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Topic 4. Gross Living Area
February 22, 2019
This Chapter has been revised in its entirety.
a. Definition
Gross living area (GLA) refers to the square footage of the area that is finished, habitable, contiguous, above-grade, residential space calculated by measuring the outside walls of the structure.
b. Non-Contiguous Areas
The functional utility and contributory value of any non-contiguous areas should be considered by the appraiser and listed separately from the GLA on the market data grid.
c. Basements
Basements, whether or not finished, must not be included in the GLA.
d. Attics
Finished attics may be included in the GLA.
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e. Below-Grade Areas
If any part of a finished level is below grade, the appraiser must determine whether it should be considered GLA or valued separately.
If the appraiser determines that a partially below-grade habitable space is similar to the GLA in design, quality of construction, and appeal, has full utility and is accepted in the market, the appraiser may include the area in the GLA.
If the partially below-grade space is inferior to the rest of the property and not accepted in the market, the appraiser may determine that the area is not part of the GLA. In cases such as these, the contributory value of partially below-grade space should be considered separately on the market data grid.