Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana Jacobs.
Dana, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was previously a project manager in the signage industry and wanted to branch out to become my own boss. My mother is a retired appraiser in NC and began a home measurement service in her retirement. I looked at her business model, analyzed the market here in Columbia, and found a need for Home Measurement Services. I was already accustomed to reading blue prints and a tape measure, so it seemed like a good fit.
I began my business as SC Home Measure in January of 2020. Then covid hit! I learned very fast to put systems in place to make my work flow faster and more efficient. I had to be ready to measure a home at any given moment in the fast paced market and turn the accurate square footage report around quickly. These systems are still in place and have evolved and improved. I try to stay very flexible for our local realtors to provide accurate square footage and excellent customer service.
As time has gone by, I found that many realtors and developers needed full detail floor plans showing walls, windows, doors and appliances. Something to hand over to contractors for estimates or remodeling. I proceeded to learn a light drafting software and have expanded my business to include architects and designers. In January of 2025, I rebranded as SC Measure, thus allowing the name to appeal to a variety of clients.
For every square foot measurement, I follow the ANSI Measurement Standard, which is required by Fanny Mae and Freddie Mac. I approach each job with accuracy and with the thought in my head that if ever questioned, I should be able to defend my findings in a court of law. I follow different appraiser pod casts and newsfeeds, as well as keep up with continuing education as I want to be a source of information to my clients.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In the early days, during Covid, there were days that I measured 5-10 houses. There were many late nights and early mornings working on the computer to turn around measurement reports, usually on the same day.
I learned early on that in the summer months of SC, it is best to start the day early measuring before 100 degrees hits. Weather is always a challenge as measurements begin at the exterior of the home.
For several years I worked as a home measurement contractor for one of the virtual real estate companies. I helped launch their markets here in Columbia, Greenville and Charleston. It was a great experience, but as their processes changed, they began to phase my services out. At first it was a devastating blow as I had been with them from the beginning. But I soon realized that it was a blessing, allowing me time to grow my business and expand my services.
I have always been grateful to have my Mother’s appraisal knowledge just a phone call away. There have been many instances where we have discussed an unusual room or issue while keeping compliant to the ANSI Measurement Standard.
We’ve been impressed with SC Measure, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
SC Measure provides accurate square footage and floor plan layouts. My primary client are realtors, residential and commercial. Accurate square footage assist realtors with finding comparables and eliminate square footage surprises once a property is under contract. Some realtors perfer the floor plan so that clients can see room locations and sizes and feel the flow of the home without ever stepping inside.
As I have grown my business, I assist architects, developers and renovators with floor plans and accurate measurements, providing cad based floor plans.. I have measured several empty nursing homes, doctor’s offices and other business spaces for architects to plan for renovations and development.
I am know for accuracy and customer service. Communication is the key with confirming appointments the day before. When on site of an empty home, I always let the realtor/client know when I am on the way, when I am done and the home is locked up. I try to educate my clients to potential issues that may arise in an appraisal. The downfall is that not all appraisers use the ANSI Measurement Standard and there is no standard being required in SC. Some of the major lenders are now requiring the use of ANSI, which will hopefully help a national standard be in place one day.
Most proud about my brand – I developed my logo specifically using architectural fonts and the square foot symbol. It is subtle but gets the meaning across.
My services – most square footage measurements are returned on the same day or within 24 hours. I am available to measure residential and commercial spaces, for realtors, renovations, for developers and architects.
How do you think about happiness?
I love being my own boss. yes, there are hard times, sometimes difficult conversations, long nights, working while on vacation, but it is all worth it. My husband supports me every step of the way and is anxious to retire and become my employee helping me expand my business further.
Cars also make me happy. I discovered auto racing late in life and am passionate about racing. We built a classic Mini race car with my husband and with my racing mentor. Over the last 15 years I have raced in vintage racing events and 24 hour endurance events through out the south east. I am also passionate about instructing racing. Having become a high performance race car instructor with MSF L2 certification, I can frequently be found at our local motorsports park, in the right seat with a student.
Of course my two labradoodles are the source of every day smiles and happiness!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ScMeasure.com
- Facebook: @ScMeasure
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danajacobs-scmeasure/
