Understanding the ins and outs of your home’s square footage can be a game-changer, especially when you’re diving into the world of real estate. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious about your property’s value, one question often pops up: Does a garage count as square footage?
What Is Total House Square Footage?
Before we dive into the specifics of garages, let’s get a handle on what total house square footage really means in the world of residential real estate.
Defining Total Square Footage
Total square footage is the sum of all the space within a home’s walls. This includes everything from your cozy living room to the nooks and crannies of your attic. But, as we’ll see, not all spaces are created equal when it comes to square footage calculations.
Types of Square Footage Measurements
There are two main types of square footage measurements you’ll come across:
- Living Area: This is the space that’s actually livable and includes areas like bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens.
- Gross Area: This encompasses the living area plus any additional spaces like garages, basements, and attics.
How Appraisers and Real Estate Agents Calculate Square Footage
Appraisers and real estate agents use specific methods to measure a home’s square footage. They’ll typically take into account the home’s floor plan, measure each room, and then add up the totals. However, the inclusion or exclusion of specific spaces, such as garages, can vary depending on industry standards and local practices.
Why Total Square Footage Matters
Understanding a home’s total square footage is crucial for several reasons:
- Buyers: Knowing the exact square footage helps buyers compare properties and make informed decisions.
- Sellers: Accurate square footage can impact a home’s listing price and appeal to potential buyers.
- Appraisers: Appraisers use square footage to determine a home’s value for loans, insurance, and tax purposes.
How Are Garages Typically Treated in Square Footage Calculations?
Now, let’s zoom in on the star of our show: the garage. How do garages factor into square footage calculations, and what are the industry standards?
Industry Standards and Guidelines
The treatment of garages in square footage calculations can vary based on several factors, including:
- Attached vs. Detached Garages: Attached garages are more likely to be included in the gross area, while detached garages might be listed separately.
- Finished vs. Unfinished Garages: A finished garage with amenities like heating and insulation might be considered part of the living area, while an unfinished space might not.
- Heated vs. Unheated Garages: Heated garages may be more likely to be included in square footage calculations, as they can be used year-round.
Key Terms to Know
When discussing garages and square footage, you might come across these terms:
- Living Area: The space within a home that’s suitable for living, including bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens.
- Gross Living Area: The total living area plus any additional spaces like garages and basements.
- Bonus Space: A space that’s not typically included in the living area but can add value to a home, like a finished garage.
Real Estate Listing Examples: Garage Inclusion or Exclusion
Let’s take a look at how popular real estate platforms handle garage space in their listings and how this can impact buyer perception.
How Real Estate Platforms Display Garage Space
Platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin have their own ways of presenting garage information:
- Zillow: Typically lists garage size separately from the home’s square footage.
- Realtor.com: May include garage space in the total square footage or list it separately, depending on the listing.
- Redfin: Often includes a separate section for garage details, but the inclusion in square footage varies.
Examples of Listings with or Without Garage Square Footage
Here are a couple of examples to illustrate how garage space can be treated in listings:
- Example 1: A home listed at 2,000 square feet with a 500-square-foot attached garage. The listing might show the total as 2,500 square feet or keep the garage separate.
- Example 2: A home with a detached 300-square-foot garage might have the garage listed separately, with the home’s square footage at 1,800 square feet.
Impact on Buyer Perception
The way garages are presented in listings can influence how buyers perceive a property:
- Inclusion: Including garage space in the total square footage can make a home appear larger and more valuable.
- Exclusion: Excluding garage space might make the living area seem smaller, but it can provide a clearer picture of the actual living space.
Local Market Variation
Keep in mind that how garages are treated in square footage calculations can vary by local market. In some areas, garage space might be the norm, while in others, it is less familiar.
Impact on Property Value and Home Appraisals
Now, let’s explore how the inclusion or exclusion of garage space can affect a home’s value and appraisal.
How Garage Inclusion/Exclusion Affects Home Appraisal Values
Appraisers consider several factors when assessing a home’s value, including:
- Size and Condition: The size and condition of the garage can impact its value contribution to the home.
- Functionality: A garage that’s used as a workshop or additional living space might be valued differently than a standard garage.
Adding a Garage or Converting a Garage
If you’re considering adding a garage or converting an existing one, here’s what you need to know:
- Adding a Garage: Adding a garage can increase a home’s square footage and potentially its value, depending on the local market.
- Converting a Garage: Converting a garage into living space can increase the home’s living area and value, but it might also impact parking and storage.
Tips for Homeowners Considering Garage Remodeling or Conversion
If you’re thinking about remodeling or converting your house garage, keep these tips in mind:
- Assess Your Needs: Consider how you’ll use the space and whether it aligns with your long-term goals.
