Humber/Ontario Real Estate Course 4 Exam Practice

Which area is typically not included in the total living area of a residential structure?

1. A glass-enclosed but unheated porch directly adjacent to the family room.

2. A heated, finished bonus room above the garage accessible from the second floor.

3. A fully finished basement recreation room.

4. Below grade living areas such as basement-level bedrooms.

5. An unfinished attic.

6. Storage areas within the garage.

The correct answer is: A glass-enclosed but unheated porch directly adjacent to the family room.

In real estate, the total living area of a residential structure is usually defined as the sum of all areas that are habitable and suitable for year-round living. This includes rooms that are heated and fully finished. A glass-enclosed but unheated porch directly adjacent to the family room typically does not meet the criteria for inclusion in the total living area. The key factor here is that the porch is unheated, which makes it less suitable for year-round use compared to other spaces that are fully enclosed, heated, and thus viable for living purposes. Although it may provide additional space, without heating it cannot be considered part of the living area intended for consistent use. Other options mentioned include spaces such as heated finished basements and bonus rooms, which do meet the criteria since they provide both heating and finished surfaces, making them suitable for year-round living. Likewise, while below grade living areas like basement-level bedrooms are often considered living areas due to their potential for habitability, they are still generally less desirable. However, they are included in the total because they are finished and usable spaces. Unfinished attics and storage in garages, however, are typically not counted as living areas due to their unfinished state or the nature of their intended use. Thus