How is Gross Living Area typically defined?

Gross Living Area (GLA) is commonly defined as the total area of a residential building measured within the external walls, including all livable spaces. This definition encompasses the full floor area, so items such as staircases do not reduce this measurement. It reflects the actual space available for living purposes and is significant in real estate valuations and title insurance, as it provides a clearer representation of the size of a dwelling.

This approach to defining Gross Living Area can include finished areas that may not necessarily be heated, but should reflect conditions typical to livable space. The different interpretations offered by the other options do not fully capture the standard definition of GLA. For example, excluding garages and basements would not align with the common practice of considering total livable area. Similarly, measuring only heated living spaces or focusing on areas below grade do not represent the full scope intended by the GLA definition. Therefore, recognizing the total area within the external walls without exclusions is why this definition is widely used in the context of housing and real estate.