ANSI and rounding

[Tim Hicks (Texas)]

I picked up this link from one of Lee Ann's posts. It is regarding ANSI and the proper way to measure a home. When I trained, I was taught to round to the nearest tenth when measuring. I was shocked at how many appraisers calmly stated that they rounded to the half foot and nearest foot. This link says we are supposed to round to the nearest tenth or inch. So why are so many appraisers rounding to the half foot or foot? I have noticed a few sanctions against appraisers by our state board including taking a class regarding the ANSI requirements.

here is the link: http://www.frea.com/frea/sq_ft.htm

Any comments?

 

[Richard Carlsen]

Tell me how you can determine to a tenth of a foot when the tape is hooked to the backside of the vinyl corner post and the is stretch out for 72 feet over porches, decks, bushes and door runs in 16 degree weather?

Houses generally are built to a logic consisting of 2 foot increments. Sure the foot print may be 26 feet and 3 inches on either end for siding. isn’t 26.5 close enough.

I don't think a 10th of a foot is realistic or really matters that much. And the difference is generally not significant. Example: a 28 by 36 Chalet may have 1008 SF on the main level while if it were measured to the 10th of a foot with siding and all at exactly 28.2 by 36.2 you have 1018sf. That is about 20sf difference. I don't make an adjustment under 50sf in the sales grid but if I did, 20SF @$25/SF is a $500 adjustment. A $500 adjustment on a $140,000 house is 0.00357% or less than ½ of 1%. As I've said before and will say again, I consider myself a fairly good appraiser but I'm not 1% smart.

I think getting that exact is much ado about nothing.

 

[Soar Ohio]

I measure to what ever the comps have been maeasured to. I like to compare apples to apples whenever I can. I have never seen a MLS or county record that does not round to the foot or 1/2 foot in my neck of the woods.

 

[Ken in Arkansas]

Richard -

You are right, an inch here or there doesn't necessarily make a significant difference. I have used a tape graduated in tenths rather than inches for years. When I write down a dimension, that is what I use in my calculations, no need to convert from inches to tenths. Trying to keep it simple.

Ken Bethge

 

[jtrotta]

Richard

will have to agree with you here; also do not know of any builders that "charge" per 10th inch :wink: They will in general charge to the rounded up figure; just as will a Bank, when charging a Fee.
aside from that, in my 30+ years in the Real Estate business (and I've sold millions of dollars of Real Estate) - I have yet to meet a Buyer that has purchased a property soley on the SF size of the dwelling. They are only impressed by SF if, the Realtor is using it in their sales pitch. Think about it

8)

 

[Tim Hicks (Texas)]

Every 100 foot tape measure I have ever bought has had one side with inches and one side with tenths. When you don't round it is easier to square a home. You don't have to worry about rounding down this time because you rounded up the last time or you will be a foot off on the back. My argument is if you took the time to measure the property and you know the exact measurement, report it. Don't water down your work. You guys and girls are going to do whatever you want to do, so this is a mute point. I am just trying to give you food for thought. I have actually had people upset with me because I reported their home as 1,592 SF and the Tax Office said it was 1,608. Or, my house is not 2,300 SF it is 2,600 SF! It must be more important down here in the "land of arguments". Plus, there are actually appraisers here that are trained to leave "lots of slack" in their tape on every wall just to get higher living area counts for their appraisals. If you don't round, you don't get lumped in with those individuals.

 

[Pamela Crowley (Florida)]

I use a tape with tenths, measure to the tenth and do my sketches to the tenth. I deduct off for corner trim.

Just what I do and how I was taught. Really love it when it squares with no .10 fixing.

Then again, I do realize I'm a bit anal. 8O Yup, I admit it.

 

[Soar Ohio]

Tim,
Thanks for confirming that people in Texas are pre-occupied with size or the lack of it.
Tom

 

[Pamela Crowley (Florida)]

Tooooo funny!!!

Where is that emoticon for ROTFLMAO?

 

[Richard Carlsen]

People in Florida and Texas don't have to wade through 2 feet of snow in ten-degree weather to take the rear photo and watch for snow falling off of the roof as they measure a house.

They ride to the assignments in their convertible SUV's, measure the house from the drivers seat with laser measuring device and download a copy of the county records via cell phone.

Life is tough in Florida and Texas.