Keep it simple....

Appraisers measure outside dimensions, delete "open areas" (two story rooms) and unheated areas. Anything even partially below grade is not considered living area. I'm an appraiser and broker - been doing this '89 so I know from where I speak - see this link as well - http://www.hrmiller.com/find-square-footage.asp

Hank

Multiply length times width to find the number of square feet in a square or rectangular room. Remember to calculate unfinished areas and deduct them from the total.
To calculate the area of a triangle, multiply its base length by its height and divide that figure by two.

Skeown,

The tax records are the resource that is most often used to determine the square footage of a home.

The correct answer is draw the diagram of the property on paper. Account for angles and measure correctly. Exterior measurements are the only way appraisers get actual square footage. Account for interior issues relating to vaulted ceilings or two story great rooms or foyers. This isn't actual "usable space". If you can't walk on a floor upstairs, you don't have square footage. Deduct for any space in the home that isn't heated. It isn't necessary to have air conditioning! Hope this helps.

You can do a google search or youtube amazing what you can find there are also electronic measures you can purchase from major retailer .

Direct link

http://www.ehow.com/how_5157478_measure-square-footage-house.html

Measure the width and the length of the outside of your home and times it. You can also go down to your tax department most of the time they would have it on file on your tax sheet. Best of luck.

Today appraisers usually measure exterior and allow for lost space from outside to inside. The 1st and 2nd floor are the most important as living space. A finished attic or basement are usually counted as extra space, and sometimes can add significant value if they are heated well. caution to any space requiring a permit as bonus space. many many homeowners often just finish spaces woth no permit than when a transfer occurs they may be stuck with this task after the fact.......
Thanks for the question
Maureen Toombs
Pittsford, NY 14534
585-389-1031

The appraiser will always measure the home from the outside. They draw a diagram and measure each side of the building including the garage. They then deduct for the garage to obtain an accurate square footage of living space...That is how the value of your home is determined...

The appraiser's measurement is typically considered reliable by the bank and insurance companies. I'm no math wiz, but I know they measure the lengths of the walls from the EXTERIOR of the property - not the inside room dimensions. Hopefully someone will jump in and tell you how to do that calculation when it's not a perfect square or rectangle (: I'm not sure how to explain it in a few words, but it's a matter of drawing the footprint and breaking it down to squares and rectangles that can be measured and added together. Hope that helps you.

It should be done room by room to be the most accurate. You will not include the garage as it is not living space. A room that is 10' X 10' will be will be 100 sq ft.. You will add up every room in the house until you arrive at your square footage. Hope this helps.
Lawana Dalton
lighthouse_assoc@att.net