Expert: Ted Lewis - 2/6/2012

Question
Ted, thank you very much for volunteering your services on this site!   It appears that the measurements of the houses in our subdivision have been “minimized” by the builder a bit for  tax purposes.   (Have you ever heard anything like that? )    For whatever reasons, it appears, based on my neighbor’s experience, that the stated sf-s on the official records are LESS than the actual sf.    Therefore, I’d like to hire someone to measure our house.  

Where do I find a person who does that for a living?   What advice, if any, would you give me in reference to this undertaking?   

Thank you very much in advance!


Sincerely,


Pablo Durissimo

Answer
Here in Florida the builders and realtors seem to misstate the homes dimensions frequently. Usually the stated size, square footage, is overstated so it appears you are getting a lower price per square foot.
See if your town, county or whatever governing body is in charge of the building inspection department has a plan on file for your house. This plan should give the measurements.
Lastly, you can always hire a licensed contractor to physically measure the building.