What is a bedroom, legally and what is required to consider a room in your home a bedroom? Things are not what they appear, a room with a bed in it is not necessarily a bedroom. There are many features required to call a room a bedroom. If you are buying a home or selling a home, you need to know what these are. Since a home and/or master bedroom can go through many incarnations over its life, sellers should be familiar with what makes a bedroom a legal bedroom before listing their home, to ensure no issues are holding up the sale when a buyer has been secured.
Six Necessary Requirements To Label A Bedroom A Bedroom
- There is a minimum size of square feet needed, and this is not only for the convenience of fitting in a bed, nightstand and dresser. Sizes can be different for each state, but 70-80 square feet is usually the accepted minimum. Sellers in urban markets such as New York City and Chicago would love rooms of 5 by 7 square feet to qualify as a bedroom, but that is a no go.
- There is also a minimum of horizontal square footage required. It must be at least 7 feet in any horizontal direction. This is why a hallway will never be able to be called a bedroom.
- There must be two ways to leave a bedroom. This would normally be a window and a door. Occasionally a skylight could count as a way outside.
- The ceiling height must be a minimum of 7 feet tall in at least half of the room.
- The size of the window is important as well. It must be at least 5.7 square feet.
- Finally, there must be a way to heat and cool the room. A space heater doesn’t count in this requirement.
Have you wondered if the room needs to have a closet to be considered a bedroom? It actually does not need any kind of closet to be called a bedroom. Though closets are expected, they are not required. You can always try to expand the space to fit the requirements if your space is short by one or two feet. If you are concerned with whether or not your room is legally considered a bedroom, be sure to check with your agent.
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Tom Reese has 20+ years experience in helping his clients sell their homes for a price that sells and makes them a profit. Tom has helped his clients buy and sell property in every neighborhood in Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati.
About Tom Reese
Helping my clients attain their dreams has been the foundation of my success. With my strong attention to customer service, I have earned my clients continued support and referrals. Put my enthusiasm and dedication to work for you!
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