WHAT MAKES A BEDROOM A BEDROOM?
Number of bedrooms in a home is one of the top selling features of a home. The difference in value from a three bedroom and a 4 bedroom can be upward of $50,000 or more in some areas in Massachusetts. On the contrary to how a room is used, any room cannot be called a bedroom because you decided to put a bed set in it. There are certain criteria that a space needs in order to be classified as a LEGAL bedroom, AND it may not be exactly what you think.
The laws vary by state, but here are six ways you can tell if your room is a bedroom rather than just an average “room”:
1. Minimum square footage: Size does matter here too! The minimum requirement for a room to be considered a bedroom is 70 square feet. Some towns may vary on this guideline.
2. Minimum horizontal footage: A bedroom must also measure at least 7 feet in any horizontal direction.
3. Two means of egress: There have to be two ways out of a bedroom. A window is preferred because it adds ventilation. A skylight would also qualify in some markets, even if it is hard to get to.
4. Minimum ceiling height: At least half of the bedroom ceiling has to be at least 7 feet tall. For example, A loft style room would qualify.
5. Minimum window size: The window opening must be a minimum size, usually 5.7 square feet (this rules out the popular “basement bedroom”.
6. A heating and cooling element: The bedroom must have a permanent heating mechanism. Space heaters are not acceptable and very dangerous to use consistently. Further, the room has to have a way to add ventilation.
7. Outlets: At least two for lighting. Alternatively, an overhead light and one socket is permissible in some towns.
Popular to what many people believe, including some real estate agents, a closet is not required to be classified as a legal bedroom. In newer build homes, a closet is expected to accommodate modern lifestyles and the acquisition of things. However, In Massachusetts there are many first and second empire homes and a multitude of Victorians that do not and never had a closet. Why? People just didn’t have the amount of shizzle and clothing that we have now! Did you know the coat hanger was not even invented until 1869! The closet in the American home did not become a standard in new construction until the 1950’s.
So that bonus room in your home could MAYBE be classified as bedroom by your town’s assessor. Thus, adding more value to your sweet equity! Check with your town’s building department and assessor in Essex county, Middlesex county or Suffolk County for more information pertaining to your specific property.
For more information, check out the International Residential Building Code RESIDENTIAL BUILDING CODE