Humber/Ontario Real Estate Course 3 Exam Practice

According to Appraisal Institute of Canada guidelines, how should a porch or a deck be measured?

1. Be included alongside the total living area

2. Only be included if the porch or deck is enclosed

3. Only be included if the structure has a foundation

4. Be excluded from the total living area measurement

5. Be included if the structure is attached to the main building

6. Be included if the porch or deck exceeds a certain size

The correct answer is: Be excluded from the total living area measurement

In the context of the Appraisal Institute of Canada guidelines, a porch or deck is classified as an outdoor feature rather than an integral part of the livable space of the property. Therefore, it should be excluded from the total living area measurement. This classification emphasizes that living areas are considered enclosed, heated spaces that are fully integrated into the structure, while decks and porches are external spaces. The rationale behind this is that decks and porches typically do not have the same utility as enclosed living spaces, which are used year-round regardless of weather conditions. As such, these outdoor areas do not contribute to the livable square footage of a home in a manner that reflects their usability or value as part of the indoor living environment. The decision to measure only enclosed, conditioned spaces as part of the living area reflects consistent standards in real estate appraisal, guiding appraisers and real estate professionals to ensure property assessments are standardized and transparent.