Measure and calculate patio?

[KenAZ]

I can't even support the value difference between a covered and uncovered patio at this time. Trying to adjust for the size of the patio would be very difficult, especially if you do not have the covered patio sizes.

I think FHA requires the measurements for everything, but as previously mentioned, the buyers could care less.

 

[residentialguy]

Next AMC stip.

Make sure you jump out of the car and measure all the comp patios so you can make accurate adjustments between patio size variances. :new_all_coholic:



FHA, btw, needs the patio location on the sketch...but I don't think they need to be measured.

 

[VegasWayne]

The correct way to determine the area of an irregular patio would be to use integral calculus. I would only do this if it were for for my patio and I was ordering concrete to build it. The FHA will probably require that all sidewalks and driveways be included in the sketch in the near future.

 

[RSW]

Question: How can an appraiser correctly complete the cost approach without having the measurements of the porches, decks, and patios? I have always and will continue to measure all porches, decks, and patios.

 

[residentialguy]

RSW, that's not even relevant on new construction where cost approach is included. It won't make a difference if the concrete patio is 6x9 or 8X10. In my cost software, it does not even give you an measurement option for patio. Unless it is some high grade custom patio, the variance is too small to measure. If you are diving that deep in minutia, your cost approach will take you a couple days alone to complete. That means you better be counting every 2x4 and nail in your cost approach or risk being a patio bigot by giving preferential treatment over every pound of concrete.

 

[Digger88]

fyi its a FHA requirement to sketch all porches, decks, patios etc.

 

[hastalavista]

Question: How can an appraiser correctly complete the cost approach without having the measurements of the porches, decks, and patios? I have always and will continue to measure all porches, decks, and patios.

That is a good question.

Answer: If the cost approach is necessary and the items you note are significant, then measuring may be required.

 

[james stephens]

I use Apex and utilize the Arc/Curve function frequently. If you have to include dimensions and calculations for irregular shaped improvements you might want to include some sort of disclaimer in the Cost Approach indicating that the dimensions/calculations are approximate and are not precise.

 

[David Mescon]

I really miss DC Sketch. None of the windows-based sketchers I've seen are as flexible as that old DOS program was.

If it's covered - its value, in my neck of the woods, is dependent upon the size. I have always measured them anyway, as a matter of practice. In Hawaii, the value of a porch, patio, lanai, pergola or portico is directly proportionate to its area, unlike other markets I have formerly worked in.

Measuring and calculating the area of a patio is just like measuring and calculating the area of a building. If you know how to do one, you know how to do the other. I don't know how to put this delicately, um... we appraisers are supposed to know how to measure stuff - be it angular, curvelinear, or whatever. How does one become an appraiser and not know how to do this?

 

[Rick Neighbors]

Porches & Patios

Different strokes for different folks.

I always include porches and patios in my sketches, and lable them covered or open. It is a feature with some value here in Texas.....especially in the summer.

Leave them off if you like, your call. I prefer to make the sketch as detailed as I have time to. I don't make much in the way of adjustments, basically covered versus open.

If they weren't worth something, every house in the neighborhood wouldn't have one! Extensive patios, walkways, etc. may get some extra photos and sketches.

Marshall & Swift Cost Estimator has porches and patios available.

My personal home has large porches, back porch is 10' deep and 70' long, and I paid extra to have it built when I built the house, roofline covers porch. Porches shade windows, lower cooling costs, allow windows to be open in rainy weather, etc. That's why the old timers had porches. It wasn't just for looks.

Rick