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Answers (7)
- Louis Wolfson, "Louis Wolfson"
- Contributions:173
It is not included in square footage, but may be an asset if the homes you are comparing it to are built on slabs.
- sunnyview
- Contributions:25139
Generally, unfinished, unheated/conditioned areas like basements are not included in total square footage. You can list them as unfinished bonus space, but not in the overall finished square footage number.
- Joel Fletes, "JoelFletes"
- Contributions:171
When ask about Square footage of a home, it is the Living Areas. As one comment stated, Heat and Cooling is a another way to look at it.
- Joe Ficaretta & Katrina Ruberti, "joeficaretta"
- Contributions:3
The determination of "square footage" is generally first based on whether or not the area is heated (if it is - you passed the first test). The inclusion of basements, unfortunately, varies among different local practices, guidelines, and protocols based on what portion(s) of the basement is above or below grade. Regardless of whether or not it is included as "official" square footage, a finished basement is a plus from the view of many buyers. For this reason, when listing/advertising properties, we recommend always making it known to the buying public that there is a finished basement.
- Gary Mast, "Dublinguy"
- Contributions:11
Typically speaking an unfinished basement is not considered in determining a homes sq ft calculation. Building and local codes have to be considered if the area is finished.
- Vince Curtis, "SoCal Appraiser"
- Contributions:4699
I just finished an appraisal with 600 sq ft lower level (only partially below grade) that was heated with the same heating system as the rest of the house and used as a guest quarters, but the square footage was not included in the square footage on county records, simply because the city does not allow three level homes in this area. The guest unit, though, still was permitted as an 'attached' rec room and permitted, though not as 'living space' like the rest of the home. The guest unit STILL adds value to the home, much like a pool or view or something like that.
Bottom line - these types of areas usually DO add value to a home in the eyes of a buyer, and should be considered IN ADDITION to the recorded square footage of any home.
- wetdawgs
- Contributions:26830
Square feet is only the finished areas included under heat/air conditioning. In fact, in many areas below grade finished square feet are not included in the main square feet.
How to determine square foot? Should I include unfinished basement?
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