Need your home measured or a floorplan for your property? Let Orlin Bruss Appraisal Service, Inc. help.

Home remodeling and poor estimates on public records can affect a property's price — and its attractiveness to buyers. Let Orlin Bruss Appraisal Service, Inc. give you an accurate measurement of property size to establish a fair value when acquiring a new home, selling to potential clients, or minimizing property taxes.

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What is a measurement or floorplan service?

A floorplan service is just what it sounds like: An appraiser measures the dimensions and area of the property, then draws a basic or highly detailed floorplan based on your requirements. The appraiser's report and floorplan is a form that can be used to prove the precise Gross Living Area (GLA), the total livable space, of your home. These services are helpful and sometimes necessary when challenging property taxes or selling a property.

How do measurement services work?

During a measurement service, an appraiser takes measurements of your property with a measuring tool — generally a tape or laser measuring device. As they move around the property, they note the layout of the rooms and other features, like stairs, patios, and pantries. They may sketch out the property. Then, the appraiser writes up a report and a more detailed sketch showing the total living area and the general layout of the house. 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, property listings, and more.

When is a home measurement or floorplan service needed?

Challenging real estate taxes

Property tax records frequently reflect the wrong area of a property because the values can come from various sources, and sometimes go unproven — meaning you may be taxed for more square footage than you actually own! Unless a certified appraiser has recently executed a valuation on your property (after any remodeling that may have affected square footage), you'll need one to perform a measurement service before contesting your taxes. 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 paying more than your house is worth.

Putting a property on the market

A measuring service can secure fair market value for your property. Area is one of the most important factors potential buyers consider when purchasing a home — but since square footage values are frequently approximated rather than accurately measured, your listing may show less Gross Living Area (GLA) than it can take credit for. An inaccurate GLA not only decreases the selling price of your property, but possibly even the amount of interested buyers. The only sure method of using a definitive GLA when listing your home is to refer to a previous appraisal or measurement service completed by an appraiser (after any remodeling that may have affected square footage).

For agents

To ensure that your client's property closes at a price that correctly reflects true market value, we advise asking for a measurement of the property. Your clients, and especially potential buyers, will be grateful for your attention to detail, and you can be certain that the GLA on your client's listing is truly representative of their home. A measurement can also be a great marketing tool for getting potential buyers interested since they can view the layout and details of the house before and after a tour. Get in touch to find out more about our home measurement and floorplan services.