From The ValuVault: What Really Counts as Square Footage

Charlie Johnson drills into ANSI rules so you don’t miscount—and misprice—your living area.

– Only finished, above-grade space goes in Gross Living Area (GLA)

– Basements? Nope—even luxe ones with bars & bowling alleys

– Attics need ≥ 7-ft ceilings and permanent stairs to qualify

– Finished garages never count; enclosed porches only if heated & finished to main-house quality

– Inflated square footage can blow up contracts when the appraisal comes in short

📌 Appraisers: Stick to ANSI, flag MLS/public-record mismatches before they derail the deal. 📌 Agents/Sellers: When in doubt, get a certified measurement—accuracy builds trust and keeps contracts alive.

Square footage can make—or break—a deal. Know what counts. Measure it out. 📐