A home with 1,100 square feet on the main level and 1,100 on the second has GLA of:
Correct Answer
B) 2,200 square feet
Why this is correct: Gross Living Area (GLA) is the total finished, above-grade living area. It is calculated by summing the finished square footage of all above-grade levels. Here, the main level (1,100 sq ft) plus the second level (1,100 sq ft) equals 2,200 square feet. Why the other choices are wrong: "1,100 square feet, counting the footprint" is wrong because the footprint is the ground-level area covered by the structure, not the total living area across floors. "3,300 square feet, including the basement" is wrong because basements are below-grade and are excluded from GLA, even if finished. "1,650 square feet, averaging the levels" is wrong because GLA is a sum, not an average, of above-grade finished areas. Exam tip: GLA is always the sum of finished, above-grade areas. Basements and garages are never included, regardless of finish.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Why this is correct: Gross Living Area (GLA) is the total finished, above-grade living area. It is calculated by summing the finished square footage of all above-grade levels. Here, the main level (1,100 sq ft) plus the second level (1,100 sq ft) equals 2,200 square feet. Why the other choices are wrong: "1,100 square feet, counting the footprint" is wrong because the footprint is the ground-level area covered by the structure, not the total living area across floors. "3,300 square feet, including the basement" is wrong because basements are below-grade and are excluded from GLA, even if finished. "1,650 square feet, averaging the levels" is wrong because GLA is a sum, not an average, of above-grade finished areas. Exam tip: GLA is always the sum of finished, above-grade areas. Basements and garages are never included, regardless of finish.
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