Are aundry and storage areas in Garage part of square footage?

[AL DURAN]

Hello , Im in California and a Real Estate agent just informed me that the square footage in my 2 Car Attached garage townhome is being reported improperly.

After doing some research and looking at homes on the market, I noticed that some homes have Washer /Dryer,Water Heater and storage units inside the home apart from the Garage, obviously part of the living area apart from the garage.

My townhome has the Water Heater,Washer/Dryer and room for storage area, second refrigerator and other Liveable areas apart form where two cars can be parked and comfortably accessed, it seems to me this STRIP of approx 3ft x 19.5 ft (approx just less than 60 sqft) should be included in the living area.

I also read that the way to calculate the square footage of townhomes is not well defined. 

And, that the assessors office will include the whole garage as part of the square footage your being taxed on.

After looking at other townhomes with limited or detached garages which have laundry and water heaters inside the living area apart from the garage or exterior it seems to me that those approx  60 sqft in my townhome should be included. 

My queston for those in the know, is should they be included? I have bn told to hire an appraiser, I thinking of doing that to support listing more square footage for my home should some of my garage area is not being included what is being specified to prospective real estate proffesionals and rentors.

Help!!!