Guidelines for measuring Square footage

The CBC investigation found realtors had varying approaches to measuring home size and the guidelines were open to interpretation.

Some measurements, for example, included patios and balconies while others even counted decks and condo parking spaces.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/real-estate-council-alberta-residential-measurment-standard-1.3580841

The new measurement standard instructs realtors to:

• Identify if the measurement system is metric or imperial, and apply it consistently.

• For single detached properties, measure the outside surface of the exterior walls at floor level.

• For properties with common walls, such as half-duplexes, townhouses, and apartments, measure the interior perimeter walls (paint-to-paint) at floor level. An additional area representation may be made assuming exterior measurements.

• Include floor levels that are entirely above grade and exclude floor levels if any portion is below grade. Below grade levels may be measured, but the area must not be included in the RMS (residential measurement standard) area.

• Include all additions to the main structure and conversions of above grade areas within the structure if they are weatherproof and suitable for year-round use.

• The property must have a minimum floor-to-ceiling height of 2.13 metres (7 feet). If the ceiling is sloped, the area with a floor-to-ceiling height of at least 1.52 metres (5 feet) is included in the RMS area, provided there is a ceiling height of 2.13 metres (7 feet) somewhere in the room.

• Include extensions from the main structure that have a minimum floor-to-ceiling height of 1.5 metres (5 feet), such as cantilevers, bay and bow windows, and dormers.

• Exclude open areas that have no floor, such as vaulted areas.

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