Brian Barr
Bonus rooms are a great way to add extra space to your home. They can be used for almost anything, depending on their size, location, and your budget. A bonus room can be turned into a bedroom, but there are certain requirements it must meet to be classified as one. These include having a minimum square footage of 70 square feet, a window, a closet, and a door. If you're thinking of converting your bonus room into a bedroom, it's important to check with local building codes and regulations to ensure it meets all the requirements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum square footage | 70-75 sq. ft. |
| Minimum width | 7 ft. |
| Minimum ceiling height | 7 ft. |
| Heating/cooling | Must be connected to the home's HVAC system |
| Closet | Required |
| Window | Must be large enough to meet state standards for emergency escape |
| Door | Required |
| Outlets | Number varies depending on location |
| Plumbing | May need to be moved if adding a bathroom |
| Electrical | May require a permit for additional work |
| Ventilation | Required |
| Insulation | May need to be added |
What You'll Learn
Privacy and storage solutions
Privacy Solutions:
- Install a door: A door is necessary for privacy and to meet the requirements of a legal bedroom. If there is a gap in the wall, consider a floor-to-ceiling door or a sliding/partially see-through door for aesthetic appeal.
- Use curtains: If installing a door is not feasible, consider using a curtain system to provide privacy. For example, you can attach ceiling-mounted curtain fixtures and use curtains to enclose the bedroom space when needed.
- Seal off entryways: To ensure privacy, the bedroom must have a door that seals off the room when closed, with no second open entryway.
Storage Solutions:
- Add a closet: A closet is a requirement for a room to be considered a bedroom. If the bonus room doesn't have one, look for small doors that may lead to storage areas. Finish this area and turn it into a closet.
- Utilize wardrobes: If adding a closet is not possible, consider a large wardrobe to provide storage space for clothing and personal items.
- Install shelves and cabinets: Shelving and cabinetry can provide ample storage space for various items and help keep the bedroom organized.
- Use multifunctional furniture: Opt for furniture with hidden storage, such as ottomans with built-in storage, or storage containers to tuck away items when not in use.
Remember to always check local building codes and regulations to ensure that your converted bedroom meets all the necessary standards and requirements.
Basement Bedroom HVAC: When and Why You Need It
You may want to see also
Meet bedroom requirements
To meet bedroom requirements, there are several factors to consider:
Minimum Square Footage and Width
The room must meet the minimum square footage and width requirements, which are typically 70 to 75 square feet and a minimum width of 7 feet. This ensures that the bedroom is spacious enough for comfortable habitation.
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
The bedroom must be connected to the home's HVAC system or have an alternative heating and cooling method. This is important for maintaining a comfortable temperature and ensuring proper ventilation.
Closet Space
The presence of a closet is essential for a bedroom. It provides storage space for clothing and personal items and is a standard feature expected in a bedroom.
Window for Emergency Escape
The bedroom window must be of a sufficient size to serve as an emergency exit. This is a critical safety feature and should meet state standards.
Number of Outlets
Depending on your location, there may be specific requirements for the number of electrical outlets in the bedroom. Some states mandate a certain number of outlets per wall, while others specify the number of outlets based on the size of the walls.
Door and Privacy
The bedroom must have a door that seals off the room for privacy. When closed, there should be no other open entryway to the bedroom, ensuring the occupant's privacy.
Means of Egress
In addition to the door, the bedroom should have a secondary means of egress, such as a window, to provide an escape route in case of an emergency.
Permits and Regulations
Before converting your bonus room into a bedroom, it is crucial to check local building codes, regulations, and permit requirements. Some areas may have specific standards that you need to meet to ensure your safety and compliance with the law.
By addressing these requirements, you can transform your bonus room into a functional and compliant bedroom, adding value and usability to your home.
Spacious Living: 2-Bedroom Apartment Sizes Unveiled
You may want to see also
Add a bathroom
Adding a bathroom to your bonus room can increase the value of your home and make it more comfortable for guests. Here are some things to consider when adding a bathroom:
Planning
Before you start any work, it's important to check with local building codes and regulations to ensure that your bathroom meets all the necessary requirements. You may also need to obtain permits for any plumbing, electrical, or HVAC work that will be done. Consult a contractor or architect to help you navigate any legal requirements and create a plan that fits your budget.
Space and Layout
Consider the layout of your bonus room and how you can incorporate a bathroom. If your bonus room is above a garage or has slanted ceilings, you may need to get creative with the space. You'll need to allocate enough space for the bathroom, ensuring it doesn't make the bedroom feel too cramped. Think about the placement of the bathroom in relation to the bedroom, and how you can create a seamless flow between the two spaces.
Plumbing
One of the biggest considerations when adding a bathroom is the plumbing. If your bonus room is directly above another room with plumbing, such as a kitchen or laundry room, it may be easier to connect to the existing pipes. Otherwise, you might need to relocate pipes or use an upflush toilet system, which pumps waste upward to the main sewer line. Consult a licensed plumber to assess your home's plumbing system and determine the best course of action.
