What is the Residential Measurement Standard (RMS) introduced by RECA?

However, these standards do not apply to residential home builders, which is why we at Truman Homes include traditional measurements.

Where a realtor would measure from paint to paint (on the interior), a home builder would measure from the farthest exterior point to the farthest exterior point of a building. The best analogy to describe the difference between traditional measurement versus RMS measurement is the difference between miles and kilometers. Measuring with a different metric doesn’t make the distance any longer or shorter than it is, the same way that the house does not get bigger or smaller based on the measurement method used.

The Reason Behind the New Standard

Before 2017, real estate professionals were using multiple ways to measure buildings, which caused confusion, produced inaccurate appraisals, and led to unmet expectations when it came to buying and selling homes. The new standard accounts for the sum of above-grade levels in a home, and involves several principles that bring uniformity to the approach of measuring. This way, buyers and sellers have a trustworthy resource to refer to when comparing property sizes and prices.

However, some of the principles are unusual. For example, below-grade spaces are excluded from the RMS area. This leaves out split levels that are partly below-grade as well as fully finished basements. Additionally, in homes with common walls, like duplexes, condos, or townhomes, measurements are taken from interior wall to interior wall, whereas they are measured exterior wall to exterior wall in detached homes. This adds some extra work for realtors when they want to compare semi-detached and detached homes precisely.

Why Truman Uses Traditional Measurements

At Truman Homes, we present traditional (architectural) measurements in our listings.* We do this because the exclusions and inconsistencies in the Residential Measurement Standard make it difficult to compare homes – for example a home with a basement vs. a townhome without a basement – accurately. In order to properly determine cost per square footage, Truman Homes uses one measurement style across all homes so that we can account for exterior walls, insulation, common walls, basements, and additions. This makes it easier for a home buyer to understand the difference between our condominium, townhome, and detached home listings.

What should you know about RMS before buying a home?

Before making any home buying decisions, you should know that no property has increased or decreased in size due to RMS; it's simply about measuring with different standards. Ensure your real estate representative provides a clear understanding of what the RMS means for you.