When buying or selling a home, accurate square footage is critical for determining property value. Many homeowners and prospective buyers wonder whether the garage should be included in this calculation. This article will address this common question and provide clear guidelines on how square footage is officially measured.

The Short Answer

No, garages are not counted in the square footage of a house. According to standard real estate measurement practices, garages are considered unfinished spaces, and only finished, livable areas are included in a home’s official square footage.

What Is a Garage?

A garage is a walled and roofed structure primarily designed for storing and protecting vehicles. Garages can be:

• Attached to the main house
• Detached as a separate structure
• Designed to accommodate multiple vehicles (typically two to three in standard residential properties)
• Secured with locking doors for vehicle protection
• Sometimes repurposed for other uses such as workshops or storage

While garages are valuable features that can significantly enhance a property’s appeal and functionality, they serve a fundamentally different purpose than living spaces.

Why Garages Are Excluded from Square Footage Calculations

To understand why garages aren’t included in square footage measurements, it’s important to know what qualifies as countable space according to real estate standards:

What Counts as “Finished Living Space”?

For an area to be included in a home’s official square footage, it must be:

1. Finished – complete with proper flooring, wall coverings, and ceiling finishes
2. Habitable – comfortable for year-round living
3. Heated and cooled – equipped with appropriate climate control
4. Directly accessible – entered without leaving the main living area
5. Meeting minimum height requirements – typically at least 7 feet from floor to ceiling

Standard garages typically fail to meet several of these criteria, particularly regarding finishing, climate control, and direct internal access. As unfinished spaces primarily designed for vehicle storage rather than human habitation, they remain outside square footage calculations.

Areas Typically Included in Home Square Footage

The following spaces are generally counted in a home’s square footage when they meet the finishing criteria outlined above:

• Bedrooms
• Living rooms
• Kitchens
• Bathrooms
• Dining rooms
• Family rooms
• Hallways
• Closets
• Finished basements (if they meet local requirements)

Can a Garage Ever Count in Square Footage?

Yes, but only if it undergoes a legal conversion to living space. For a converted garage to be included in a home’s square footage, it must:

1. Be legally converted with proper permits and inspections
2. Feature the same quality of construction as other living areas in the home
3. Include appropriate heating and cooling systems
4. Have proper insulation, drywall, and finished flooring
5. Be accessible from the main living area without going outside
6. Meet all local building codes for habitable spaces

Simply using a garage as a makeshift bedroom or living area without proper conversion does not qualify it for inclusion in the home’s square footage. The conversion must be legally documented and up to code.

Steps to Convert a Garage into Countable Living Space

If you wish to have your garage included in your home’s square footage for appraisal or resale purposes, follow these steps:

1. Check local zoning laws to ensure conversion is permitted
2. Obtain necessary permits before beginning construction
3. Install proper insulation in walls, ceiling, and floor
4. Add appropriate heating and cooling systems
5. Ensure the space has adequate electrical outlets per code requirements
6. Install proper flooring suitable for living areas
7. Finish walls and ceilings to match the quality of the main house
8. Create direct interior access to the main living area
9. Pass all required inspections once work is complete
10. Update property records to reflect the conversion

Why Accurate Square Footage Matters

Understanding what does and doesn’t count in your home’s square footage is important for several reasons:

• Property valuation – Homes are often priced per square foot
• Property taxes – Your tax assessment may be based partly on square footage
• Marketing accuracy – Misrepresenting square footage can lead to legal issues when selling
• Insurance coverage – Your homeowner’s insurance may be calculated using square footage

Final Thoughts

While garages add significant value and functionality to a home, they remain separate from the official square footage calculation unless properly converted to living space. When buying or selling a home, it’s important to understand that the garage—no matter how spacious or well-built—will not be reflected in the property’s official square footage measurements.

For homeowners considering a garage conversion to increase their home’s official size, remember that proper permits and construction standards are essential. A professionally converted garage that meets all building codes can legitimately add to your home’s square footage and potentially increase its market value.