Why An Appraiser’s Home Measurements Matter

When buying or selling a home, having the right square footage on the listing contract is very important - the square footage of the home is one of the most important features buyers look for.

A common issue in the transaction process is discovering the square footage determined by the appraiser is not the same as the assessor's. When these two numbers do not match, buyers and sellers can argue over the price of the house.

 

Reasons Why The Measurements Might Not Match

1. County Records Use Measurements From Original Plans

The difference between county records and the actual square footage is often due to county records taking the measurements from the original plans submitted when the permits were taken out.

It is not uncommon for plans to change between the time of the original permit and when the home is actually built. This can be due to the buyer asking for change orders that can expand the size by several feet to the rear or side of the home, adding a third tandem stall in the garage that takes part of the living area or vise-versa. There have been instances where the plans shown in county records are for a completely different floor plan due to a buyer in a development wanting a specific lot where plans have been submitted but they want a different model of home.

The plans show measurements from the foundation which doesn’t include the exterior stucco. In an appraisal, measurements are taken from the exterior of the home which includes the stucco. This increases the measurements by an average of 1.5 to 3 inches per wall and can account for small differences in home measurement size.

2. Appraisers View Space Differently; Some Areas Don't Count

When having the home appraised, the report may indicate a lower square footage than the tax assessment. This could be from the appraiser not counting certain areas that the tax information may include. Appraisers generally don't count garages or unfinished spaces, and they may see certain rooms as not being used the way they are listed or intended due to ceiling height, how the room is accessed, or other reasons as dictated by national or state appraisal standards.

Also, if additions are not permitted correctly, they may not be eligible to be counted as square footage. At the same time, additions that are permitted correctly may not have been updated on county records resulting in more square footage that tax records indicate.

 

What To Do If The Measurements Don’t Match

If you believe that the public records are inaccurate, you should contact your local county’s assessment department to request that the data be reviewed. The process varies by location; some may ask you to file an appeal or submit a grievance.

It may help to submit the recent appraisal, or property measurements done by a certified appraiser, to the department to review and make any adjustments if necessary.

 

Need Property Measurement Services?

If you need an appraisal or measurements of your home to determine actual square footage, call Master Appraisal Services.