Are you considering selling, renovating, or buying a home?
If so, understanding the exact measurements of your property is critical.
Many realtors and homeowners automatically trust the measurements of the house that are reported in the public records.
But, if you are like me, you’ll notice that something just doesn’t seem right.
And when you have the answers you have been looking for, you will be surprised at the difference that it may make.
This post will show you why the measurements of your house are important.
The Importance of Precise Measurements
The right measurements will help realtors and homeowners develop reliable listings, obtain fair appraisals, and carry out effective planning.
By hiring a professional appraiser to measure your home, you can save time and money and steer clear of costly errors.
Hiring an appraiser can also help ensure your home’s value is properly represented.
Accurate home measurements hold significant weight in various aspects:
Accurate Listings: When selling, the square footage must be correct. Misleading measurements can lead to potential legal issues and deter buyers.
Valuation Accuracy: Appraisers use measurements to accurately assess your home’s value. Incorrect measurements can result in overvaluing or undervaluing your property.
Resolving Discrepancies: Sometimes (often), public records don’t match the actual size of your home. An appraiser can clarify these issues.
1. Benefits of Hiring an Appraiser for Measurements
Hiring a certified real estate appraiser for home measurements offers several advantages:
1. Professional Precision
Home appraisers bring tools and methods that ensure accurate measurements.
- Eliminate Uncertainty: With specialized measuring equipment, appraisers provide precise data.
- Uniform Standards: Appraisers follow industry standards like ANSI (American National Standards Institute) guidelines to ensure consistency.
This ensures that your home’s size is accurately reflected.
2. Informed Choices
Understanding your home’s exact size empowers better decision-making.
- Set Competitive Prices: Accurate measurements allow you to price your home correctly.
- Smart Renovation Planning: Accurate information helps guide renovation projects effectively.
3. Building Buyer Confidence
Potential buyers want to feel confident that they’re getting what they pay for. Providing accurate measurements assures them that your listing is reliable.
- Clear Listings: When buyers see certified measurements, they feel more confident in the property.
- Fewer Surprises Later: This can minimize issues during house appraisals or inspections.
4. Legal Safety
Incorrect square footage can lead to legal problems down the road. When the measurements are off, buyers might claim they were misled, which can result in legal disputes.
- Avoid Lawsuits: Hiring a professional appraiser to measure your home minimizes the risk of legal issues related to inaccurate listings.
- Liability Protection: Having a certified appraiser document your home’s measurements protects you from claims of misrepresentation.
For more about measurement standards in real estate, check out this guide from Fannie Mae.
2. How Appraisers Gather Home Measurements
Appraisers use precise methods to measure homes and calculate square footage. We generally measure the exterior of the home to calculate the gross living area (GLA), and follow strict guidelines.
1. Exterior Measurements
Property appraisers typically measure the home’s exterior walls to calculate the total square footage. Detached garages, porches, and patios may not be included, depending on their use and structure.
2. Exclusions
Spaces like basements, attics, and garages may not count toward the total square footage, depending on the property. An appraiser knows which areas to include and which to exclude.
3. Internal Spaces
Appraisers focus on areas that are livable and finished. These areas must meet specific height and space requirements.
For a more detailed understanding of how appraisals work, visit our page on Property Appraisal: What You Must Know Before Buying or Selling a House.
3. How Hiring an Appraiser Helps with Renovations
If you’re planning a renovation, getting your home measured first is a smart move. It helps with planning, budgeting, and permits.
1. Planning and Budgeting
Accurate measurements help you plan renovations effectively. It ensures that contractors have the right information, so they can provide accurate quotes and avoid costly mistakes.
- Reduce Wasted Materials: With accurate measurements, you won’t buy more materials than you need.
- Permitting Ease: Many renovation projects require building permits. Having precise measurements helps speed up the permitting process.
2. Post-Renovation Appraisal
If you’re upgrading your home to increase its value, an appraiser can reassess the property after renovations. This helps confirm that the improvements have increased the home’s square footage and overall market value.
4. The Appraisal Report: What It Includes
Once an appraiser measures your home, they provide a detailed report with important information.
- Certified Measurements: The report will list the exact square footage of your home and detail how the measurements were calculated.
- Valuation Insights: An appraiser may also include details about how your home’s measurements influence its market value.
You can use this report to update your listing, appeal tax assessments, or make renovation plans. Learn more about the benefits of hiring an appraiser on our 7 Facts About Appraisals Every Homeowner Needs to Know page.
5. When Should You Hire an Appraiser for Measurement Services?
There are several scenarios when hiring an appraiser for measurements is particularly beneficial.
1. Before Selling Your Home
Before listing your home, accurate square footage ensures you price your property correctly. It also helps avoid buyer disputes over the size of the home.
2. Major Renovations
Before making major renovations it would be a good idea to consult with an appraiser to understand how those changes will affect the market value of your property.
If you’ve already added square footage through a home extension, an appraiser can confirm the new measurements. This ensures that your renovations are reflected in your home’s value.
3. For Tax Disputes
If you believe your property tax assessment is too high based on incorrect square footage, hiring an appraiser can provide certified measurements to contest the assessment.
Ultimately, the cost of Measurement Services is a Small Price
Hiring an appraiser for measurement services is a small price to pay for a smart move for homeowners.
Accurate measurements help you set the right price, build buyer confidence, and protect against legal issues.
Whether you’re selling, renovating, or dealing with tax assessments, professional appraisals provide the clarity and assurance you need.
This post will show you why the measurements of your house are important.
