Square footage of dormers

[MimiH]

I have a realtor who wants me to add the square footage of 2 2nd floor dormers (36 sq. ft.) to the measured GLA of the house. I didn't think this should be added in..... need opinions.

 

[Obsolescent]

If its part of the above grade finished area, then I typically include it when I measure out that space. This is where a disto comes in quite handy.

 

[Walter Kirk]

I normally add the square footage of any dormers with five feet or more of ceiling height.

 

[Theresa James]

Ditto what Walter said.

 

[Thomas Fiehler]

Ditto the ditto.

 

[c w d]

Can you live in a dormer? Does the sqft of the dormer have any substantial effect on value? I would probably adjust for design and style aspects before I went back at the request of someone who is not my client to measure 36SQFT. And don't give me 36SQFT is value. Because if we're going to be concerned with 36SQFT then those of you who use mechanical tapes need to start calibrating them according to temperature differences. You probably lose or add 36SQFT depending on whether it's hot or cold, respectively.

 

[Couch Potato]

I have a realtor who wants me to add the square footage of 2 2nd floor dormers (36 sq. ft.) to the measured GLA of the house. I didn't think this should be added in..... need opinions.

Just what exactly is your rationale for not including the space? Is the ceiling too low? Are they too narrow to use for a chair or other furniture? Without knowing why you chose not to include it, how can anyone possibly give a reasonable answer to your question?

 

[Mztk1]

As long as the dormer has floor space and is higher than 5' from floor to ceiling, I count it. Sometimes they are a bench dormer and as long as there is no storage below the bench that goes to the floor, then I don't count it.

 

[RSW]

A bathroom may have 30 sq. ft. or less. Would you not count that in your GLA? Measure the dormer and sketch it out. It's not that difficult.

 

[vargasteve]

Ansi

The ANSI standard describes the only 'official' method of measuring a property. You can search the forum for ANSI under advanced search. I have a copy in the office, it clarifys how to measure dormers, stairswells, and sloped ceilings. It is well worth the $ - I bought a digital copy.

Reason I suggest it is if you ask 10 people you might get as many different answers. It is nice to have standard to go off. I believe all builders & architechs use the ANSI.