Terrel L. Shields
Elite Member
- Joined
- May 2, 2002
- Professional Status
- Certified General Appraiser
- State
- Arkansas
Stairs today, gone tomorrow...so watch that first step down...FAQ about stairs..
Stairs today, gone tomorrow...so watch that first step down...FAQ about stairs..
I think there are two ways to look at your question - literally and practically.I was asking if ANSI requires it. Thanks
Great Answer - and good logicI think there are two ways to look at your question - literally and practically.
Literally, the ANSI standard is about how the size is measured and calculated. It does not address how one draws a sketch or floorplan, though it uses floorplan diagrams to illustrate proper application of the standards.
Practically speaking, the GSEs require reports to include the calculations for the size, and most appraisers rely on the automatic calculations from their sketching software. Using such software, if the stair areas are not included in the floorplan diagram, then the calculations will not be consistent with the ANSI standard.
Stairs today, gone tomorrow...so watch that first step down...

Great Answer - and good logic![]()

I think there are two ways to look at your question - literally and practically.
Literally, the ANSI standard is about how the size is measured and calculated. It does not address how one draws a sketch or floorplan, though it uses floorplan diagrams to illustrate proper application of the standards.
Practically speaking, the GSEs require reports to include the calculations for the size, and most appraisers rely on the automatic calculations from their sketching software. Using such software, if the stair areas are not included in the floorplan diagram, then the calculations will not be consistent with the ANSI standard.
Sorry... but you are wrong. Nothing in ANSI refers to the sketch that appraisers include in their appraisal reports. And that was the question. ANSI Z765-2021 does provide information about how to measure stairs and include them in area calculations.Wrong!!! You both got it totally wrong. You don't even understand standards. Neither of you.
If we ask if some standard X requires Y, it is understood that we are asking if that standard requires Y for conformance. You could also ask if X requires Y under conditions Z. But without the stipulation of special conditions, the question is whether X requires Y under ANY conditions.
The ANSI standard has NUMEROUS statements on stairs, such as sections 3.5-3.8, numerous diagrams of how to display stairs in its figures. If you are to include the stair area in the finished area, and that is usually calculated via CAD from the drawings - you will include that as necessary support for your calculations. -- IN ORDER TO SATISFY THE STANDARD.
DW has a problem here. [ But geneally speaking most I am sure appreciate his conributions. ]
What ANSI requires is that the area of the stairs/landings be included in the size for the level from which they descend.I was asking if ANSI requires it. Thanks
