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Jerry Thomas-Construction Loans, Construction Loans in MI, OH, PA, VA, GA and FL. (Cranbrook Loans)

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Rainmaker
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Joseph Domino 480-390-6011
HomeSmart - Scottsdale, AZ
Real Estate Made Easy

I am not sure if this is the answer you are looking for, but appraisers are guided by ANSI standard Z765-2003. You can look there for greater detail. But I was able to find the following Ceiling Height Requirement:

 

"To be included in finished square footage calculations, finished areas must have a ceiling height of at least 7 feet (2.13 meters) except under beams, ducts, and other obstructions where the height may be 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 meters); under stairs where there is no specified height requirement; or where the ceiling is sloped. If a room’s ceiling is sloped, at least one-half of the finished square footage in that room must have a vertical ceiling height of at least 7 feet (2.13 meters); no portion of the finished area that has a height of less than 5 feet (1.52 meters) maybe included in finished square footage."

Nov 21, 2019 11:22 AM
Rainer
417,221
Caroline Gerardo
Licensed in 20 states - Newport Beach, CA
C. G. Barbeau the Loan Lady nmls 324982

here is a HUD guideline for lower than normal ceiling 

https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/41502C4HSGH.PDF 

 lower than normal ceiling heights, etc. Eligibility of these properties depends on whether or not the property is structurally sound and readily marketable. If a property meets these criteria, the appraiser estimates market value. However, depending on the uniqueness of a property, the final determination to accept or reject the property is made by the lending institution's underwriter.   So the answer is - subjective for an existing home. VA will be the most strict as the appraiser must assure the health and safety of the veteran. Conventional - Fannie the most forgiving 

Do you have a specific problem with a low ceiling room not being included in the square footage?  County or city local planning  and building codes  prevail and appraiser should use planning department guideance.  

 

Marshall Swift guidelines: 

https://www.swiftestimator.com › pdf › SE_SEG_Occupancy_Reference_061
Nov 21, 2019 12:16 PM
Rainer
344,388
Kris Collis, Associate Broker
Smart Way America Realty - East Stroudsburg, PA
Professional Results you Expect 570-801-5525

The Fannie Mae 5′ Rule: Fact of Myth

Interesting discussion here Jerry but dated 2012 so would like for more current data.

check out these sites

 

Nov 21, 2019 11:15 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Interesting question.  I know most rooms have a minimum height out here, but don't know if that's a code issue or built for the six-foot plus people.

Nov 21, 2019 10:43 AM
Rainer
247,599
Jerry Thomas-Construction Loans
Cranbrook Loans - Farmington Hills, MI
Construction Loans in MI, OH, PA, VA, GA and FL.

Thanks to Joseph Domino. I yeild to anything an appraiser has to say but the rule on a flat ceiling seems to be 7 feet. If the ceiling has a slope to it, at least half the room has to have a ceiling at least 7 feet high. In addition you can only count the square footage where the roof is at least 5 feet high.

Nov 21, 2019 12:14 PM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

I'll be reading all the answers here..... I can remember when the building code had a minimum room dimension of 7'.... 

Nov 21, 2019 11:28 AM
Ambassador
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Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

To convert an upstairs to a duplex in our city we need an average 7 foot ceiling height, based on the answers below it looks like other municipalities have different standards.

Nov 21, 2019 11:17 AM
Rainmaker
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Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Jerry,

Thank you for asking this question, we are looking forward to the answer.  A

Nov 21, 2019 11:14 AM
Rainmaker
2,390,577
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

Jerry Thomas-Construction Loans I believe it varies by municipality.

Nov 21, 2019 11:14 AM
Rainer
509,449
Susie Kay
Ultra Real Estate Dallas Fort Worth - Plano, TX
North Dallas Specialist

I'm all ears.  Thanks for the question!

Nov 21, 2019 11:05 AM
Ambassador
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Mimi Foster
Falcon Property Company - Colorado Springs, CO
Voted Colorado Springs Best Realtor

When I did appraisal school many moons ago, I measured to my shoulder height, which is about 4.5 feet. How's that for scientific? 

Nov 21, 2019 10:59 AM
Rainmaker
1,196,798
Doug Dawes
Keller Williams Evolution - 447 Boston Street, Suite #5, Topsfield, MA - Topsfield, MA
Your Personal Realtor®

I'd think you'd have to be able to stand up in the room unless you're 7 feet or taller

Nov 23, 2019 06:17 AM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

This can be very specific to individual jurisdictions. In NC, the Real Estate Commission tells us what constitutes heated living area for square footage calculations. I have no idea about impact on loan programs... the issue has never come up.

Nov 22, 2019 03:46 AM
Rainmaker
3,626,530
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

Just dropped by to see the answer, now I know

Nov 22, 2019 02:05 AM
Rainmaker
629,608
Tom Bailey
Margaret Rudd & Associates Inc. - Oak Island, NC

This is dictated by state law in NC. I believe it is 7 feet. 

Nov 22, 2019 01:55 AM
Rainmaker
2,071,025
Evelina Tsigelnitskaya
SIB Realty - Sunny Isles Beach, FL

Thank you, Jerry Thomas-Construction Loans for great question. 

And thank you, Joseph Domino 480-390-6011 for an answer. 

 

Nov 21, 2019 08:22 PM
Ambassador
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Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Good question. I did not know the answer but learned a few things from the responses!

Nov 21, 2019 04:47 PM
Rainmaker
1,598,452
Valeria Mola
SIB Realty - Miami, Sunny Isles Beach - Sunny Isles Beach, FL
305-607-0709 SIB Realty Condos for Sale and Rent

Interesting question, will wait for answers. 

Thank you!

Nov 21, 2019 10:42 AM
Rainmaker
2,220,323
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

You have many great answers here 

Nov 23, 2019 12:56 PM
Ambassador
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Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Looks like Joseph Domino 480-390-6011 nailed this one for you!

Nov 22, 2019 08:44 PM
Ambassador
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Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

Locally it's 6 feet.  We have a lot of A-frames with lofts where it's important to know where to measure to.

Nov 22, 2019 08:12 PM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

great ans below

Nov 22, 2019 08:17 AM
Rainmaker
2,182,502
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

Reading the answers

Nov 22, 2019 04:50 AM
Rainmaker
5,216,381
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Joseph Domino 480-390-6011 seems to have your answer. Thanks for the question. Now many of us know!

Nov 22, 2019 03:50 AM
Rainmaker
1,090,637
Diana Zaccaro Broker Associate
ZOOM Realty Group - Cocoa Beach, FL
"The Accidental Blogger" Cocoa Beach, Florida

Interesting question, Jerry, and I learned something new today.

Nov 21, 2019 10:30 PM
Rainmaker
1,311,397
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

Great question. I learned something today.

Nov 21, 2019 02:27 PM
Rainmaker
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Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Good question, nice to read the answers.

Dec 02, 2019 08:05 AM