A bonus room can be used as an extra bedroom in addition to the typical bedroom in a home. The standards for a bonus room to be used as a bedroom are the following: Minimum square footage: The bedroom must meet the minimum square footage requirement, typically 70-75 feet x 7 feet of ceiling height.
While bonus rooms, offices and dens do all offer extra space within the home, they do not offer the same features as bedrooms, and thus cannot be classified as one. The main difference between a bedroom and a den, office or bonus room is the lack of a closet.
Bonus rooms can easily be turned into a bedroom for a third roommate or a relative planning a long-term stay. A futon or day bed makes for a great space-saving seating area that can easily be turned into a sleeping spot for guests.
Room codes and regulations may vary a little from state to state, but for the most part, bedrooms follow the guidelines found in the International Residential Code (IRC). For a room to count as a true bedroom, it must have at least 70 square feet of floor space with a minimum of 7 feet in one direction.
Converting a spare room into a functional bedroom can potentially boost your home's value, which will be affected by the quality of construction, materials, and finishes, so you may not recoup as much depending on how much money you put into it.
Bonus rooms provide additional living space for homeowners. A bonus room is a room that does not have one specific purpose but can be used for any functional requirement or want.
Since technically a room cannot be considered a bedroom without a window, a realtor may be hesitant to list it as one when reselling your home. The room may need to be classified as something else officially even if it does end up being used as a bedroom by the buyer.
Generally, it is agreed that bedrooms, living rooms, dens, kitchens, and dining rooms are counted as rooms. However, if the dining “room” is a space in a larger living room with a table chandelier, it may not count as a separate room.
These popular spaces are also referred to as bonus rooms and multipurpose rooms, and sometimes as prayer or meditation rooms. The purpose of a flex room is to provide homeowners with flexibility as their needs and lifestyles evolve. For example, a Baby Boomer's home office may turn into a hobby room after retirement.
Extra Bedroom
A flex room can easily be converted into a guest bedroom, providing extra sleeping space for visitors or family members.
It must also have a closet, a certain number of outlets, a door and a window big enough to meet state standards, and the home's heating and cooling systems must connect to the room. If the room doesn't meet these requirements, it can't technically be called a bedroom. However, you can still choose to use it as one.
Obviously statements such as “no wheelchairs” are illegal. However, using phrases such as “great view,” “walk-in closets” or “walk to bus stop” is acceptable. There are certain “buzz” words you should still avoid. These are words or phrases that have been associated with discriminatory practices in the past.
In the context of apartment living, a den is a smaller, more flexible space that serves as an extra room but doesn't necessarily meet the legal requirements of a bedroom. Unlike bedrooms, dens in apartments don't always have closets or windows that can serve as emergency exits.
The Basic Definition of a Bedroom
At least 70 square feet of space, measured at least 7 feet in any given direction. Two means of egress (escape), usually a door and window. There are some arguments to be made here for outside doors and skylights, but the window is more traditional.
According to Section R310 of the International Building Code (and most other building codes), every bedroom needs an operable window that can act as a second means of egress during an emergency—so landlords can't count windowless rooms as bedrooms.
A bedroom is defined as a room that is suitable for sleeping, with at least one window for natural light and ventilation, and a closet or adequate space for clothing storage. Room Count: The property should have enough rooms to meet the needs of the expected number of occupants.
It's not legal to have a bedroom without a window. It is a fire safety issue, as windows provide critical ventilation and an escape route, if necessary. The window opening must be a minimum size, usually 5.7 square feet. Additionally, there have to be two ways out of a bedroom.
An example of improper communication would be asking an appraiser to provide a valuation that matches the asking price of a particular home. Another example could be telling an appraiser he or she will not receive future assignments if the appraisal does not facilitate a transaction.”
Per the International Residential Code (IRC) – as well as ANSI, another measuring standard most appraisers follow, habitable rooms must have a floor area (square footage) of no less than 70 square feet. These rooms also must not be less than 7 feet in any horizontal direction.
The rooms buyers most closely inspect (and judge) in a house are the kitchen and master bath. These are the interior spaces where the most value can be added during a sale, so they need to look their best.
Top Home Improvements to Boost Property Value
Revamping your kitchen with sleek new appliances, crisp countertops, and stylish cabinets can net a whopping 102% return on investment when you sell your home, the National Association of Realtors reveals.