How to Calculate the Square Feet of a Home

Whether you’re looking for a new home or are trying to sell, it's important to know how much space each property offers. To do this, you need an accurate way to estimate the square footage of the home. It’s important to know that not all measurements are done the same way, so you may see measurements on websites and in other materials that may be of the same home, but have different square footages. All of these are only estimates. To guide your search and ensure proper measurements, what follows is an easy-to-understand breakdown of how to estimate the square feet in a home.

All About Home Square Footage

First, keep in mind that any home is made up of rooms, and each room has its own measurement. Start by drawing a map of your home. It’s important to measure each room separately, even those with special outcroppings or features. (Always double-check your math!)

Note that this method differs from how an appraiser would measure. When an appraiser calculates the square footage, they often start with the outside or exterior measurements. Once they get that basic square footage number, they begin subtracting where needed to get the “Gross Living Area” or GLA of the home, which includes all finished livable space above ground.

What’s Included in The Square Footage of a House?

Knowing the factors that impact a home's square footage is important. Whether it’s extra storage or an inviting porch, understanding what does and doesn't count will help you get the most out of your space.

Things That Don’t Count in Home Square Footage

These factors don’t make the cut:

• Unconditioned below-grade or underground basements/spaces

• Unconditioned attic spaces with low ceilings

• Unpermitted and unfinished rooms or additions

• Loft spaces with ladder-only access

• Attached garages (the shared wall will act as the outside wall)

• Any completely separate areas from the house, such as detached garages, pool houses, and/or guesthouses

Basically, you cannot count spaces that you can't access from the main house's finished area. These areas still hold value, though. When you list your home, market these unique spots as "bonus rooms.”

Things That Do Count in Home Square Footage

These overlooked spaces do count towards your home’s square footage:

• Hallways

• Closets

• Finished attic rooms, if the ceiling is high enough

• Finished above-ground basements, if the ceiling is high enough

• Upstairs rooms with stair access from the main home

When considering a potential home, look at the tax records; they often include helpful information. Check if permits were pulled for any remodeling. If there isn’t a permit but remodeling has been done, reconsider. High-quality homes should be permitted for everything. Don’t automatically trust the advertised square footage of a home. Do your homework to avoid overpaying for a property that doesn’t have as much square footage as you thought.

With new construction homes, you’ll often receive floor plans showcasing each room's dimensions and the entire space's measurements, so you can make a confident, informed decision. 

Just like appraisers, architects often measure around a house's exterior walls for a base number, though it leaves out deductions. With builders, agents, and homeowners all measuring differently, varying dimensions are common, so do your research.

Take Your Own Home Measurements

As a homeowner, you can and should make your own square footage estimate. But when it’s time to sell, hire a professional. You can find someone by calling your local building department or Association of Realtors®. Once you have all of your numbers, you can go to the County Tax Assessor’s office and ask for confirmation, since taxes are most often calculated by square footage. Finally, never underestimate the hidden potential of a space, even if it's not quantifiable at first glance. Those spots could be the thing that boosts your property's value.

Remember that a home's true value is not just determined by its size, but by how efficiently and beautifully the space is utilized. With a little bit of creativity, you can turn any size home into a cozy and welcoming space. At Pulte, we believe in creating spaces that have More Life Built In® through our innovative designs. Discover stunning floor plans and check out Pulte's new home communities today!