Needing a property measured? Let Catawba Valley Appraisal help.

Home remodeling and poor valuations on public records can affect a property's value — and a buyer's interest in it. Let us give you a reliable measurement of property area to determine a fair, unbiased value when acquiring a home, selling to potential clients, or minimizing property taxes.

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What is a measurement or floorplan service?

A floorplan service is just what it sounds like: Based on your requirements, an appraiser will measure the home's dimensions and square footage, then draw a basic or highly detailed layout. The appraiser's report and floorplan is a document that can be used to prove the precise Gross Living Area (GLA), the sum of all livable area, of your home. These services are helpful and often essential when disputing property taxes or selling a property.

How do measurement services work?

During a measurement service, an appraiser measures your home or property with a measuring tool — generally a tape measure or laser measuring device. As they move around the property, they mark the layout of the rooms and other features, like stairs, hallways, and pantries. They might sketch the property. Then, the appraiser creates a report and a more detailed floorplan showing the total square footage of the home and the overall layout. The completed report is a document that can be used to prove certain specs of your property — like the Gross Living Area (GLA) — on tax documents, property listings, and more.

When are measurement services necessary?

Disputing real estate taxes

Tax records often reflect inaccurate area of a property because the values can come from various sources, and occasionally go unproven — meaning you may be taxed for more square footage than you own! Unless a certified appraiser has recently completed an evaluation on your property (after any remodeling that might have affected square footage), you'll need an appraiser to perform a home measurement service before disputing your taxes. An appraiser assesses an accurate Gross Living Area (GLA) of your property so your taxes can reflect the actual square footage — and you can stop paying more than your property is worth.

Selling your home

A measurement service will ensure that you're paid a fair price for your house. Square footage is one of the most important factors potential buyers consider when purchasing a home — but since these values are often estimated rather than accurately measured, your home listing might show less Gross Living Area (GLA) than it can take credit for. An inaccurate GLA could potentially reduce the selling price of the property as well as the number of interested buyers. The only dependable method of using a precise GLA when listing your home or property is to refer to a recent appraisal or measurement service completed by an appraiser (after any updating that may have affected square footage).

For agents

To ensure that your client's home closes at a price that appropriately reflects market value, we suggest asking for a floorplan service for the property. Your clients, and potential buyers, will appreciate your scrupulousness, and you can rest assured knowing the GLA on your client's listing is truly representative of their home. A measurement can also be an excellent marketing tool for getting potential buyers interested because they can review the layout and characteristics of the house before and after a tour. Contact Catawba Valley Appraisal to learn more about our floorplan services.