The living area of a home is measured based on what criteria?

The living area of a home is primarily determined by the exterior dimensions of the house. This measurement includes all the spaces within the outer walls of the property, allowing for an accurate calculation of the total livable square footage. This method encompasses all levels of the home above ground, providing a standardized way to assess how much usable space is available for living.

Measuring based on interior layout may provide a sense of how the space is utilized, but it does not adhere to the consistent and official standards set for defining living areas. Similarly, considering room count provides a different perspective but does not reflect the total area square footage. The footprint of the home refers to the area covered by the home on the lot, which is important for zoning and land use planning but is not indicative of the livable area. Thus, using exterior dimensions ensures a clear and standardized calculation of the home's living space.