Washington State Bedroom Closet Requirements: What You Need To Know

In Washington state, a bedroom does not need a closet to be considered a bedroom. However, there are other requirements that must be met, including an acceptable entrance, at least one additional means of escape in case of a fire, a ceiling height of at least 7 feet, and a minimum of 70 square feet of floor space. These requirements ensure that bedrooms are safe and habitable spaces. While a closet is not a legal requirement, it is often something that buyers and appraisers look for when assessing the value of a property.

A room without a closet can be considered a bedroom

In Washington State, a room without a closet can be considered a bedroom. While many buyers would prefer a built-in closet, there is nothing illegal about using armoires or wall-hung cabinetry instead. In fact, older homes built in the early 1900s and earlier often have bedrooms without closets, as people used wardrobes.

According to the International Building Code, which Washington State uses, the requirements for a bedroom include an acceptable entrance, at least one additional means of escape in case of fire, a ceiling height of at least 7 feet (on average, sloped ceilings are okay), and an area of at least 70 square feet. While a closet is not required, an emergency exit is, usually in the form of a window that opens.

When it comes to appraisals, the criteria for what constitutes a bedroom can vary. For an FHA appraisal, for example, a bedroom must have a walk-in closet and bathroom, in addition to egress. The way a room is accessed can also be a factor in how it is classified. If it is accessed from a hallway, it is more likely to be considered a bedroom, whereas if it is accessed through another bedroom or from the garage, it may be considered a bonus room.

In Seattle specifically, the minimum size for a bedroom is 70 square feet, with a minimum measurement of 7 feet in all directions, and a ceiling height of at least 7 feet. An egress window is also required for any room intended for sleeping. While a closet is not mandated by the city, it is something that an appraiser typically looks for when counting bedrooms.

Requirements for a bedroom in Washington State

• An acceptable entrance
• At least one additional means of escape in the case of a fire
• A ceiling height of at least 7 feet (average, sloped ceilings are okay)
• An area of at least 70 square feet

While it is not a requirement, many buyers would prefer a built-in closet. However, there is nothing illegal about using armoires or wall-hung cabinetry.

For houses built before October 17, 1979, the minimum ceiling height is 6 feet 4 inches.

In addition to the above, there are also specific requirements for bedrooms in basement spaces. For example, at least one method of egress that leads directly outdoors is required. If there is no window, a permanent ladder can be used as a substitute. If there are no windows at all, the room cannot be called a bedroom.

Appraisal vs. City Standards

In Washington state, there are differing requirements for what constitutes a bedroom, depending on whether it is being assessed by an appraiser or by the city. This is also the case in Seattle, which has its own specific requirements.

According to the International Residential Code (IRC), a room must meet specific requirements to be classified as a legal bedroom. These include minimum measurements, ceiling height, and the inclusion of an emergency exit. However, the IRC does not specifically mention closets as a requirement.

When it comes to city standards, a bedroom in Seattle must be at least 70 square feet and measure a minimum of 7 feet in all directions, with a ceiling height of at least 7 feet. Additionally, it must have emergency exit access, typically in the form of an egress window. While a closet is not required by the city, it is often assumed to be a necessary feature by homeowners.

From an appraiser's perspective, the presence of a closet may be considered when counting bedrooms. However, this is not a strict requirement, and alternative solutions such as a detached wardrobe unit can be acceptable. Ultimately, the market recognition of a room as a bedroom or bonus room will influence the valuation criteria.

It is important to note that the absence of a closet may impact the perceived value of a home, as buyers often prefer built-in storage. Additionally, tax assessments and advertising considerations may come into play when defining a bedroom, and these may vary between locations and individual properties.

The impact of an additional bedroom on a home's value

Adding an extra bedroom can have a significant impact on a home's value, but the extent of this impact depends on various factors, including the type of addition, location, and local market conditions:

Types of additions

There are several options for adding an extra bedroom to a home, each with different costs and potential returns on investment (ROI):

• Converting existing space: This is often the most cost-effective option, involving the conversion of unused spaces such as attics or basements into bedrooms. These conversions typically require simple adjustments like installing a window or adding a closet and have good ROI potential.
• Ground-floor addition: Adding a bedroom to the ground floor increases the square footage of the property, which usually adds value. However, this option can reduce yard space, potentially making the home less marketable.
• Expanding a current room: If a home has a small room that can be expanded to meet the minimum size requirements for a bedroom, this can be a more cost-effective alternative to building a completely new addition.
• Adding a second story: This option is suitable for homes with small yards as it increases square footage without reducing outdoor space. However, it is a major undertaking in terms of time, cost, and disruption, often requiring reinforcement of the foundation and walls.

