Can appraiser count non-bedrooms as bedrooms?

[Amy Mueller]

I purchased a duplex and want to submit my appraisal to the county in order to hopefully lower my taxes. After looking over the appraisal I noticed each unit was listed as 3 bedrooms instead of 2. She Is counting the walk through dining rooms as bedrooms. I contacted her and she responded the property was marketed as 3 bedrooms and that it is not uncommon for tenants to use other rooms as bedrooms.... The county assessor has it listed as 2 bedrooms. I did not think a walk through room could be a legal bedroom, but is that irrelevant for an appraisal? Should I get a new appraisal before turning it in to the county or write in an explanation that the dining room is not a bedroom and not worry about it b/c despite the # of bedrooms it still appraised much lower than the assessor has it?

[Sam Shueh]

Tax records is what is authorized for bed room count. There are two methods # br and sf of living area. It is more common to compare total sf. If there is an alteration then it needs a permit to substantiate.

In general 3/2 or 2/1.5 with similar gla sf can both be used as a comparable properties. For duplex they use $/sf cost and income approach. I suggest you hire an appraiser to get a professional opinion. The Assessor Office often conducts hearing for someone like you to voice your disagreement.