Ventilation
Proper ventilation is crucial for bathrooms to prevent mould and mildew. Ensure you have a window that can be opened for natural ventilation. If a window is not an option, you may need to install an exhaust fan to provide adequate ventilation.
Fixtures and Finishes
Choose fixtures and finishes that complement the style of your home and fit within your budget. Consider space-saving options such as a shower instead of a bathtub or a pedestal sink to maximise the space. Don't forget to include storage options for towels and other bathroom essentials.
Privacy
When designing the layout, consider the placement of the bathroom in relation to the bedroom to ensure privacy. You may want to create a separate entrance for the bathroom within the bonus room, providing an additional layer of privacy.
Explore Bedroom Adventures with a Twist
You may want to see also
Design and layout
When it comes to the design and layout of your bonus room-turned-bedroom, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key points to help guide your transformation:
Space and Location
Firstly, assess the size and shape of your bonus room, as well as its location within the house. These factors will influence how you can best utilise the space. For example, a bonus room above a garage may have a longer and narrower shape, impacting your layout and furniture choices. Consider whether the room is easily accessible, especially if you intend to use it as a guest bedroom.
Privacy and Comfort
To make the space comfortable and private, address any privacy concerns. If the room lacks a door, consider adding one. Curtains or sliding doors can also provide privacy and help section off the space. Additionally, ensure the room has adequate ventilation and natural light by assessing the size and placement of windows.
Storage and Functionality
Adding a functional closet or wardrobe is essential for converting a bonus room into a bedroom. Assess the room's storage potential and consider stand-alone wardrobes or built-in storage solutions. Multifunctional furniture, such as an ottoman with built-in storage, can also help maximise space.
Legal Requirements and Safety
To ensure your bonus room qualifies as a legal bedroom, it must meet specific standards and regulations. These may include minimum size requirements, the presence of a closet or storage space, and means of egress in case of an emergency. Check local building codes and regulations to ensure your conversion complies with all necessary standards, especially regarding emergency exits and window sizes.
Design and Decor
When it comes to the overall design and decor of your new bedroom, consider the atmosphere you want to create. Choose colours, lighting, and furnishings that reflect the intended use of the space. For example, soft colours, comfortable seating, and cosy textiles may be ideal for a relaxing guest bedroom, while vibrant colours and playful decor could suit a child's bedroom.
By considering these design and layout tips, you can effectively transform your bonus room into a functional and comfortable bedroom that meets your specific needs and enhances your living space.
Master Bedroom: Offensive or Not?
You may want to see also
Increase home value
A bonus room is a room in a house that is not a kitchen, bathroom, family room, hallway, or closet. It also doesn't qualify as a bedroom, usually because it lacks a closet, window, or sufficient square footage.
Converting a bonus room into a bedroom can increase the value of your home, but it depends on several factors.
Firstly, the number of bedrooms can impact the sales price, especially for smaller homes. If your home is in a neighbourhood with mostly larger homes, adding a bedroom may not make a significant difference. However, if your home is one of the smaller ones in the area, an additional bedroom can increase its desirability and value.
Secondly, the impact on value depends on whether the new bedroom increases your home's square footage. Simply repurposing a bonus room may not add much value if it doesn't increase the overall living space.
Thirdly, the layout of the new bedroom matters. Inconvenient access, such as having to pass through another bedroom, can reduce the appeal and value of the addition.
Lastly, the local real estate market and buyer demand play a crucial role. For example, in the Dallas market, two-bedroom, one-bath homes are less popular, so adding a bedroom can significantly boost the home's value.
To maximise the value of a bedroom addition:
- Ensure the bedroom has adequate space. A very small room may not be desirable as a bedroom and won't be counted as one by an appraiser.
- Avoid impacting valuable space, such as eliminating a parking space or reducing the size of your yard.
- Choose a location that makes sense. The new bedroom should be easily accessible and not intrude on other areas of the house.
- Maintain consistency in aesthetics and design. An addition that feels out of place may not add as much value.
- Avoid over-improving. Adding a bedroom may not make sense if your home is already large for the market.
Finishing a bonus room can add between $10,000 and $30,000 to your home's value, and the return on investment for a bedroom addition ranges from 53% to 75%. However, it's important to consult a real estate professional to determine the potential value increase for your specific property.
The Essentials of a Bedroom: Defining Spaces
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
It depends on the jurisdiction of where you live and the type of work being done. Some places don't require permits for work done by the homeowner, but it's always best to check with your local building department to avoid any legal issues down the road.
The requirements vary by location, but generally, a bedroom must meet specific standards regarding size, ventilation, storage, and emergency egress. For example, the 2021 International Residential Code states that a habitable bedroom must be at least 70 square feet with a minimum width of 7 feet, and it must have a closet, a window, a door, and a certain number of outlets.
One creative and affordable way to add privacy is to use curtains and a wardrobe. You can attach curtain fixtures to the ceiling and walls to section off the space and provide privacy when needed. This is a great option if building a wall and adding a door is not feasible or desirable.
