Understanding ANSI Standards: What Realtors and Homeowners Need to Know
The ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standards are essential guidelines used in the real estate industry to ensure consistent and accurate measurements of residential properties. These standards are crucial for appraisers, realtors, and homeowners, helping to define what constitutes Gross Living Area (GLA) versus non-livable or bonus space. What is ANSI and Why is it Used? ANSI provides a standardized method for measuring and reporting the size of residential buildings. This ensures that all properties are measured uniformly, which is especially important during the appraisal process. Lenders, appraisers, and real estate agents rely on these standards to accurately determine a property's value, ensuring fairness and transparency in transactions. Defining Gross Living Area (GLA) According to ANSI standards, GLA includes the areas of a home that are finished, heated, and suitable for year-round use. These areas must have a minimum ceiling height of 7 feet in at least 50%