What Really Classifies a Room as a Bedroom?

What Really Classifies a Room as a Bedroom? Insights from a Advanced Appraisal TN. 

‍

When listing a home, accurately identifying bedrooms is essential—not only for potential buyers but also for appraisers assessing a property’s value. Here’s a breakdown of what appraisers look for when determining if a room qualifies as a bedroom:

‍

1. Access: A bedroom needs to be accessible from the main living area of the home. It should not require passing through another bedroom, closet, or non-living area. However, you can still classify the area as a bedroom, it will just have some functional obsolescence.

‍

2. Size Requirements: Many building codes suggest minimum dimensions (often around 70 square feet), but local regulations can vary. The room should also comfortably fit a bed and have space to move around.

‍

3. Closet: While often assumed, a closet isn’t always required to classify a room as  a bedroom. In some markets, though, it’s expected, so be aware of  local norms.

‍

4. Egress: For safety, bedrooms must have an exit—typically a window or door to the outside—that meets specific dimensions. This allows safe exit in case of emergencies and brings in natural light.

‍

5. Privacy: The room should be private, separated by a door, and intended as a sleeping area.

‍

Understanding these requirements can help Realtors accurately represent bedrooms in listings, contributing to a smoother appraisal process and enhancing the property’s market appeal.

‍