Does a Bedroom Require a Closet?
Does a Bedroom Require a Closet?
Are you wondering if a bedroom requires a closet or not? Check out our guide to help you understand the requirements of a bedroom and if it needs a closet.
When it comes to a bedroom, there are a few essential things to consider. While some may believe that a bed and a couple of other items define a bedroom, there are specific requirements that must be met for a space to be considered a bedroom. This includes a guest bedroom. Despite the fact that you can sleep in any room of a house, specific criteria must be fulfilled for a room to be officially referred to as a bedroom.
It's common to prioritize the number of bedrooms when looking for a home to purchase. Nevertheless, it's worth taking into account whether or not the space advertised as a bedroom aligns with widely accepted criteria.
It's worth noting that there are several factors to consider when accurately describing a room, which may not be commonly known. Both buyers and sellers need to have a clear understanding of a home's features.
Keep reading to learn more about what a bedroom is and its requirements.
Chapters
1. What is a Bedroom?
The requirements for a legal bedroom may vary by state, but there are a few critical criteria that can help determine whether a room can be considered a bedroom or not. In North Carolina, according to the Residential Building Code, a room must have at least 100 square feet of floor space, and at least 50% of the room must have a ceiling height greater than 7 feet in order to be classified as a bedroom. Additionally, a bedroom must have a window or door that leads directly to the outside for emergency access.
While other factors can contribute to a room being classified as a bedroom, such as having enough space to accommodate standard bedroom furniture, it can still be difficult for some people to determine whether a room can be considered a bedroom. However, it is essential to note that a room cannot be classified as a bedroom if it is unsafe or suitable for sleeping.
When decorating your first home, it is recommended to start with the bedroom.
2. What Are Bedroom Requirements?
It is important to note that the requirements for a bedroom may vary from state to state. Therefore, being aware of your state's specific requirements is crucial. However, every state typically follows the same legal guidelines to determine whether a room can be classified as a bedroom or not.
Although some people may have their own interpretation of what constitutes a bedroom, it is important to understand the legal definition when selling or buying a house. Each room has its own unique characteristics and can be used for various purposes, but it cannot be listed as anything other than what the law states it is.
Below are six legal ways you can tell if a room can be a bedroom.
1. Minimum room size: The room must be large enough to accommodate standard bedroom furniture and a bed. Consult your state's laws for minimum size requirements. The size of the room matters, especially if you want your home to be handicap accessible.
2. Minimum ceiling height: Considering the dimensions when defining a bedroom is important. According to legal standards, a room can be considered a bedroom even if it has only half the ceiling height of at least 7 feet. Some people may think that a space without a full ceiling is not livable or incomplete, but it can still legally be considered a bedroom.
3. Two means of egress: There must be at least two exits in a room, traditionally a door and a window; however, other options are available. In any case, two entries are necessary.
4. Minimum window size: The window opening has to be at least 5.7 square feet in length, which is considered the minimum requirement.
5. Heating and Cooling element: Your bedroom should have both heating and cooling systems. A space heater does not meet this requirement. It is important to consider the laws in your state when it comes to cooling your room.
6. Minimum horizontal footage: The minimum square footage requirement for a bedroom is 70 square feet, with at least one wall that measures at least 7 feet in any horizontal direction to accommodate furniture.
3. What is a Closet?
A closet is an enclosed space used for storage, particularly for clothes, and often has a door. Fitted closets are built into the walls of the house, taking up no apparent space in the room. They may also be made under stairs or in other awkward areas that go unused. Having a closet lets people use additional space for what they need, and if there is no closet, you have to plan the distance you will use as closet space.
It's important to note that a closet can be a standalone wardrobe or a built-in wardrobe. Some people may not consider a wardrobe as a closet, but technically, it is. Several factors should be considered when choosing between a built-in closet and a wardrobe. The most significant factors are space and cost. If you have a built-in closet, you'll have more space in the room, but if you choose a wardrobe, you'll have the less square footage for other things.
When searching for homes and looking at bedrooms, keep in mind that some "closets" are not precisely what you think of. Therefore, it's essential to know what you're looking at, and that's why viewing homes in person is vital in the home-buying process.
4. Does a Bedroom Require a Closet?
It is a common misconception that a bedroom must have a closet. However, the legal requirements for a bedroom primarily concern health and safety rather than storage space. While some local markets may require a closet to consider a room a bedroom, most states do not mandate built-in closets.
It is important to understand the laws in your area, as they vary widely. However, by national standards, a room can be considered a bedroom even without a closet.
There are exceptions to the closet rule depending on the area, which can make it challenging for sellers. However, when selling a house, it is crucial to understand the legal requirements for a bedroom and comply with them. Some people may describe a room as a bonus space or office if it does not meet the requirements to be considered a bedroom.
