Under ANSI Z765-2021 as applied by Fannie Mae, a staircase runs from the second floor down to the first floor. Its area is counted as part of:
Correct Answer
C) The second floor
ANSI Z765-2021, adopted by Fannie Mae, counts stairs as part of the floor from which they descend, here the second floor. The area beneath the stairs on the first floor is counted on the first floor if it is finished space. An open void with no floor is not counted.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option C is correct because ANSI Z765-2021, as adopted by Fannie Mae, counts stairs as part of the floor from which they descend, which here is the second floor. Separately, finished space beneath the stairs on the first floor is counted on the first floor, while an open void with no floor is not counted.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Half on each floor
Option A is wrong because splitting the stair area half on each floor is not the ANSI Z765-2021 method. The standard assigns the stair area to one floor, the floor from which the stairs descend.
Option B: Neither floor, as circulation space
Option B is wrong because treating the stairs as circulation space counted on neither floor would leave out area that the standard includes. Under ANSI Z765-2021, the stairs are counted on the floor from which they descend.
Option D: Both floors in full
Option D is wrong because counting the staircase on both floors in full would double count the same area. The stair area belongs to the second floor; only finished space beneath it on the first floor is counted there.
Stairs belong to the top
Stand at the top of the staircase and look down: the stairs belong to the floor you are standing on, the one they descend from.
How to use: Use this when deciding which floor's area includes a staircase under ANSI Z765-2021.
Exam Tip
For ANSI stair questions, remember 'floor from which they descend' and do not double count the staircase on both levels.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- -Counting the staircase area on both floors
- -Excluding stair area entirely as circulation space
- -Assigning the staircase to the lower floor it leads to
Concept Deep Dive
Analysis
This question tests a specific measuring convention in ANSI Z765-2021, which Fannie Mae has adopted for measuring residential square footage. The rule assigns stair area to the floor from which the stairs descend, so a staircase running from the second floor down to the first is counted on the second floor.
Background Knowledge
ANSI Z765-2021 is a standard for measuring finished square footage of single-family homes, and Fannie Mae has adopted it for its appraisals. It addresses items such as stairs, openings to the floor below and ceiling height. Consistent measurement helps make subject and comparable square footage figures comparable.
Real-World Application
An appraiser measures a two-story home under Fannie Mae's ANSI requirement. The open staircase area is included in the second-floor total, while a finished closet under the stairs is included in the first-floor total.
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