How Big Is Your House, Really?
Scott P. Rogers
Trying to figure out how many square feet are in your home? There are a few common methods -- though they won't all yield the same results!
First, you might check your property's tax records (City of Harrisonburg, Rockingham County)... or you could measure each room and hallway and add it all up.
But the most widely accepted method -- used by appraisers, Realtors, and lenders -- starts outside your home.
To calculate square footage, we will want to use the exterior dimensions of each level, subtracting open areas like two-story foyers. This approach aligns with standards from multiple third party agencies such as Fannie Mae, HUD, FHA, and ANSI.
It may seem a little odd, though, because...
Walls Count: Measuring from the outside means the square footage of your house includes the space inside exterior and interior walls -- even though no one lives in the walls. Unless... ghosts...?
Stairs Count: You likely also don't spend much time on your stairs, but that square footage is included as well. That's why a 2,000 SF single level home usually feels at least a bit more open and spacious than a 2,000 SF two-story home.
While city or county records are often close, it's a good idea to double-check your square footage before listing your home -- so we're comparing apples to apples with other homes on the market.
First, you might check your property's tax records (City of Harrisonburg, Rockingham County)... or you could measure each room and hallway and add it all up.
But the most widely accepted method -- used by appraisers, Realtors, and lenders -- starts outside your home.
To calculate square footage, we will want to use the exterior dimensions of each level, subtracting open areas like two-story foyers. This approach aligns with standards from multiple third party agencies such as Fannie Mae, HUD, FHA, and ANSI.
It may seem a little odd, though, because...
Walls Count: Measuring from the outside means the square footage of your house includes the space inside exterior and interior walls -- even though no one lives in the walls. Unless... ghosts...?
Stairs Count: You likely also don't spend much time on your stairs, but that square footage is included as well. That's why a 2,000 SF single level home usually feels at least a bit more open and spacious than a 2,000 SF two-story home.
While city or county records are often close, it's a good idea to double-check your square footage before listing your home -- so we're comparing apples to apples with other homes on the market.
