What Is a Home Measurement & Floor Plan Service?

Accurate Property Measurements, Gross Living Area & Floor Plans

A professional home measurement service provides an accurate record of a property's physical dimensions, layout, and, when applicable, Gross Living Area (GLA).

During a measurement assignment, a residential appraiser measures the relevant portions of the property and documents the property's layout. Depending on the scope of the assignment, the resulting report may include a detailed sketch or floor plan showing room dimensions, overall building dimensions, and other significant features.

Accurate property measurements can be useful to homeowners, buyers, sellers, real estate agents, and other real estate professionals when existing property records are incomplete, outdated, or inconsistent with the property as it currently exists.

How Does a Home Measurement & Floor Plan Service Work?

The process begins with an on-site inspection of the property. The appraiser uses appropriate measurement equipment, which may include a tape measure or laser measuring device, to document the relevant dimensions.

During the inspection, the appraiser observes and documents the property's layout, including rooms, hallways, closets, entryways, and other significant areas. The measurements are then used to develop a property sketch or floor plan consistent with the scope of the assignment.

Depending on the service requested, the finished product may document:

• Exterior building dimensions

• Individual room dimensions

• Overall floor-plan layout

• Gross Living Area (GLA), when applicable

• Attached and detached areas

• Porches, patios, garages, and other ancillary areas

• Other significant property features

The finished measurement or floor plan provides a documented representation of the property that can be used for the intended purpose of the assignment.

What Is Gross Living Area (GLA)?

Gross Living Area (GLA) generally refers to the above-grade finished living area of a residential property that meets the applicable measurement and reporting criteria.

It is important to understand that not every enclosed or finished area automatically qualifies as GLA. Areas such as garages, unfinished spaces, certain additions, porches, and other portions of a property may be measured and reported separately depending on their characteristics and the applicable measurement methodology.

For this reason, simply adding room dimensions together or relying on public-record square footage may not produce the same result as a professional measurement.

When Is a Home Measurement or Floor Plan Useful?

Reviewing Property Tax Records

Property tax and public-record information can sometimes contain discrepancies in reported building size or other property characteristics. If you believe the information associated with your property is inaccurate, a professional measurement can provide documented information for you to review with the appropriate property tax authority.

A measurement does not guarantee a reduction in property taxes. Any change to an assessment is determined by the applicable taxing authority and its review process.

Selling a Home

Accurate property information is important when preparing a home for sale. If the reported square footage differs from the property's actual measurements, a professional measurement can help identify the discrepancy before the property is marketed.

An accurate floor plan can also help prospective buyers understand the home's layout and relationship between rooms.

While GLA is an important characteristic considered in residential valuation, square footage alone does not determine a property's market value or eventual selling price. Location, condition, quality, site characteristics, amenities, market conditions, and other factors also influence value.

Documenting Renovations & Additions

If your property has undergone an addition, enclosure, conversion, or significant renovation, an updated measurement can provide documentation of the property's current configuration.

This can be particularly useful when existing records or previous listings do not accurately reflect the property as it currently exists.

For Real Estate Agents

Accurate property measurements and professional floor plans can provide additional information when preparing a property for market.

A floor plan can be a useful marketing resource because prospective buyers can review the home's layout, room relationships, and dimensions before or after a showing.

For properties with unusual layouts, additions, split-level designs, guest areas, or other unique characteristics, a floor plan can provide information that photographs alone may not communicate.

Why Use a Residential Appraiser?

A professional measurement performed by an experienced residential appraiser provides more than a simple estimate of square footage. The appraiser considers how the property's various areas should be measured and reported based on the characteristics of the property and the intended use of the assignment.

At DiCicco & Associates, our residential appraisal experience gives us a detailed understanding of how property size, layout, quality, condition, and utility are analyzed in residential real estate valuation.

Our measurement and floor plan services can help provide reliable property information for homeowners, sellers, buyers, and real estate professionals.

Professional Home Measurement & Floor Plan Services

DiCicco & Associates provides residential property measurement, GLA measurement, and floor plan services throughout Southeast Florida and Metro Atlanta.

With more than 25 years of residential appraisal experience, we can help you determine the appropriate measurement service for your property's needs.

Need your home measured or a professional floor plan prepared? Contact DiCicco & Associates today to discuss your property measurement needs.