difterm.com Gross Living Area (GLA) refers to the finished, heated, and above-grade space within a home, excluding garages, basements, and unfinished areas, which makes it a key metric for real estate appraisals and valuation. Total Square Footage encompasses the entire footprint of a property, including all finished and unfinished spaces, such as basements, garages, and porches, offering a comprehensive measure of the property's size. Understanding the difference between GLA and Total Square Footage helps buyers and sellers make informed decisions about property value, usability, and market appeal.
Table of Comparison
| Aspect | Gross Living Area (GLA) | Total Square Footage |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Finished, heated, and above-grade living space. | All enclosed area, including basements, garages, and unfinished spaces. |
| Measurement Standards | Measured according to ANSI standards for above-grade spaces. | Includes all structural areas, regardless of finish or use. |
| Inclusions | Bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms above ground. | GLA plus basements, garages, porches, attics, and storage rooms. |
| Usage | Used to compare home living space for market value. | Used for total property size and planning renovations or expansions. |
| Impact on Value | Directly influences market pricing and appraisal. | Less impact on value, more relevant for space planning. |
Understanding Gross Living Area (GLA)
Gross Living Area (GLA) refers specifically to the finished, heated, and above-grade space within a home, measured from the exterior walls, excluding basements, garages, and unfinished areas. GLA is a critical metric used by appraisers and real estate professionals to determine property value and market comparisons. Understanding this distinction helps buyers and sellers accurately assess a home's usable living space versus the total square footage reported.
What Constitutes Total Square Footage?
Total square footage includes the entire finished and unfinished area within the property's perimeter, encompassing all floors, basements, garages, and storage spaces. This measurement counts not only the gross living area but also non-living spaces such as patios, porches, and attics if they are enclosed and roofed. Real estate appraisers use total square footage to assess the full extent of a property's usable and non-usable interior space for valuation and marketing purposes.
Key Differences Between GLA and Total Square Footage
Gross Living Area (GLA) specifically measures the finished, heated, and above-grade spaces suitable for year-round living, excluding garages, basements, and unfinished areas, whereas Total Square Footage encompasses all enclosed spaces regardless of finish or usability. GLA is essential for accurate market comparisons and appraisals because it reflects the usable residential space, while Total Square Footage provides a broader measure including non-living or auxiliary areas. Understanding these distinctions helps buyers and sellers evaluate property value more precisely and avoid common misunderstandings in real estate listings.
Why GLA Matters in Home Appraisal
Gross Living Area (GLA) represents the finished, above-grade residential space, excluding basements and garages, making it crucial for accurate home appraisals. Appraisers prioritize GLA because it directly impacts market value comparisons and reflects usable living space buyers are willing to pay for. Total square footage often includes non-living areas, which can inflate property size without adding market value, leading to misleading appraisals.
Spaces Included in Gross Living Area
Gross Living Area (GLA) includes finished, heated spaces directly accessible from the main interior of the home, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and living rooms, typically measured above grade. It excludes garages, unfinished basements, porches, and other non-livable areas, which are accounted for in Total Square Footage but not in GLA. Accurate GLA measurement is crucial in real estate appraisal and listing to reflect true market value and comparable property analysis.
Outbuildings and Areas Counted in Total Square Footage
Gross Living Area (GLA) refers specifically to the heated and finished interior space of a home, excluding outbuildings such as garages, sheds, and detached guest houses, which are not counted in the GLA calculation. Total square footage includes all interior living spaces plus outbuildings and unfinished areas, providing a broader measure of the property's size. Accurate property valuation relies on distinguishing GLA from total square footage, as GLA impacts market comparisons while total square footage reflects the entire usable space on the lot.
How Real Estate Listings Display Square Footage
Real estate listings typically distinguish Gross Living Area (GLA) from Total Square Footage to provide a clearer understanding of usable residential space versus overall property size. GLA usually includes finished, heated, and above-grade spaces while excluding garages, basements, and unfinished areas, which are counted in Total Square Footage. Accurate differentiation between these measurements helps buyers make informed decisions by highlighting the functional living space available within a property.
Common Misconceptions About Home Size
Gross Living Area (GLA) refers specifically to the finished, heated, and above-grade space within a home, excluding garages, basements, and unfinished areas, whereas Total Square Footage encompasses all enclosed spaces regardless of finish or usability. Many buyers mistakenly assume Total Square Footage reflects livable space, leading to overestimations of functional home size and value. Accurate real estate appraisals rely heavily on GLA to provide a realistic measure of marketable living space, ensuring appropriate pricing and comparisons.
Impact of Square Footage on Property Value
Gross Living Area (GLA) directly influences property value by representing the usable, finished living space within a home, excluding garages, basements, and unfinished areas, which are omitted from appraisals and market comparisons. Total Square Footage includes all enclosed spaces, but appraisers and buyers prioritize GLA for assessing market value and price per square foot metrics. Higher GLA typically drives increased property valuation by reflecting functional living space, making accurate measurement critical in real estate transactions.
Tips for Accurate Measurement and Reporting
Accurate measurement of Gross Living Area (GLA) requires excluding non-livable spaces such as garages, basements, and porches, while Total Square Footage includes all enclosed areas regardless of use. Use a laser distance measurer and adhere to ANSI standards for consistency when calculating GLA to ensure precise reporting. Always document measurement methods and specify which square footage type is reported to avoid discrepancies in real estate listings.
Gross Living Area vs Total Square Footage Infographic
