{"id":17388,"date":"2025-07-18T02:50:21","date_gmt":"2025-07-18T09:50:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=17388"},"modified":"2025-07-28T10:46:03","modified_gmt":"2025-07-28T17:46:03","slug":"how-to-calculate-the-square-footage-of-your-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-calculate-the-square-footage-of-your-home\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Accurately Calculate the Square Footage of Your Home"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding how to calculate the square footage of a house is key when you&#8217;re buying, selling, or renovating a home. Square footage determines property value, tax assessments, and even how much flooring or paint you need.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But measuring a home\u2019s size isn\u2019t always as simple as it seems. Some areas count toward total square footage, while others, like garages and unfinished basements, may not. For example, in cities like<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/17151\/CA\/San-Francisco\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> San Francisco<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/29470\/IL\/Chicago\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chicago<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, local building codes can influence what counts as livable space.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Redfin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> guide will walk you through how to measure square footage accurately, what is and isn\u2019t included, and answer common questions, like \u201cIs a garage included in square footage?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>In this article:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"#how-is-square-footage-calculated\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How is the square footage of a house measured?<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"#what-counts-in-total-square-footage\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is included in a home\u2019s square footage?<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"#how-to-calculate-square-footage\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to calculate the square footage of a house<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"#irregular-spaces\">Tips for measuring irregular spaces<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"#why-accuracy-matters\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why accurate square footage matters<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"#FAQs\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FAQs<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-98758\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/How-to-buy-a-house-in-2025-5.jpg\" alt=\"How to calculate square footage of a house\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/How-to-buy-a-house-in-2025-5.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/How-to-buy-a-house-in-2025-5-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/How-to-buy-a-house-in-2025-5-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/How-to-buy-a-house-in-2025-5-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/How-to-buy-a-house-in-2025-5-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/How-to-buy-a-house-in-2025-5-945x630.jpg 945w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/How-to-buy-a-house-in-2025-5-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-is-square-footage-measured\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How is the square footage of a house measured?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Professional appraisers typically follow standards from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ansi.org\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\">American National Standards Institute (ANSI)<\/a> to measure a home\u2019s square footage. These guidelines provide a consistent way to calculate a home\u2019s size based on finished, livable space using exterior measurements.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s what ANSI requires when calculating square footage:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Measure from the exterior: <\/b>Appraisers measure the outside walls of each level, which includes wall thickness in the total.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Only finished, above-grade spaces count:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Finished areas must be heated, permanently enclosed, located above ground level, and accessible from the main house.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Measure each level separately:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> For multi-story homes, the finished area of each floor is measured on its own and then added together.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Ceiling height matters:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> To be included, spaces must have a ceiling height of at least 7 feet, or 6 feet 4 inches in areas under beams or sloped ceilings.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Exclude non-livable spaces: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Garages, unfinished attics or basements, and areas not directly connected to the main living space aren\u2019t counted. Finished basements are usually noted separately but aren\u2019t included in the official square footage under ANSI standards.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check local guidelines\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While ANSI guidelines are widely used, definitions of \u201clivable square footage\u201d can vary by location. Some cities, like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/11203\/CA\/Los-Angeles\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Los Angeles<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, exclude spaces like balconies or garages unless fully finished. In <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/30749\/NY\/New-York\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NYC<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, strict building codes may disqualify rooms without proper windows or ceiling height. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/16163\/WA\/Seattle\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seattle<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2019s zoning laws can also affect whether lofts or upper rooms count. Always check local regulations, especially when listing or appraising a home.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-counts-in-total-square-footage\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is included in a home\u2019s square footage?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before you break out the tape measure, it\u2019s important to understand what \u201csquare footage\u201d actually includes because not every part of a house counts toward its total square footage. Under ANSI guidelines, only finished, heated, and above-grade areas are included in a home\u2019s official square footage.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Areas typically included in the square footage of a house:<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finished, heated rooms (bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, sunrooms)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Closets, built-ins, hallways, and other finished interior spaces<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finished attics that meet ceiling height requirements<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Staircases (counted in the square footage of the floor they descend from)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Areas <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">not <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">typically included in total square footage:<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Garages<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Basements (finished basements are usually not included unless they meet livable space standards)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Attics or lofts that don\u2019t meet requirements<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Porches, balconies, and decks (unless fully enclosed, heated, and finished to the same standard as the home, they\u2019re excluded)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Detached structures (guest houses, sheds, ADUs, etc. are not included in the main square footage of a house)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Storage areas and crawl spaces<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-calculate-square-footage\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to calculate the square footage of a house<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 1: Divide your home into measurable sections<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instead of trying to measure the entire house in one go, break it into smaller, rectangular sections such as individual rooms, hallways, and closets. This method minimizes errors and makes calculations easier. For non-rectangular rooms (like L-shaped areas), divide them into smaller rectangles and measure each one separately.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sketching a basic floor plan can be helpful to keep track of your measurements and ensure no areas are missed. It doesn\u2019t need to be perfect \u2013 just clear enough to label dimensions and organize your measurements as you go.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 2: Measure each room<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use a tape measure or laser distance measurer.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Measure the <\/span><b>length<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>width<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of each room or section from <\/span><b>wall to wall<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, keeping the tape straight and level for accuracy. Your DIY measurement is useful for planning and estimating, but it may differ slightly from an appraiser\u2019s official square footage, which includes wall thickness and uses exterior dimensions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Record each measurement clearly on your floor plan sketch.