When it comes to selling your home or refinancing, one factor that can dramatically impact your property’s value is its confirmed square footage. Many homeowners don’t realize that the size of their home, as officially documented, can differ from the actual livable space they use every day. Updating and confirming this detail with the help of remodeling and home improvement professionals isn’t just a smart move—it could significantly raise your home’s market value.
Let’s explore how five couples discovered the hidden value in their homes simply by confirming (and in some cases, increasing) their square footage—and what that did for their financial futures.
1. Lisa & Derek – Reclaiming Basement Space
Lisa and Derek had always used their finished basement as a family room and guest suite. But when it came time to sell, their realtor informed them the basement wasn’t included in the listed square footage because it hadn’t been officially permitted.
“We were stunned,” said Lisa. “That space was a huge part of our home, and buyers weren’t seeing it as added value.”
After consulting with an advisor at Homes Are Us Remodeling, they worked through the permit process and updated their official home records. The result? A 12% increase in appraised value, and a quicker sale above asking price.
2. Maria & Jonah – Turning a Sunroom into Livable Square Footage
Maria and Jonah inherited a home with a beautiful but uninsulated sunroom. During their remodeling consultation, they learned that by upgrading insulation, HVAC, and windows, they could include the space in their official square footage.
“It made a huge difference,” Jonah explained. “The remodel wasn’t just cosmetic—it added measurable value.”
Once the work was done and the space was certified as livable, their home appraisal increased by nearly $40,000, simply because the additional 200 square feet could now be legally counted.
3. Rachel & Ty – Correcting an Undervalued Listing
When Rachel and Ty decided to refinance their home, their lender flagged a discrepancy in the home’s size. The appraisal listed only 1,800 square feet, but their measurements showed 2,100.
“We knew something wasn’t right,” said Ty. “Turns out, the original plans missed an addition done decades ago.”
They partnered with a remodeling advisor to assess, document, and update the home’s layout with the local municipality. After reconfirming the size, their refinance terms improved dramatically due to a higher appraised value.
4. Hannah & Marcus – Remodeling for Smart Expansion
Unlike the other couples, Hannah and Marcus were in the early stages of planning a remodel. Their goal: add a master suite and expand their kitchen.
“We weren’t just thinking about comfort,” said Hannah. “We wanted to make sure the square footage we added would pay off in resale.”
Working with Homes Are Us Remodeling, they ensured all additions met legal requirements and were designed with value in mind. After completion, their home’s value increased by over 20%, proving that intentional design and accurate size documentation go hand in hand.
5. Emily & James – Getting Credit for a Garage Conversion
Emily and James had converted their detached garage into a home office and guest studio, but it wasn’t reflected in their property records.
“We were told it didn’t ‘count’ until it met certain standards,” said James. “So we called in the experts.”
With guidance from remodeling professionals, they upgraded insulation, installed permanent heating and cooling, and obtained the necessary city approvals. The result was a legitimate 400 square foot increase to their property size—and a strong boost to its market value.
Why Square Footage Matters
Square footage is one of the key metrics buyers, appraisers, and lenders use to determine a home’s value. Even if your home feels large, if the official records don’t reflect that, you could be losing out on thousands—or tens of thousands—of dollars in equity or sale price.
Here are a few reasons to consider confirming your home’s size:
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Higher Appraisal: Bigger square footage can lead to a significantly higher appraisal, especially in competitive markets.
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Better Refinancing Terms: More value can mean better loan-to-value ratios and improved refinancing options.
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Improved Buyer Perception: Accurate listings build buyer trust and increase the perceived value of the home.
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Legal Compliance: Unpermitted additions may not only be excluded from your square footage but could raise red flags during inspections.
Talk to an Advisor Today
Whether you’re planning to sell, refinance, or just want to understand your home’s full potential, confirming and updating your square footage is a smart financial move. The process doesn’t have to be overwhelming—especially with a team of remodeling experts on your side.
Just ask Lisa and Derek, or Rachel and Ty: working with a trusted advisor made all the difference.
Want to unlock your home’s hidden value?
Contact Homes Are Us Remodeling today to speak with an experienced advisor and learn how a square footage audit—or even a strategic remodel—can improve your property’s value in ways you never imagined.
