What is Area Total in Real Estate Square Footage Measurements?
If you've ever bought or sold property, you've probably noticed various square footage numbers listed. Some might refer to living space, others to the whole property. I'm here to clear up any confusion about Area Total - a critical measurement that can make a big difference in your real estate decisions.
Area Total: The complete measurement of a property's size expressed in square feet, including all interior and exterior spaces. This measurement typically includes the main living areas, garage, covered porches, and any other structures that are part of the property.
Components of Area Total
Let's break down what makes up the Area Total of a property. Starting with interior spaces, you'll find all the rooms you live in day-to-day. This includes your bedrooms, living rooms, kitchen, bathrooms, and those valuable storage closets. If you have a finished basement, that's part of it too.
Moving outside, the Area Total calculation picks up your garage (whether attached or detached), those relaxing covered porches, and your outdoor living spaces like patios. Don't forget about those extra buildings on your property - pool houses, workshops, or that cute guest house you use for visitors.
The Significance of Area Total
Your property's Area Total plays a huge role in its value. Think about it - two houses might look similar from the street, but if one has a workshop and covered patio while the other doesn't, their Area Totals will differ significantly. This affects everything from your property's market price to your insurance coverage.
For sellers, Area Total becomes a powerful marketing tool. It shows buyers the full scope of usable space they're getting for their money. Plus, many states require accurate Area Total measurements in property listings - it's not just nice to have, it's often the law.
Measurement Standards You Should Know
Real estate professionals follow specific guidelines when calculating Area Total:
ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standards
Local real estate board requirements
Professional appraiser methods
Different Types of Square Footage Measurements
Area Total isn't the only square footage measurement you'll encounter. Here's how it differs from other common terms:
Gross Living Area (GLA): Only includes finished, above-grade living space
Heated Square Footage: Areas that are climate-controlled
Net Square Footage: Usable floor space excluding walls
Smart Tips for Property Owners
Keep detailed records of your property's measurements. If you've made additions or improvements, update your records. While DIY measurements might work for furniture placement, professional measurements matter for property transactions.
Common Measurement Mistakes to Avoid
I see these mistakes pop up regularly:
Measuring from outside walls instead of inside
Including non-qualified spaces in living area calculations
Forgetting to account for stairs and two-story spaces
Working with Real Estate Professionals
Professional appraisers bring precision to Area Total measurements. They know exactly what to include and exclude. Real estate agents use these measurements to market your property effectively and set appropriate pricing.
Taking Action
Accurate Area Total measurements protect both buyers and sellers. They're fundamental to fair property valuation and successful real estate transactions.
At Bellhaven Real Estate, we provide exact measurements and clear explanations of your property's Area Total. Our team knows which spaces count and how to present your property's full value to potential buyers.
Don't guess at your property's Area Total - reach out to us for professional measurement services and expert guidance through your real estate transaction.