Garage, attic and unfinished basements in total square footage?

Profile picture for cailynsmom
When considering square footage listed for a propery what is included?Basement finished and unfinished, attic and garage?
  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.
June 28 2009 - Maryville
  • Be a Good Neighbor. Be respectful and on-topic. No spam or self-promotion! See our Good Neighbor Policy.

Answers (6)

Profile picture for tjplace
GLA only includes above grade living space.  That means finished, heated ABOVE ground.  Basements, finished or not, garages, unheated spaces are NOT included as GLA square footage by appraisers.  These other spaces DO add value, just not the same as GLA.

I will say it drives me crazy watching lots of TV shows that show a tiny ranch (approx 1000 sqft) and call it a 2000 sqft home because they include the basement. Not true in USA>
  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.
December 29 2010
Profile picture for sunnyview
No. Spaces that are not finished, conditioned (heated/cooled) or allowed by code to be living space should not be counted in the total square footage. Also, spaces that have been converted to living space like a garage or attic without building permits should not be included in the total.
  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.
December 29 2010
Attics and garages are not included in a homes total square footage.  In Kansas, finished portions of the basement are included.  It is best to check your local guidelines.
  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.
December 29 2010

To the best of my knowledge... Attic space, garage, or unfinished basement are not to be included. The basement does need to be on a centralized system to be included in square footage if it is finished or partially finished.
 
An appraiser will not value basement sg footage the same even if it is fully finished. Below grade has lower value than above grade and people generally do not use the same standards in the basement , most will have lower quality finishes than the main level. Also, an appraiser uses the cost approach, adding and finishing a basement costs much less than say adding on the same square footage.


Hope this helps!

  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.
December 29 2010
Profile picture for carolrush
In Portland OR, a finished basement is NOT included in the square footage, even though it may have egress and finished bathrooms, master bedroom, laundry, and office or family room space.  It is always wise to check with the local appraisers before remodeling your basement in anticipation of adding square footage.  Even though it IS up to code and extremely nice, some places don't count it.  And you don't want to find out after the remodel....like me!  :(
  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.
June 28 2009
Profile picture for wetdawgs
There is some variation from community to community as to what is included.   In general it is living area that is all contiguous with HVAC.   The garage and attic are never included.  A finished basement may be included in some areas if if fits certain code rules about access/egress (very community dependent).  Unfinished basement is never part of the square footage.

 
  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.
June 28 2009
 

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 Questions
Profile picture for Melissa Smith
Questionlooking for a house with 2 seperated living quarters
  • Latest answer by Melissa Smith
  • February 07 2011
Profile picture for Toby & John T. Williams
QuestionGarage, attic and unfinished basements in total square footage?
  • Latest answer by Toby & John T. Williams
  • December 29 2010
Profile picture for CORONA NICK
QuestionSelling/Buying
  • Latest answer by CORONA NICK
  • December 29 2010
Profile picture for Natalie Hawkins
QuestionAny advice about the schools in Maryville and area codes or neighborhoods in relation.
  • Latest answer by Natalie Hawkins
  • December 29 2010
Compare Mortgage Rates
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