It states that there needs to be at least a minimum of 5 of ceiling height for the space to be counted as part of the gross living area gla.
Finished attic part of gla appraisal.
The below grade finished square footage of a house is the sum of finished areas on levels that are wholly or partly below grade.
There are several criteria that must be met in order for this area to be included.
Finished basements and attic areas are not generally included in gross living area.
If a room which meets guideline 5 and should be included in gla has a sloping ceiling the appraiser should consider the 5 foot height rule for calculating livable space.
In the diagram above only the area that has a the ceiling height of 5 feet would be counted as living area.
Gla is defined by the dictionary of real estate appraisal as the total area of finished above grade residential space.
Here s a picture to help you understand it.
Gla and attic space though some homeowners don t use their attics as living space appraisers can factor these sections into gla.
The erc guideline also states.
A requirement is that attic ceilings have a height of at least 5 feet.
I m a home owner that recently had an appraisal done.
The shape and quality of finish is usually inferior to the first floors and fnma guidelines allows one to do it that way.
I have a single story house it has 5 bedrooms 4 bath 3 rooms and 2 baths are separated by a breezeway the appraiser said the 3 rooms are not part of the gla.
Fannie mae and ansi are both consistent with this definition.
Calculated by measuring the outside perimeter of the structure and includes only finished habitable above grade living space.
Included in the calculation would be only that floor area for which there is a vertical distance of 5 or more feet between floor and ceiling.
Above and below grade finished areas the above grade finished square footage of a house is the sum of finished areas on levels that are entirely above grade.
The rooms have their own heat and air covered by the same roof.
Similar to below grade rooms this space is given value in part of the appraisal other than gla.
So in an a frame home gla includes the rectangular cutout of the attic space that would otherwise constitute.
The fannie mae selling guide does not specifically identify any requirements for inclusion of finished attic spaces or ceiling heights.
Ansi is pretty clear that for a finished area to be included in total gla it must be connected to the main house by a continuous finished area such as hallways or staircases so keep this in mind when planning your next addition and you will get maximum value for your investment.