In North Carolina, it is required, when listing a property for sale, to provide accurate measurement of square footage. The state mandates that all measurements comply with the Residential Square Footage Guidelines. These measurements must be performed only by qualified professionals to ensure accuracy and adherence to state requirements.
Who Can Measure Your Property?
Measurements must be conducted by one of the following professionals:
- Measuring Service (Highly Recommended)
- Licensed North Carolina Real Estate Broker
- Certified Appraiser
These professionals have the training and expertise to provide precise measurements that meet the guidelines set forth by the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I measure my property myself?
Unfortunately, no. North Carolina requires that a qualified professional—such as a measuring service, licensed broker, or appraiser—perform the measurements.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost can vary depending on the company you choose to work with, with most providers charging between $90 and $200. We recommend reaching out to providers directly for specific pricing and services.
Beycome offers this service in select areas for a flat fee of $89. Contact us to check availability in your region!
How Long Does It Take?
The time required for property measurements typically depends on the size and complexity of the property. On average, most measurements can be completed within 30 to 3 hours. However, it’s best to confirm the timeline directly with the provider to ensure accurate expectations.
Can I use a mobile app to calculate square footage?
No. The state mandates in-person measurements by an authorized professional to ensure accuracy and compliance with guidelines.
Can I use measurements from a previous appraisal?
No. Measurements must be specific to the current transaction to comply with NCREC guidelines.
Are tax records an acceptable source for square footage?
No. While tax records may be reviewed, they are not deemed accurate or sufficient by the state for real estate transactions.
What happens if incorrect square footage is listed?
If the advertised square footage is inaccurate, the buyer may have legal grounds for damages, contract reformation, or rescission, according to NC Realtors.
Can unpermitted areas be included in square footage?
No. Unpermitted sections must be reported separately and clearly noted in the listing.
Should decks and garages be included in square footage?
No. Structures like decks, porches, balconies, garages, and carports cannot be classified as either finished or unfinished square footage.
What Professionals Include in Their Measurements
When measuring your property, professionals categorize the space into specific areas:
1. Heated Living Area (Living Area)
- Heated by a permanently installed system (e.g., forced air, radiant, or solar heating).
- Accessible year-round and connected to other living spaces via doors, heated hallways, or stairways.
- Examples: Bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms with central heating.
2. Unheated Living Area
- Includes unheated or unfinished spaces above or on grade that contribute to the property’s value but don’t meet criteria for living area.
- Examples: Unfinished attics with permanent stairs, enclosed porches, unheated sunrooms, or unheated finished rooms.
3. Additional Square Footage
- Covers areas not directly accessible from the main living area (e.g., basements with no internal access).
- These should be explicitly described in the property’s description or agent remarks.
Why Accurate Measurements Matter
Accurate square footage is crucial for marketing your property and avoiding legal issues. Misrepresenting square footage can result in:
- Legal disputes.
- Loss of trust from buyers.
- Potential financial liabilities.
Finding a Professional by County
To ensure compliance with state guidelines, it’s essential to hire a reputable measuring service, broker, or appraiser in your area. Below is a list of measurement providers by county (note: this is not a guarantee of workmanship):
Example Measurement Providers in North Carolina
Below is a list of measurement providers by area. Beycome does not have any direct affiliation, partnership, or endorsement with these providers. This information is provided solely as a resource for informational purposes, and Beycome makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy, quality, or reliability of the services offered by these providers. Users are encouraged to perform their own due diligence before engaging with any listed provider.
| Area | Company | Website | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville | Jacksonville Appraisal Co | appraisals@jaxappraisalnc.com | jaxappraisalnc.com | 910-389-0170 (text) / 910-353-2560 |
| Jacksonville | Coastal Appraisals | CoastalAppraisalsNC@gmail.com | coastalappraisalsnc.com | 910-389-6286 |
| Sunset Beach | James Powell Appraisal | JAMESPOWELL@ATMC.NET / billy.jpa@atmc.net | 910-755-7070 / 910-209-1288 | |
| Atlantic Beach, Carteret County | Appraise the Beach | appraisethebeach@icloud.com | 252-626-4104 | |
| Raleigh Triad | Harmon Property Solutions | matt@harmonps.com | 919-606-1935 | |
| Triad | Mc Namara | valueabode.com/measurements/ | ||
| Triad | Triad Measuring | Info@DavidsonPropertyServices.com | DavidsonPropertyServices.com | 336-416-0236 |
| Taylorsville | Catawba Valley Appraisal | jstewart.appraiser@gmail.com | 828-612-6221 | |
| Greensboro / Winston Salem | Steel Tape | lisa@steeltapemeasuring.com clay@steeltapemeasuring.com | steeltapemeasuring.com | 336-442-7372 |
| Charlotte / Asheville | A Measure Up / Pacifico | service@ameasureup.com services@pacificopropertyservices.com | pacificopropertyservices.com | 980-616-2615 |
| Asheville | Shindler Solutions | admin@shindlersolutions.com | shindlersolutions.com/asheville | 828-367-7133 |
| Asheville | Measure-Rite LLC | a.zalys@hotmail.com | 828-231-7305 | |
| Hendersonville | Cook Appraisals | david@cookappraisalinc.com | cookappraisalinc.com | 828-551-9565 |
| Wilmington | Home Dimensional | homedimensional@gmail.com | 910-352-4632 | |
| Southern Pines / Pinehurst | Bullard Associates | jpatrickbullard@gmail.com | 910-638-5352 | |
| Fayetteville | Arsenal Appraisals | orders@arsenalappraisal.com info@arsenalappraisal.com | arsenalappraisal.com | 910-423-1861 |
| Murphy | Appalachian Appraisal Inc | housercj1@gmail.com | 706-994-3665 | |
| Murphy | Howard Appraisal Service | wbhoward@windstream.net jwhowapp@outlook.com | 706-745-0071 | |
| Halifax County | Whittarch Appraisals | WhichardAppraisal@charter.net | 252-538-0093 | |
| Goldsboro | Triangle East Appraisals | triappseast@cocentral.com | cocentral.com | 252-234-7575 |
| Multiple Counties | Maready Appraisals | info@mareadyappraisals.com | mareadyappraisals.com | 910-326-6511 |
| Pinehurst Area | Village Appraisers | 910-215-5866 | ||
| Moore, Richmond Counties | Matthews Appraisals | mathewsappraisal@gmail.com | 910-315-9440 | |
| Horry, Georgetown, Brunswick, etc. | RAWtape Real Estate Measuring | rawtaperpm@gmail.com | rawtaperpm.com/measuring |
Final Thoughts
Measuring a property’s square footage in North Carolina isn’t just about compliance; it’s about accuracy and trust. By using a professional and adhering to NCREC guidelines, you can confidently market your property and avoid potential pitfalls. Whether you’re a homeowner, buyer, or agent, ensuring proper measurements benefits everyone involved in the transaction.
For more information on property measurement requirements, visit the NCREC website.
Beycome offer Flat fee service in North Carolina starting at $99
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