Legally, there is no way to prohibit someone from using a space as a bedroom. However, for safety reasons, a bedroom must meet certain criteria. It is best to be honest about the number of bedrooms in a home, as buyers often have vivid imaginations. Misrepresenting a house's number of bedrooms can ultimately harm the seller.
5. Can You Make it a Bedroom?
Many home sellers often wonder if they can list an extra bedroom by simply adding a closet. However, the answer is not that simple. Although the seller can add a closet, the County records show the home's legal requirements.
Adding a closet would require a permit and contacting the County to have the house reclassified before listing it on the market. While having a closet in a bedroom does not harm the house listing, it can decrease the chances of a successful sale. If the seller still wants to add a closet, they should make sure to comply with the legal requirements.
It is crucial to know the legal laws, requirements, and buyer expectations when listing a house. It is safer and more accessible to advertise the extra room as a den/office or a "bonus space" instead of a bedroom to avoid legal issues. Buyers have specific expectations when searching for a home, and it is best not to list something that is not technically a bedroom. Adding a description of the extra space is something many sellers do.
Putting your house on the market involves many things to consider, including legal requirements. This can be overwhelming, so having a trustworthy real estate agent to guide you through the process is essential.
6. Listing a Home
Selling a home can be a complex process, and it's important to approach it with care, mainly if you're working with an agent. By taking the necessary steps, you can ensure that the process goes smoothly and that you achieve the best possible outcome in the long run.
While some aspects of selling a home may seem like common sense, such as cleaning, decluttering, repairing, and taking good photos, there are many other factors to consider as well. For example, it's essential to be aware of legal requirements regarding the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you can list. These requirements can vary depending on the area you're in, so it's crucial to do your research.
Overall, selling a home can be a challenging task, but taking the proper steps will go a long way towards ensuring a successful outcome.
7. Overview
- A bedroom does not require a closet
- Each state has its own legal laws
- A bedroom needs to be a minimum of 7 feet per horizontal direction
- A bedroom needs two ways out, such as a window and door
- Heating and cooling are required
- Half of the ceiling must be completed with a 7 feet minimum height
- A room has to be at least 100 square feet of floor to be a bedroom
- A closet and wardrobe are the same
- Know the requirements and laws when selling a home
- Hire a trustworthy agent
FAQS
Can a room be considered a bedroom if it doesn't have a closet?
While there may be varying opinions on the matter, it is essential to note that, in accordance with legal requirements for bedrooms, the presence of a closet is not mandatory for a room to be classified as a bedroom. This is the case in the majority of states.
What is the code for a bedroom in North Carolina?
According to the NCRBC, a room can be considered a bedroom if it meets the following criteria: it has an area of at least 100 square feet, has a window or door leading outside, and at least 50% of the room has a ceiling height greater than 7 feet.
What counts as a closet in a bedroom?
As per the building code, a closet refers to a small room or chamber that is specifically designed for storage purposes. This can include a built-in closet with ample space for clothes and storage, as well as a standalone wardrobe that can be used for storage.
Can any room be used as a bedroom?
When deciding if a room can be used as a bedroom, several indicators must be considered. Typically, people look for a space that is large enough to accommodate a standard bed and has a means of exit. These are some of the most common things to look for when determining if a room can be designated as a bedroom.
Does a Bedroom Require a Closet? - The Bottom Line
When it comes to assessing a bedroom, it's important to take into account specific factors beyond just a bed and a few other items. To officially refer to a space as a bedroom, particular requirements must be met, even though it's possible to sleep in any room of a house.
While it's understandable to prioritize the number of bedrooms when searching for a home to purchase, it's crucial to ensure that the advertised space aligns with widely accepted criteria.
It's worth noting that accurately describing a room can be a complex process, requiring careful consideration of several factors that may not be commonly known. Therefore, it's recommended that both buyers and sellers have a clear understanding of a home's features to avoid any confusion or misunderstandings.
If you are interested in selling or buying a home, please contact us here or visit our website to connect you with one of our local agents at Raleigh Realty to help you.
Ryan Fitzgerald
Hi there! Nice to 'meet' you and thanks for visiting our Raleigh Real Estate Blog! My name is Ryan Fitzgerald, and I'm a REALTOR® in Raleigh-Durham, NC, the owner of Raleigh Realty. I work alongside some of the best Realtors in Raleigh. You can find more of my real estate content on Forbes, Wall Street Journal, U.S. News and more. Realtor Magazine named me a top 30 under 30 Realtor in the country (it was a long time ago haha). Any way, that's enough about me. I'd love to learn more about you if you'd like to connect with me on Facebook and Instagram or connect with our team at Raleigh Realty. Looking forward to connecting!
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