How Will ANSI Measurement Standard Going to Improve Appraisal Accuracy?

[Stantheman]

Surely it will help, especially if they require measurements to three decimal places. 18.345' for example.

Remember Chemistry? You can't get a "Real Number" out to 3 decimals with a tape measure.

 

[Mark K]

Remember Chemistry? You can't get a "Real Number" out to 3 decimals with a tape measure.

How can I forget? You're talking to a guy that took first year engineering classes with a slide ruler.

Some appraisers think you can get laser accuracy in a report when the comps are measured with a yard stick or a knotted rope.

 

[Carnivore]

Well it may or may not make a difference in relative accuracy.

Now if i can get the agents to use only ANSI and not this https://www.ncrec.gov/Brochures/Measurement booklet 2013.pdf

Either way the above is based in part from ansi.

What I see happening is STIPS because your one foot difference than some others jokers drawing

 

[Elliott]

NC prepared an excellent, logical brochure. It says,

"When reporting square footage, real estate agents should carefully follow these
Guidelines or any other standards that are comparable to them, including those
approved by the American National Standards Institute, Inc. (ANSI) which are
recognized by the North Carolina Real Estate Commission as comparable standards.*

So how do ANSI standards differ?

 

[BRCJR]

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I once tried to find ANSI standards and couldn't even find it. So maybe its a fiction or you have to go to architect school. It is better to stick to a common standard in your area and be consistent.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

Builder plans and architects use the same level of accuracy.

Having drafted architect's plans in a previous life, I can say that they do not measure the same way as ANSI- and even the AMS standard which differs from ANSI. But I've yet to see an assessor claim to measure by either AMS or ANSI. Architects measure by the stud walls sometimes, but by the sheathing at others. And the worst type of measure is by the center of the wall which, of course, is a hopeless form of measurement be you an appraiser or a builder. And depending upon the trusses, etc. They may have the sheathing flush with the foundation, especially when bricking.

Anyone trying to measure any of that within 0.1' is fooling only themselves.

 

[TruJa]

Except when the realtor or assessor are 10-20% off (I come across it about 1-2x per year). I agree with your main point though, 100sf+/- doesn't matter.

100sf +/- does

Having drafted architect's plans in a previous life, I can say that they do not measure the same way as ANSI- and even the AMS standard which differs from ANSI. But I've yet to see an assessor claim to measure by either AMS or ANSI. Architects measure by the stud walls sometimes, but by the sheathing at others. And the worst type of measure is by the center of the wall which, of course, is a hopeless form of measurement be you an appraiser or a builder. And depending upon the trusses, etc. They may have the sheathing flush with the foundation, especially when bricking.

Anyone trying to measure any of that within 0.1' is fooling only themselves.

The county I'm in claims to measure with ANSI, and sometimes I have been surprised at how close their measurements are, but they aren't consistent ..... they must have at least 1 OCD appraiser working for them though. Surrounding counties won't even post their sketches.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

Surrounding counties won't even post their sketches.

All our counties post sketches and all are to the 1 foot level. So none therefore are "ANSI" or AMS standards - see why below? No tenths...

Delaware County OK
Benton County AR



Washington Co. AR

Mayes Co., OK

 

[Fernando]

Each property is unique and each appraiser needs to make judgement call in how to approach what should be included in total gross area.
I'm about to do one and it has a finished basement. Ugh. After seeing, I decide how I calculate it and compare to the comps.
We wish we had a standard way of measuring and including in the gross area especially for newbies to easily follow.
Experienced appraisers make the judgement call (at least Fernando does) in how to calculate the gross area.

 

[TruJa]

Here is one from the OCD appraiser who works at the assessor's office...