The Importance Of Closets In Bedroom Design And Functionality

The definition of a bedroom is a nuanced topic in real estate. While the average person might assume that a bedroom and a closet go hand in hand, this is not always the case. In most states, building codes do not require bedroom closets, meaning that spaces without closets may still be qualified as a bedroom. However, buyers usually expect bedrooms to have closets, so a house may be harder to sell if the bedrooms do not include them.

The International Building Code (IRC) is the basic code for residential buildings that creates minimum regulations for one- and two-family dwellings of three stories or less. While the IRC is the standard and includes minimum requirements, states and local entities can add to these requirements. Building codes are strict regulations set by state agencies that dictate building standards, outlining everything from plumbing and electrical to window size and smoke detector requirements, and they vary by state.

According to the IRC, a bedroom must have an entrance and exit, a minimum area and size, a minimum ceiling height, and a window of a minimum size. However, a closet is not mentioned as a requirement. While buyers would probably expect a house they purchase to have closets in the bedrooms, the IRC does not mention closets as a requirement.

A bedroom is not required to have a closet in most states

However, it's important to note that states and local entities can modify the IBC and implement their own building codes and requirements. For example, in Arizona, the guidance for new homes under construction is that bedrooms have the minimum square foot space and "every room designed for sleeping purposes shall have accessible clothes hanging space with a minimum inside depth of 22 inches and shall be equipped with a rod and shelf.".

When it comes to selling a home, it's essential to be accurate in how you describe it. Misrepresenting a property, such as listing a room without a closet as a bedroom, can lead to legal issues. While a closet may not be required by code in most states, buyers typically expect bedrooms to have closets. Therefore, a house without closets in the bedrooms may be harder to sell.

To ensure you are providing accurate information, it's recommended to check with the local building jurisdiction and be familiar with the specific requirements in your state or city. These requirements can include minimum room size, ceiling height, fire egress, natural lighting, ventilation, and heating and cooling regulations.

A room without a closet can still be marketed as a bedroom

The International Building Code (IRC) is the basic code for residential buildings that creates minimum regulations for one- and two-family dwellings of three stories or less. While the IRC is the standard and includes minimum requirements, states and local entities can build on these minimum requirements to establish their own codes. Building codes are strict regulations set by state agencies that dictate building standards, outlining everything from plumbing and electrical to window size and smoke detector requirements. Thus, each state may be different.

The IRC defines a closet as "a small room or chamber used for storage." This means a 6-inch box with a door could be called a closet, or an armoire or a wardrobe could be called a closet.

According to the IRC, a bedroom must have an entrance and exit. Some would think two doors (one interior and one exterior) would meet these criteria. However, the exit should be a form of escape outside of the home (egress). So, this reference is desiring one door and one window. The bedroom must have a door and a window. But it doesn't end there. There are criteria for the window too.

The window within the bedroom must be a minimum of 5.7 square feet of clear opening area, a minimum of 24 inches of height opening, and a minimum of 20 inches of width opening. This size applies to any room that is to be labeled a bedroom, regardless of where it's located within the house.

A bedroom must also have a minimum area and size per the International Residential Code (IRC). The floor area must not be less than 70 square feet. The rooms also must not be less than 7 feet in any horizontal direction.

A bedroom must have a minimum ceiling height. At least 50% of the ceiling needs to be a minimum of 7 feet in height.

These space requirements are important to protect the human rights of individuals. Otherwise, a person could end up sleeping in someone's broom closet. In better terms, adequate space would provide sufficient space for the person(s) sleeping in it to actually be able to place a bed in the room.

The overall thinking is that a bedroom should support someone living comfortably in the space. That means having enough room to put a bed, nightstand, and other pieces of furniture as necessary. A bedroom that has the four requirements above, in most states, would legally meet the qualifications for a bedroom. Some of the room dimensions may vary by state.

According to where you live, there may be a few other requirements. Since states can modify the IRC to add additional requirements, do not be surprised if some states require the following:

• Lighting and ventilation specifications.
• At least two electric outlets.
• If a house has a septic system, the number of bedrooms may not exceed the septic capacity.

Buyers will likely expect a closet in a bedroom

In fact, the absence of a closet in a bedroom may make a house harder to sell. Buyers may not want to put in the time and money into remodelling, especially in newer-built homes where closets are expected.

Older homes may be exempt from this expectation, as they were often built without closet space. However, it is important to note that local codes and zoning laws may differ, and it is always best to check with the relevant authorities before listing a property.

In addition to buyer expectations, real estate agents should also be aware of lender requirements when it comes to bedroom closets. While the International Building Code, which is used in 49 states, does not mandate closets in bedrooms, lenders may have their own guidelines, particularly for newer homes.

Therefore, it is crucial for sellers and agents to be familiar with the relevant codes and requirements to avoid misrepresenting a property, which could lead to legal issues. Knowing the specific requirements for a bedroom will help ensure that a property is listed accurately and attracts the right buyers.

A room without a closet can be called a bonus room, office, or nursery

In some states, such as Arizona, a room must have accessible clothes hanging space to be considered a bedroom. However, in other states like Massachusetts and Minneapolis, there is no mention of closet space as a requirement. Ultimately, it is important to check the local building codes and real estate market expectations to determine if a room without a closet can be called a bedroom.

A room must meet other requirements to be considered a bedroom

Minimum Square Footage

Bedrooms typically need to meet a minimum square footage, which is usually around 70-80 square feet. This is to ensure the room can comfortably fit a bed, a nightstand, and some storage.

Two Means of Egress

Safety is a priority, so a bedroom must have at least two ways to exit. This generally includes a door to the interior of the home and a window. The window should be large enough to allow someone to escape in an emergency and often has specific dimensions outlined by local building codes.

Ceiling Height

The ceiling should be high enough to allow for normal use of the space, usually requiring a minimum height of 7 feet for at least half of the ceiling. Some exceptions may be made for sloped ceilings.

Heating and Ventilation

A bedroom must have proper heating and ventilation to ensure it is comfortable to live in year-round and meets health and safety standards.

Lighting and Ventilation Specifications

While not required in all jurisdictions, some states mandate specific lighting and ventilation specifications for bedrooms.

Electrical Outlets

Some states require bedrooms to have a minimum number of electrical outlets, typically at least two.

Septic System Capacity

If a house has a septic system, the number of bedrooms cannot exceed the septic capacity.

Frequently asked questions