Comments on: How Big is My House?

By: Jack Schlenk

Jack Schlenk — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 15:40:37 +0000

In the comment section(s) of my appraisal report(s) I note the subject physical measurement(s) GLA, also the Assessor GLA, the Realist GLA and the MLS GLA. Note in some cases each of the above measurement are different. I explain to the report reader why I used the physical measurement GLA.
When I get the call “why is the Assessor GLA different from the report GLA”. I request the party asking to please review the data in the comments section of the report.

By: Richard

Richard — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 20:54:28 +0000

In reply to Joe.

I believe ANSI is 1/10th FOOT not INCH. You might want to read the standard before suggesting head examination.

Vinyl does stretch, metal does rust and break. Author is correct, fiberglass is preferred.

I don’t typically measure driveways either, but in the case of a 10,000 sq.ft. drive with pavers (think Gulf front mansion on Florida beach), underwriter would expect measurements to support the $60,000+ item in my cost approach.

By: Mike Ford

Mike Ford — Thu, 01 May 2014 19:58:26 +0000

Good comments John. I think the actual FHA standard for finished attic living area height is 5′, but 3 feet for legitimate second stories seems more reasonable to me, when coupled with photos that show the interior roof pitch-often on only one side.

Joe above apparently miss-read the ANSI standard. Its 1/10th of a foot OR one inch, depending on the type of tapes used, NOT 0.1 inch. Also he must be new if he is unaware if fiberglass tape stretch. Its easily an inch over a 100 foot run. If all one appraises are 25 foot long houses, maybe its not much of a factor, but its something one should be aware of.

Many assessors and building departments consider porches or entry stoops under the main roof in their building size estimates. It’s common for these ‘cut outs’ to account for minor size discrepancies.

By: Baggins

Baggins — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 20:25:51 +0000

John, I liked that article. Good read. Yeah, my favorite vinyl tape measure had stretched over the years. Had to quit using it because the results would be sometimes off by a half foot on a long measuring stretch. One day I used that old 100′ steel tape and figured out why my sketch power seemed to be dwindling. The steel tape is the best, but it is unruly to work with for tough measurements. / I like to put this comment in my sketch, to help remind people why it’s a mandated inclusion; “The sketch serves it’s intended purpose of verifying the county stated sq ft of the subject is generally accurate.” Sometimes also making a statement if the sketch came together well, or was difficult. / I count the inches, every one of them. It’s not always perfect, but the purpose is to seek validation of existing data points for proper credible comparisons. Every now and then, you find one with incorrect city records, sometimes substantially. Sizing verification is a very important aspect of appraisal. You try to be as accurate as possible. My sketches are pretty simplistic and I’m not a great sketch artist. The emphasis is on proper size and room count, for vital comparative points. Listing agents can change that number at will, depending on how the mls is set up. At least a general verification of proper size is a vital consideration point.

By: Retired Appraiser

Retired Appraiser — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 21:42:40 +0000

Submit $800 to your local bank ($400 for the bank/$400 for the appraiser) and someone will tell you.

Appraisers are unable to comment on valuation these days without the necessary kickback you see.

By: Joe

Joe — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 15:16:57 +0000

Any appraiser who is measuring to the 0.1 inch (ANSI) is insane and needs to have his head examined.

And you are actually worried that a vinyl tape may stretch. Are you kidding me?

Driveways and parking pads are measured? By whom?