Measuring a Home's Square Footage

How to Measure Your Home's Square Footage in North Carolina

One of the often misquoted aspects of a home's features is the square footage. This vital information is used by buyers and real estate agents to quickly value a home's price based on the price per square foot. It's important to note that the methods many home builders use to describe square footage is often an interior or "floor space."

North Carolina Square Footage Guidelines

While each state has their own set of guidelines, North Carolina has compiled a full set of standards in the Residential Square Footage Guidelines booklet published by the North Carolina Real Estate Commission. If you bought a home the listing agent was required to measure or have a professional measure a home before listing it in the Triad MLS to verify accuracy. Also, before a home is purchased the appraiser will measure it a second time to confirm the homes square footage as part of their valuation. You can check for your homes square footage on marketing documents or your old appraisal.

North Carolina Living Area Criteria

1. Heated by a Conventional Heating System
2. Finished with Walls, Floors, and Ceilings
3. Directly Accessible from Other Living Area

Square Footage Quick Tips

• Fireplaces outside an exterior wall do not count toward square footage, but fireplaces contained inside an exterior wall do
• Ceilings must be 7' or higher (excludes beams and ductwork)
• Second floors in 1.5 storied houses similar to a Cape Cod styled homes do not include any square footage with ceiling heights less than 5'
• Flights of stairs count as square footage for levels they provide access to.

If you want to double check the size of a home before selling it we would be happy to have help when measuring. If you are planning on going it alone and sell by owner be sure to follow the strict guidelines in the Residential Square Footage Guidelines so as not to false advertise.

If you'd like some help give us a call we've measured hundreds of houses! 336-265-7253