests are (1) how much of the "improved" area is below grade level and (2) whether or not you got permits for the work and had the inspections and got your permits "finaled" (signed off) by the controlling jurisdiction (which is generally your local city building department). The important note about the grade level is that IF some or all of the updated basement sits at least 50% above the exterior grade level, that square footage can generally be counted toward the home's legal square footage, on an appraisal and other local tax records. This means that homes that have basements dug partially into a hillside can actually count about half of their improved basement area as adding to the total home size. To determine how this applies to your house, measure the ceiling height in your updated basement. Then go outside and see where the ground hits the side of your house. If you have an 8' high interior ceiling, then anywhere you find that the exterior ground level is AT LEAST 4' BELOW the level of the basement ceiling should officially qualify you to count that square footage in your total home square footage. Good luck!
- RealEstateConsultan
- Contributions:25
In most instances it it not included, check with your County, it depends on which Code they have adopted.
Also verify that the square footage in your own property records is properly shown as in [Hotlink to agent website removed by Zillow moderator. Please see our Good Neighbor Policy for more information.]
Also verify that the square footage in your own property records is properly shown as in [Hotlink to agent website removed by Zillow moderator. Please see our Good Neighbor Policy for more information.]
- wetdawgs
- Contributions:26804
Below grade areas, even when finished, are not traditionally included in the square footage but called out separately.
Do you add the sq ft of a finished basement to your total size of your house?
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