From: "Clark W. Griswold, Jr." 
Newsgroups: misc.consumers.house
Subject: Re: Difference in footage measurement
Date: Sun, 09 Apr 2006 10:00:29 -0600

"Harry K"  wrote:

>> Bottom line is that anyone buying a home should assume quoted sq feet is a rough
>> approximation of the size and make a puchase/value decision on other factors...
>
>The size of a house is calculated by the fooltprint, i.e., outside
>measure, overhangs are not counted.  Normal living areas are counted
>thus a vaulted ceiling does not increase the count.  Basements are
>normally not counted unless fully developed but are mentioned.

Well, yes, but.... A given MLS can have one set of rules, the local tax assessor
may use a different set of rules. Even if the rules you cited were gospel
everywhere, what would you do with an entry under the roof line?