Measuring

[Anthem]

Ok I am trying to pin point something here.

Many appraisers cut out the stair area but the most recent and up to date version of ANSI of course says to include the stair treads. Also our NC RE says the same the thing.

At some point it must have been an industry practice to deduct the stairs, does anyone know if this was a revision in the ANSI?

Can anyone point me to something solid that says ANSI is the standard for measuring?

 

[Don Clark]

Ok I am trying to pin point something here.

Many appraisers cut out the stair area but the most recent and up to date version of ANSI of course says to include the stair treads. Also our NC RE says the same the thing.

At some point it must have been an industry practice to deduct the stairs, does anyone know if this was a revision in the ANSI?

Can anyone point me to something solid that says ANSI is the standard for measuring?

If you mean a mandatory standard, that would depend on the state. In Virginia it is not mandatory. Local custom and practice, and market acceptance still play a role in the way properties are measured.

The ANSI Standard was developed by the NAHB(National Association of Home Builders). It was done in cooperation with the NAR, most appraisal organizations, as well as government agencies. Go to www.nahb and you should find a link to the standard.It is callde the standard for measuring residential properties.

 

[Anthem]

If you mean a mandatory standard, that would depend on the state. In Virginia it is not mandatory. Local custom and practice, and market acceptance still play a role in the way properties are measured.

The ANSI Standard was developed by the NAHB(National Association of Home Builders). It was done in cooperation with the NAR, most appraisal organizations, as well as government agencies. Go to www.nahb and you should find a link to the standard.It is callde the standard for measuring residential properties.

I have the document, just trying to find some information that supports ANSI being the source.

 

[Restrain]

Just a little common sense here. You can't walk on air, so the stairwell opening on the second floor is removed. Some builders leave it in, inflating the size of the residence. Don't try to lean on ANSI.

 

[Mike Boyd]

I include the stairs for one level....but subtract it for the 2nd level if the design of the house is an open stairway all the way to the 2nd story ceiling. Stairs are living area. How many bannisters have you slid down? How many closets are underneath the stairs? How many half baths?

 

[Jerry Bone Jr]

Around here, the county assessors leave the stair area in for the main floor & remove the stair area for the upper floor. Since I want to compare apples to apples, I do it the same.

 

[Mr Rex]

Just a little common sense here. You can't walk on air, so the stairwell opening on the second floor is removed. Some builders leave it in, inflating the size of the residence. Don't try to lean on ANSI.

I think ANSI uses common sense. The area of the stairs is included in the area from which they descend (2nd floor). The area below the stairs is included in the floor area below (1st floor). I have never seen a stairway with no use of at least part of the area under the stairs used for some purpose. The best argument you could possibly make is to not include the area under the stairs under 5 ft high, but I prefer to use a recognized standard, not some BS pulled from orifice rule of thumb. Thumbs and orifices should be kept separate.

 

[Anthem]

I think ANSI uses common sense. The area of the stairs is included in the area from which they descend (2nd floor). The area below the stairs is included in the floor area below (1st floor). I have never seen a stairway with no use of at least part of the area under the stairs used for some purpose. The best argument you could possibly make is to not include the area under the stairs under 5 ft high, but I prefer to use a recognized standard, not some BS pulled from orifice rule of thumb. Thumbs and orifices should be kept separate.

Rex your posts are always worth reading.

The standard waives the ceiling height requirement underneath stairs.

And yes I agree the excuse "everyone does it, we have always done it that way" doesn't fly.

 

[Gary Schinagel]

At first in 1996 I always subtracted the stairs also but the standard as taught to me by a MAI who is a PHD in economics was that you count the stairs that can effectively be pulled up to close the 2nd floor out. Any access stairs are considered open area.

 

[Gary Schinagel]

Please replace access with excess. I AM IMPERFECT!