Miss
The Living Square area includes the house (Dot is correct, measured from the outside). It does not include unpermitted space, such as crawl spaces, it does not include the garage (unless part is permitted).

Most Realtors rely on assessor's records for living square area. Assessor's records are based on recorded building permits, which is why unpermitted improvements (converted garages, carports, etc.) do not count toward living square area, nor would they be covered by fire insurance if the house was damaged by fire because legally they do not exist.

If you have concerns about the permitted living square area, call the LA Dept. of Building and Safety and you can obtain copies of the building permits.

Dear Misslivvy,

I know that you are in Los Angeles and I am in Wisconsin, however, I would strongly advise that you preview the home itself for many reasons.

All states have different criteria. In fact, in Wisconsin, the criteria for square footage varies from municipality to municipality.

And in some cases, depending on who you talk to within the same municipalites, that varies as well.

My experience has proven time and time again that you need to choose the home by location, price, type and whatever else appeals to you. Then take the time to view the home in person. That is really the only way to know for sure whether it will work for you.

A perfect example of this would be: I have a home that I am getting ready to list that has 1200 square feet on the first floor. It has a finished basement with no egress windows. It has a third floor that has been completely roughed in with 2x4s, plumbing, electric and more, but because it is unfinished, I am getting many different answers from the municipality as far as whether or not I can include that extra square footage.

If I could use all of the living space it would total in excess of 3000 square feet. You be the judge.

In addition, I have found that you can have a $3000 square foot home wherein the layout is so bad that much of the space is unuseable and actually lends itself to a more realistic space of maybe $2200 square feet.

I don't mean to be confusing, but I truly believe that the only way to judge whether or not a home is going to work for you, whether it be the space or the layout, is to actually view it in person.

Hope this helps.

Linda S. Cefalu, Realtor
ABR, SRES, CDPE
Recipient of Five Star Agent
Award 2008 & 2009 for Best
In Client Satisfaction
BNI member in good standing.

Misslivvy,

In California the square footage is usually measured around the perimeter of the house and does not include garages. It does include the rooms that are considered living space such as closets, hallways, bathrooms, laundry rooms.

Please let me know if you have any other questions!

All my best,
Dot Chance
Keller Williams Realty

In Florida, square footage includes all areas under roof that are heated. That excludes garages, lanais, and Florida rooms that are not heated.

Hi MissLivvy
The square footage includes all the finished living spaces and rooms - yes.. to... closets, hallways, bathrooms, laundry rooms - no... to garages or unfinished basements or attics (some measurements may include basements if they are finished and walkout), but usually the sq. footage for the basement will be listed separately if it is finished space. For the most part, the square footage will include the main living space.

Good luck!
Debbie Rose
Prudentialn NJ Properties