MLS Sq Footage vs Appraised vs Tax records??

Question

bought a house with 1800 sq feet 4br 2 bath on MLS and tax records. The garage is enclosed and basically a bedroom, there is HVAC lighting closet , separate door etc, but no window. I want to install a window and have this room permitted as a 5th bedroom. They already count this room in my square footage.

Does anyone know if getting this permitted will allow me to change the listing to a 5br house? Also can they call out other parts of the house for not being to code while they review my addition? Also how is the sq footage determined?, is that done by the latest appraisal, or is that just owner supplied information that always needs to be verified?

thanks so much, these forums have been amazing.

Jeff Copeland · Answer

Permitting the garage conversion will likely update the square footage on the tax rolls (and increase your tax bill accordingly). The amount increased will likely depend on your permit (i.e. architectural drawings or whatever).

While the building inspector isn't specifically looking for code violations when inspecting the garage, it's a good idea not to have any obvious issues in plain view (for example, don't have an unpermitted kitchen rehab or HVAC install in progress when they inspect the garage and expect them to overlook it when they walk through the house!).

The square footage in the MLS can often be taken from either the tax rolls / public records, or from an appraisal, at the discretion of the listing agent.

The appraisal square footage should be based on actual measurements taken by the appraiser.