Question on calculating square footage in new developments

I received this question to my blog last week, and although we got some good replies, we're not quite sure the question has been answered with certainty. If you can shed some light on the matter, it would be appreciated.

The reader's question:

Hi - I read your article [about calculating square footage in San Francisco] and had a quick question on measuring square footage in a high-rise condominium in San Francisco. Do you know if the structural concrete should get included in the condo square footage? The condo I am looking to buy has about 100 square feet of structural concrete behind some walls, mostly along the edges, and the builder is including it in the square feet measurements. This is not "air space" nor do I own it. I can't occupy it or modify it. I can see the reason to include partition walls, because these can be knocked down and the space can be occupied. But not so with concrete. Any advice?? The rules seem vague with respect to this. Also, would you have the name of the individual at the Assessor's office that replied to your email? They seemed very informative. I called the office and the person I talked to didn't know the answer to my question (and she was an appraiser). Thanks! David

Should you like to continue the discussion on the original thread, you can do so here.
Topics: san francisco real estate