When listing a property in North Carolina, ensuring accurate square footage measurements is not just a best practice—it’s mandatory. One must adhere to North Carolina’s Square Footage Measurement Requirements. The North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) requires that all listed properties be measured in accordance with the Residential Square Footage Guidelines Manual.
A qualified professional from one of the following categories must take these measurements:
- Professional Measuring Service (Recommended)
- Actively Licensed North Carolina Real Estate Broker
- Licensed Appraiser
Below, we’ll explain the specifics of these requirements, answer common questions, and provide examples of qualified providers by county.
1. Can I provide my own measurements?
No, North Carolina requires that a professional, such as a measuring service, licensed broker, or appraiser, measure the property to ensure compliance with NCREC guidelines.
2. Can I use an app to measure the property?
No, property measurements must be completed by a qualified professional. Apps and other DIY tools are not permitted.
3. Can I rely on a previous appraisal?
Unfortunately, no. You must take new measurements for the current transaction to meet state requirements.
4. Is it okay to use tax records for square footage?
No but you can review tax records for reference, but the state doesn’t consider them a reliable or accurate source.
5. What happens if the advertised square footage is incorrect?
If the square footage is wrong, buyers may pursue legal remedies such as damages or contract changes, according to NC Realtors.
6. Can unpermitted areas of the house be included in the total square footage?
No. You must list unpermitted areas separately, and you can’t include them in the property’s total square footage.
7. What about decks, porches, or garages?
You should not include decks, balconies, porches, garages, or carports in any category of finished or unfinished living area.
What’s Included in the Professional Measurements?
1. Heated Living Area / Living Area
To qualify as living area, the space must be:
- Heated by a permanent heating system (e.g., forced air, radiant, solar). Portable heaters or fireplaces are not acceptable.
- Suitable for year-round occupancy.
- Directly accessible from other living areas through a door, heated hallway, or stairway.
2. Unheated Living Area
This includes spaces that contribute to the home’s value but do not meet the criteria for heated living areas. Examples:
- Unheated sunrooms or porches.
- Finished rooms that are unheated.
- Unfinished attic spaces with permanent stairs.
3. Additional Square Feet
Spaces such as basements or areas without direct access to the main dwelling fall into this category. You should list these areas separately in the property description or include them in the agent remarks.
Why Accurate Measurements Matter
Accurate square footage is critical for protecting buyers, sellers, and agents from potential disputes.
Misrepresenting square footage, for example, can lead to serious legal consequences. As a result, you could face financial penalties or even contract reformation.
Recommended Measuring Services by County
We’ve compiled a list of measuring services by county to help you meet North Carolina’s requirements.
Although Beycome does not guarantee or endorse these companies, they serve as helpful examples and a solid starting point for finding qualified professionals in your area.
Accurate measurements are not just a legal requirement—they’re essential for building trust and transparency in the real estate process. When you hire a professional to measure your property, you create a smoother transaction and reduce the risk of costly errors.
list of measuring services
| James Powell Appraisal | JAMESPOWELL@ATMC.NET; billy.jpa@atmc.net | 910-755-7070; 910-209-1288, Mark – 828-244-5836 | $ 150.00 | |
| Appraise the Beach | appraisethebeach@icloud.com | 252-626-4104 | $ 150.00 | |
| Raleigh, Durham, Franklin, Ganville, Johnston, Lee, Person, Wake, Nash | Harmon Property Solutions | matt@harmonps.com | 919-606-1935 | $ 125.00 |
| Mc Namara | ||||
| Forsyth, Davidson, Davie, Yadkin and southern Stokes Counties | Triad Measuring | Info@DavidsonPropertyServices.com | 336-416-0236 | |
| Catawba Valley Appraisal | jstewart.appraiser@gmail.com | 828-612-6221 | $ 75.00 | |
| Cornelius, Huntersville, Waxhaw, Matthews, Fort Mill, Pineville, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point, Thomasville, Jamestown, Kernersville | Steel Tape | lisa@steeltapemeasuring.com; clay@steeltapemeasuring.com | 336-442-7372 | |
| A Measure Up / Pacifico Property Services | service@ameasureup.com services@pacificopropertyservices.com | 980-616-2615 | $ 75.00 | |
| Counties covered…Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Gaston, Guilford, Iredell, Lancaster, SC, Lincoln, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly, Stokes, Surrey, Union, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin, York County, SC | Carolina Measure Pro | Don@CarolinaMeasurePro.com | 336-355-7971 | $ 135.00 |
| Shindler Solutions | 828-367-7133 | |||
| Measure-Rite LLC | a.zalys@hotmail.com | 828-231-7305 | ||
| Serving Henderson, South Buncombe, Polk & Transylvania Counties | Cook Appraisals | david@cookappraisalinc.com | 828-551-9565 | |
| Home Dimensional | homedimensional@gmail.com | 910-352-4632 | $ 125.00 | |
| Bullard Associates | jpatrickbullard@gmail.com | 910-638-5352 | ||
| Cumberland, howe, Hornett & Monroe Counties. | Market Value Appraisers | marketvaluerealty@yahoo.com | 910-916-9819 | $75 – $175 |
| Arsenal Appriasals | orders@arsenalappraisal.com; info@arsenalappraisal.com | 910-423-1861 | ||
| Appalachian Appraisal Inc | housercj1@gmail.com | 706-994-3665 | ||
| Howard Appraisal Service | wbhoward@windstream.net; jwhowapp@outlook.com | 706-745-0071 | ||
| Whittarch Appraisals | WhichardAppraisal@charter.net | 252-538-0093 | ||
| Triangle East Appraisals | triappseast@cocentral.com | 252-234-7575 | ||
| Counties they cover: Onslow Craven, Carteret , Pamlico, Pender, New Hanover, Jones County | Maready Appraisals | info@mareadyappraisals.com | 910.326.6511 | |
| Moore, Lee, Harnett, Richmond, Hoke, Cumberland, Scotland, Robeson, Randolph, Chatham, Anson & Montgomery counties (Pinehurst) | Village Appraisers | (910) 215-5866 | ||
| Matthews Appraisals | mathewsappraisal@gmail.com | (910) 315-9440 | ||
| JWH Appraisals | value@jwhappraisal.com | 910-377-1515 |
Disclaimer:The information provided, including company listings and pricing details, is for informational purposes only. Therefore, users should verify all details before making any decisions or financial commitments.
Beycome has no financial affiliation, endorsement, or partnership with any of these companies and does not guarantee their services or pricing. We encourage all users to verify details independently and choose providers at their own discretion.