Needing a home measured? Let Chapman Appraisal Service help.

Our certified appraisers can give you an accurate floorplan of your home to determine a fair value when buying or selling a home, reduce property taxes due to unreliable estimates, or market to possible buyers when selling a property.

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What are home measurement services?

Measurement services are just what they sound like: An appraiser measures the dimensions and square footage of a property, then draws a basic or highly detailed floorplan based on your needs. The appraiser's report and floorplan is a form that can be used to prove an accurate Gross Living Area (GLA), the sum of all livable space, of your home. These services are useful and often necessary when challenging property taxes or selling a property.

How does a home measurement or floorplan service work?

During a measurement or floorplan service, a certified appraiser takes measurements of your home or property with a measuring tool — generally a tape or laser measuring device. As they move around the house, they mark the layout of the rooms and other features, like closets, entryways, and fireplaces. They may sketch the property. Then, the appraiser writes up a report and a more detailed floorplan showing the total living area of the house and the general layout. The result is a document that can be used to prove certain specs of your property — like the Gross Living Area (GLA) — on tax documentation, home listings, and more.

When do I need a measurement service?

Property taxes

Tax records frequently reflect inaccurate area of a property because the values can come from various sources, and occasionally go unverified — meaning you may be taxed for more space than you actually have! Unless a certified appraiser has completed a recent valuation or home measurement service on your property (after any updating that may have affected square footage), you'll need an appraiser to perform a home measurement service before attempting to challenge what you're taxed. An appraiser will establish an accurate Gross Living Area (GLA) of your property so your taxes reflect the actual square footage — and you can stop overpaying.

Marketing a home or property

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

Information for real estate professionals

To make certain that your client's home closes at a price that appropriately reflects true market value, we suggest requesting a floorplan service for the property. Clients, and potential buyers, will be grateful for your attentiveness, and you can be assured that the GLA on your client's listing is a true representation of their home. A measurement can also be a fantastic marketing tool to entice potential buyers since they can see the layout and features of the home before and after a tour. Contact Chapman Appraisal Service to find out more about our measurement services.