Do you physically measure?

[CBBoston]

Depends. Sometimes I'll simply do a couple spot measurements and compared to the assessors dimensions if they are available. In some areas you can't even access the exterior of the building to measure it. Recently I tried to measure retail spaces in an older structure. None of the units were rectilinear and it was very difficult to take interior measurements because of all the junk. When I got back to the office and tried to figure it out, it just didn't make any sense. Generally we avoid measuring buildings unless requested by the client. Even then we are very reluctant to do it.

 

[Michael S]

It looks like I'm in the minority for the poll but I wonder if some residential appraisers voted by accident not realizing this was in the commercial forum.

I've seen many reports from other appraisers and sketches are not that common compared to a copy of plans or a survey.

 

[CANative]

I was working too fast on a tax appeal case and thought I had scored on my $/sf scenario. Turns out the building (funeral home) was 7,500 sq. ft and not the 5,000 sf that was listed in the public record source (and CoStar).

 

[Stephen J. Vertin MAI]

I've seen many reports from other appraisers and sketches are not that common compared to a copy of plans or a survey.

I am with you. Few commercial appraisers have the software to draw the building. Someone mentioned a software that scans the area. I was really not paying attentions but that seemed sweet. The reason I stopped focusing is that said it was an Apple application. Does anyone know if they make something like that for Galaxy (will never own an Apple again have to recharge every day sometimes twice)?.

 

[GregoryK]

Supposedly Apex IV has a scanning feature. Have not tried to use it. It does export to excel so you can insert areas into a cost approach worksheet pretty easily. Waiting for a device you can set in the middle of the room and it scans and draws the area. Someday....

 

[Kali the Boston Terrier]

Depends... which is the answer for most appraisal questions. I prefer to measure, but I like measuring. That being said 3-4 MM SqFT buildings, large resort complexes...etc it is physically (and financially) infeasible to do the task, especially if plans are already available.

 

[TC]

I've been lucky lately finding blue prints for the larger homes, which is good since my wheel is in the shop getting winterized with studs.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

I've been lucky lately finding blue prints for the larger homes, which is good since my wheel is in the shop getting winterized with studs.

Not buying that global warming scenario this winter? Bob wants me back in PA to teach the mineral class and I said, "wait until spring"...please

 

[stephenbullock]

I usually measure as we only have building plans available maybe 25% of the time. If I had to guess, I'd say assessor measurements are off by an average of 5%, but sometimes a lot more. There's already a degree of error built into any appraisal, so why compound this by an additional 5% or more? Most buildings have 90 degree angles so often measuring two sides is enough.

 

[tsiegel]

Plans = don't measure and assume plans are accurate

No Plans = spot measure at a minimum to verify municipal records or complete measure depending on the size or number of structures.