1. What is Residential Square Footage?

Residential square footage refers to the total living area of a home, excluding non-living spaces like garages. It's a key metric in real estate valuation and property assessment.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• \( Living\,Space \) — Total area of all living spaces in square feet
• \( Garage \) — Area of garage space in square feet

Explanation: This calculation provides the net living area by excluding garage space from the total square footage.

3. Importance of Accurate Calculation

Details: Accurate residential square footage is crucial for property valuation, tax assessment, insurance purposes, and comparing similar properties.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter living space and garage areas in square feet. Measurements should be precise for accurate results. Garage area can be zero if not applicable.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What counts as living space?
A: Living space includes all heated, habitable areas: bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, etc. It excludes garages, attics, and unfinished basements.

Q2: Should I include basement square footage?
A: Only include finished, habitable basement space that meets local building codes for living areas.

Q3: How do I measure my living space?
A: Measure the length and width of each room, multiply to get square footage, then sum all rooms. For irregular spaces, break them into rectangles.

Q4: Why exclude garage space?
A: Garages are not considered living space as they're not heated/cooled or designed for continuous occupancy.

Q5: Does this match appraisal measurements?
A: Most appraisers use similar methods, but there may be slight variations in what's included based on local standards.