Square footage question- tri-level/ split levels.

[Sam Zes]

I recently purchased a property that was listed at around 880 square feet. The county records show the same thing. However, including the "bottom" level, it's closer to 1250 square feet.  After doing research, it seems the bottom level isn't counted in square footage because it's considered below grade.  However, I would argue that none of this is below grade.  Walking in the front door, there are no steps to go down like a typical split level house.  It is finished similar to the rest of the house, has heating and it all seems to be above grade.

Is it possible to convince an appraiser to include this in square footage?  Do I try to get it changed on county records first?  Am I completely wrong about this?  I got a good deal at 880 square feet but this would just make it a great deal.  I wasn't banking on the extra square footage as part of the deal.  Any ideas?