Location and market considerations

• Location within the home: An extra bedroom in a desirable location within the home, such as the ground floor, can add more value than one in an awkward location, such as a bedroom only accessible through another bedroom.
• Local market demand: The impact of an extra bedroom can depend on the demand for homes with a certain number of bedrooms in the local area. For example, adding a third bedroom in a neighbourhood where most homes have two bedrooms may have a higher ROI than adding a fifth bedroom in an area where most homes have three or four.
• Urban vs. rural markets: Increasing the number of bedrooms can have a more significant impact on a home's value in urban areas compared to rural markets.
• Impact on square footage: An additional bedroom that increases the overall square footage of the home will typically add more value, especially if it brings the home in line with the average size of comparable properties in the area.

Other considerations

There are also some other important factors to consider when assessing the impact of an additional bedroom on a home's value:

• Compliance with building codes and legal requirements: To be considered a legal bedroom, the room typically needs to meet certain size, ceiling height, and egress requirements. In some states, the presence of a closet is also necessary. Ensuring that the addition complies with all relevant regulations is essential for maximizing its impact on the home's value.
• Impact on unique features: Adding a bedroom by sacrificing a unique feature, such as a reading nook or a large pantry, may reduce the home's value in the long run.
• Over-improvement: Adding too many bedrooms relative to the local market can result in over-improvement, where the additional investment does not translate into a higher resale value.
• Cost of addition vs. potential ROI: The cost of adding a bedroom can vary widely depending on the type of addition and local construction costs. On average, adding a bedroom costs around $50,000, but this can range from $10,000 to $250,000. The ROI on a bedroom addition is typically between 50% and 75%, but it can be lower or higher depending on various factors, including location and market conditions.

In summary, adding an extra bedroom can have a positive impact on a home's value, but it is important to carefully consider the specific circumstances, seek professional advice, and weigh the potential benefits against the costs and disruptions involved.

In Washington state, a room does not need to have a built-in closet to be considered a bedroom. The International Building Code, which Washington state follows, requires an acceptable entrance, at least one additional means of escape in case of a fire, a ceiling height of at least 7 feet, and an area of at least 70 square feet for a room to be classified as a bedroom. While many buyers prefer a built-in closet, armoires or wall-hung cabinetry are also acceptable alternatives.

However, the presence of a closet can impact how the room is valued during an appraisal. In some cases, a room without a closet may be considered a "bonus room" rather than a bedroom, which could affect the overall valuation of the property.

Requirements for a legal bedroom in Seattle

A bedroom is more than just a space where someone sleeps. There are rules about what must be included for the space to be legally habitable. In Seattle, a room must meet specific criteria to be considered a legal bedroom. Here are the key requirements:

• Minimum size: The room must be at least 70 square feet and measure a minimum of 7 feet in all directions. This includes a ceiling height of at least 7 feet.
• Emergency exit access: The bedroom must have at least one method of egress, which is an emergency exit. This could be in the form of an egress window, which allows someone to exit through it in case of an emergency.
• Additional means of escape: In case of a fire, the room should have at least one additional means of escape besides the main entrance.
• Minimum window size: The window must open at least halfway and be at least 24 inches tall, 20 inches wide, and have a minimum opening area of 5.7 square feet. The window must be no more than 44 inches from the floor unless a step or other permanent installation provides easy access.
• Accessibility: The bedroom should be accessible from a common area in the house, such as a hallway or living room. It is not considered a bedroom if the room is only accessible through another bedroom.
• Heating and cooling: The bedroom should have heating and cooling elements to maintain a comfortable and safe temperature.

It is important to note that while a closet is often assumed to be necessary for a bedroom to be 'complete', it is not a requirement by the city of Seattle. This may, however, be something an appraiser looks for when counting bedrooms.

Frequently asked questions