{"id":10501,"date":"2023-06-27T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-06-27T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.roomsketcher.com\/?p=10501"},"modified":"2023-07-03T09:53:49","modified_gmt":"2023-07-03T07:53:49","slug":"bedroom-definition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.roomsketcher.com\/blog\/bedroom-definition\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the Definition of a Bedroom in Real Estate"},"content":{"rendered":"

When is a bedroom, not a bedroom? We\u2019re here to help you unpack the legal fine print.<\/p>\n\n

Blog<\/a>, <\/span>Home Sales<\/a><\/div>\n\n
\"Bedroom<\/figure>\n\n\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Sam\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tBy<\/span>\n\t\t\t\tSam Applegate<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tPublished June 27, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tUpdated July 03, 2023<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tImages by Andrea Platzer<\/a><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

Understanding the legally-binding bedroom definition is incredibly important in the real estate market. The simple fact that an extra bedroom can boost property value by up to $100,000<\/a> means there\u2019s plenty of reason to squeeze one in wherever possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How is a bedroom legally defined?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s no surprise that a strict set of rules for defining bedrooms was created in 2000 in a document called the International Residential Code, the IRC<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s also important to note, some US states strictly follow IRC standards while other states adjust them slightly. We recommend contacting your local planning office to find out what the requirements in your area are to have your space legally labeled as a bedroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s dive into the details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Legal<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Size<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A bedroom must have a floor area of at least 70 square feet<\/strong> (6.50 square meters). In some US states, a minimum floor area of 50 square feet per person<\/strong> (4.65 square meters) is required. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There must also be a minimum wall length of 7 feet<\/strong> (2.13 meters) in any direction. This is to avoid long narrow spaces (such as hallways) being technically defined as bedrooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Minimum<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ceiling height<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The ceiling height must be at least 7 feet<\/strong> (2.13 meters) in at least half of the bedroom area. This allows for bedrooms in loft spaces (with sloping ceilings) as long as half of the room has sufficient head clearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Required<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Methods of egress<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A legal bedroom requires at least two ways to enter\/exit the room<\/strong>. An internal door and a window usually meet this standard, but a skylight is also an option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The rule is in place for safety reasons, to escape in the event of a fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Methods<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Windows<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Windows or skylights are essential for a room to be legally labeled as a bedroom. They not only provide ventilation and natural light but also an emergency exit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The window aperture must be at least 5.7 square feet<\/strong> (0.53 square meters). For example, 24 inches tall by 20 inches wide (0.61 meters by 0.51 meters).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The window position needs to be at least 24 inches<\/strong> (0.61 meters) and at most 44 inches (1.12 meters) above the floor. Making them safe for both adults and children to fall out of in an emergency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You must also be able to open the window from inside the room without keys, tools, or special knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Window<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Heating\/cooling<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In order to be considered a bedroom within the IRC definition, it must have an effective heating or cooling method. This can be an air conditioning unit, window, or radiator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Space heaters do not qualify as heating devices. The system must be capable of maintaining room temperature above 68 degrees Fahrenheit<\/strong> (20 degrees Celsius).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Heating<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Additional requirements<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The following requirements are not always needed but are highly recommended:<\/p>\n\n\n\n