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 3: Calculate square footage of each room<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The next step is to calculate the square footage of each space using this formula:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sq. feet = Length x Width<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take the <\/span><b>length<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>width<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> measurements you recorded for each room.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Multiply the length by the width to get the square footage of that section.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Repeat this process for every section of the home and note the square footage directly on your sketch.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, if a bedroom is <\/span><b>12 feet long<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>10 feet wide<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the calculation is:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i>12 x 10 = 120 square feet<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 4: Add up the square footage to find the total<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you\u2019ve measured each section, add all the values together to get the home\u2019s total square footage.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Example square footage calculation:<\/h3>\n<table style=\"height: 521px;\" width=\"1521\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Room<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Measurement (ft)<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Square Feet<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Living room<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15 \u00d7 20<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">300<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kitchen<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10 \u00d7 15<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">150<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bedroom 1<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12 \u00d7 10<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">120<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bedroom 2<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12 \u00d7 12<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">144<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bathroom<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8 \u00d7 6<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">48<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hallways &amp; closets<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">N\/A<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">100<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Total square footage<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>&#8211;<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>862 sq. ft.<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id=\"irregular-spaces\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tips for measuring irregular spaces<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your home isn\u2019t a simple rectangle, here\u2019s how to tackle more complex layouts:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>L-shaped areas:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0 Break the space into two rectangles. Measure each one separately, then add the totals together.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Triangular spaces: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Measure the base (widest part) and the height. This will help you estimate the overall area.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Circular areas (like turrets):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Measure straight across the center to get the diameter. From there, you can estimate the square footage or consult a professional for more precision.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Measuring multi-story homes<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Measure each floor separately.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Add up the square footage from all finished levels.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t include unfinished spaces like attics or basements unless they meet local criteria for livable space.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Measuring open floor plans<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Measure the full length and width of the open area.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Subtract any spaces that aren\u2019t considered livable.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"why-accuracy-matters\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why accurate square footage matters<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Knowing how to measure square footage correctly is important for:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Real estate listings: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buyers compare homes based on price per square foot.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/home-appraisal-process\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><b>Home appraisals<\/b><\/a><b>: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Square footage affects property value.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Renovations:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Knowing the exact dimensions helps with materials and budgeting.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Property taxes:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Local governments assess taxes based on your home\u2019s square footage.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Square footage plays a critical role in a home&#8217;s value, so both buyers and sellers should ensure the number is accurate. Even small discrepancies can impact home pricing, appraisals, and buyer negotiations. Here\u2019s what each party should consider:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For sellers: avoid overstating or understating your home\u2019s size<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Verify, don\u2019t assume:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Even if you have builder floor plans, the as-built square footage can differ from the original designs due to changes made during construction. Always measure independently or hire a professional appraiser.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Avoid pricing pitfalls:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Listing your home with incorrect square footage can lead to mispricing, which might scare off buyers if they later find discrepancies during an appraisal or inspection.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Legal and ethical considerations:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Misrepresenting square footage (even unintentionally) could lead to legal disputes or buyer demands for a lower price. Some states have disclosure laws requiring sellers to provide accurate home measurements.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For buyers: don\u2019t rely solely on listing numbers<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Check the measurements:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Real estate listings often pull square footage from tax records, which may not be updated or accurate. Ask for recent appraisals or measure the home yourself.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Know what\u2019s included:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Some listings may include non-livable areas like finished basements, sunrooms, or enclosed patios in the total square footage. Confirm what is counted, especially in states where rules differ.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Appraisal discrepancies can affect financing:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If the appraiser measures a lower square footage than what&#8217;s listed, it could impact mortgage approval and home value assessments, leading to renegotiations.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"FAQs\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FAQs: Calculating the square footage of a house<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is a garage included in square footage?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No, garages are generally not included in a home\u2019s official square footage. Even if attached or finished, garages are considered non-livable space and excluded from ANSI square footage calculations. However, garages may be noted separately in real estate listings.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do finished basements count toward the total square footage?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/does-a-basement-count-as-square-footage\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finished basements are typically not included<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the official square footage because they are below grade. They may be listed separately as additional finished space, but don\u2019t usually count toward the home\u2019s above-grade total.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In rare cases, if a basement is fully finished, heated, and has proper egress (windows or doors that meet building codes), certain local appraisal or MLS guidelines might count it toward total living space. Always check regional rules to know how basements are treated in your area.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why does my home\u2019s square footage differ between listings and tax records?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Square footage can vary because tax records, MLS listings, and appraisals may use different measurement standards or may not be updated. Tax records often use rough estimates and can be outdated.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can I measure the square footage myself?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, you can take your own measurements using the steps in this guide. However, for official purposes like selling or appraising, it\u2019s best to hire a professional who follows ANSI standards.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What\u2019s the difference between gross living area (GLA) and total finished area?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GLA typically refers to finished, above-grade living space measured to ANSI standards. Total finished area may include finished basements or other below-grade spaces but is reported separately.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Accurate square footage is key when buying or selling a home. 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