Square footage is one of the most important numbers in real estate. It influences property value, listing prices, tax assessments, and even how buyers compare one home to another. Yet despite its importance, square footage is often misunderstood or miscalculated. In Southern Maine, where housing stock ranges from historic colonials in Portland to lakefront cottages in Standish, determining what truly “counts” as living space can be more complex than it first appears.
What Counts as Living Space?
Not every area under a roof is considered official living space. For a room to count, it generally needs to be finished, heated, and accessible like the rest of the home. That means basements, attics, and seasonal rooms are often excluded, even if they feel like part of daily life.
For example, daylight basements in Windham may look like bonus living areas but do not always qualify. A three-season porch in Old Orchard Beach might be a favorite gathering spot in the summer, but if it is not heated and fully finished, it likely will not be included in the square footage. These nuances create confusion for homeowners and can lead to inaccurate expectations when selling, refinancing, or appealing taxes.
Why Accuracy Matters
Even small errors in square footage can translate to big differences in perceived value. A home listed as 2,000 square feet that is actually 1,850 square feet may appear overpriced compared to neighboring properties. On the other hand, understated square footage could leave money on the table during a sale.
Square footage also plays a role in property taxes. If a tax card reflects more living area than a home truly has, an owner could be paying more than their fair share. Buyers, sellers, lenders, and attorneys all rely on accurate measurements to make informed decisions. Without consistency, misunderstandings and disputes can arise quickly.
Standards and Guidelines Appraisers Follow
Professional appraisers measure homes using industry standards to ensure fairness and consistency. Most appraisers follow the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) guidelines, which provide a clear definition of what qualifies as gross living area. These standards ensure that a finished attic in Gorham is measured the same way as one in Saco, regardless of who is doing the measuring.
Tax records, real estate listings, or owner measurements may not always align with these standards. That is why an independent appraisal measurement can resolve conflicting information and provide confidence in the reported square footage.
Common Situations in Southern Maine Homes
Southern Maine homes present unique challenges when it comes to square footage. Many older properties in York County have seen decades of additions, renovations, or partial remodels, making it difficult to determine which spaces meet the standards. Coastal homes in Cape Elizabeth or Kennebunkport may include lofts, sunrooms, or finished basements that owners assume add to square footage but do not qualify.
Custom new construction can also create discrepancies. A recently built home in Scarborough may not match the square footage listed on the tax card if the design changed during construction or if the property was never re-measured. These differences matter when lenders, buyers, or attorneys need reliable numbers to guide financial decisions.
Why Professional Verification Makes a Difference
Because square footage touches so many aspects of a property’s value, a professional measurement is more than just a technical exercise. For homeowners, it provides peace of mind when preparing to sell or refinance. For realtors, it adds credibility to a listing and protects against disputes with buyers. For attorneys handling estates, divorces, or trust distributions, it ensures decisions are based on clear and consistent data.
Accurate measurement also supports fair taxation. If a home in Westbrook or Buxton has been over-assessed because of an inflated square footage, a professional measurement can serve as the basis for a tax appeal.
A Trusted Step in the Process
Square footage may look like a simple number on paper, but it carries significant weight in real estate. Homes in Portland, Gorham, and across Southern Maine often have unique layouts that make measurement more complex than it seems. Having a professional provide verification ensures accuracy, builds trust, and protects financial interests for everyone involved.
LM Appraisals has experience measuring homes of all sizes and styles throughout York and Cumberland Counties. If you need to verify the square footage of your property, we are here to help with clear, consistent, and locally informed measurements.