- Budget Wisely: Remodeling or converting a garage can be costly, so make sure you have a clear budget in place.
- Consult Professionals: Work with contractors, architects, and appraisers to ensure your project is done right and adds value to your home.
How Appraisers Assess Garage Space
Appraisers use several methods to assess garage space:
- Comparable Sales: They’ll look at recent sales of similar homes with garages to determine the value contribution.
- Cost Approach: They might calculate the cost of building a similar garage to assess its value.
- Income Approach: In some cases, they might consider the potential rental income from a garage to assess its value.
Legal and Tax Implications of Including Garage Space
Including garage space in your home’s square footage can have legal and tax implications that you should be aware of.
How Square Footage Including Garages May Affect Property Taxes
Including garage space in your home’s square footage can impact your property taxes:
- Higher Assessments: A larger square footage might result in a higher assessed value and, therefore, higher property taxes.
- Tax Benefits: In some cases, converting a garage into living space might qualify for tax benefits or deductions.
Building Codes and Permits
When remodeling or converting a garage, you’ll need to navigate building codes and permits:
- Zoning Regulations: Check local zoning regulations to ensure your project is allowed.
- Building Permits: Obtain the necessary permits before starting any work to avoid fines or delays.
- Inspections: Schedule inspections to ensure your project meets safety and building standards.
Differences at State and County Levels
Keep in mind that the treatment of garage space can vary by state and county:
- Taxable Living Space: Some areas might consider garage space as taxable living space, while others might not.
- Assessment Practices: Appraisal practices and the inclusion of garage space can differ based on local standards.
Potential Tax Benefits and Pitfalls
When considering garage space and taxes, be aware of potential benefits and pitfalls:
- Benefits: Converting a garage into living space might qualify for tax deductions or credits.
- Pitfalls: Including garage space in your home’s square footage could result in higher property taxes without a corresponding increase in value.
FAQs: Common Questions About Garage and Square Footage
Let’s address some of the most common questions about garages and square footage:
Does a Garage Count in the Appraised Square Footage of a House?
The inclusion of a garage in a home’s appraised square footage can vary:
- Appraiser Discretion: Appraisers have some discretion in how they treat garage space based on industry standards and local practices.
- Attached vs. Detached: Attached garages are more likely to be included in the gross area, while detached garages might be listed separately.
Can a Finished Garage Count as Living Space?
A finished garage can potentially be considered living space:
- Heating and Insulation: A garage with heating and insulation might be regarded as part of the living area.
- Permits and Codes: Converting a garage into living space requires meeting building codes and obtaining permits.
How Does a Garage Conversion Affect Home Insurance?
Converting a garage can impact your home insurance:
- Coverage Adjustments: You might need to adjust your coverage to account for the new living space.
- Increased Value: A converted garage might increase your home’s value and, therefore, your insurance premiums.
Why Might Sellers List a Home’s Square Footage Without the Garage Area?
Sellers might choose to list a home’s square footage without the garage area for several reasons:
- Clarity: Excluding the garage can provide a clearer picture of the actual living space.
- Market Norms: In some markets, it’s common to list square footage without the garage area.
What Impacts Do Garages Have on Home Resale Potential?
Garages can have several impacts on a home’s resale potential:
- Storage and Parking: A garage provides valuable storage and parking space, which can be attractive to buyers.
- Additional Living Space: A converted garage can add living space and potentially increase a home’s value.
- Local Market: The impact of a garage on resale potential can vary based on the local market and buyer preferences.
Tips for Homeowners and Buyers
Whether you’re a homeowner or a buyer, here are some tips to help you navigate the world of modern house garages and square footage:
Clarifying Square Footage in Listings and Appraisals
- Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask real estate agents or appraisers about how garage space is treated in the square footage.
- Read the Fine Print: Pay attention to how square footage is presented in listings and appraisal reports.
Questions to Ask Real Estate Agents About Garage Inclusion
- Is the garage included in the listed square footage?
- How is the garage treated in the appraisal?
- Are there any local market norms regarding garage inclusion?
Understanding Inspection Reports Related to Garage Spaces
- Structural Integrity: Pay attention to any issues with the garage’s structure or foundation.
- Electrical and Plumbing: Check for any electrical or plumbing concerns if the garage has been converted into a living space.
Advice on Garage Remodeling to Maximize Space and Value
- Assess Your Needs: Consider how you’ll use the space and whether a remodel aligns with your long-term goals.
- Budget Wisely: Set a clear budget for your garage remodel to avoid overspending.
- Consult Professionals: Work with contractors, architects, and appraisers to ensure your project adds value to your home.
