Dear Mr. & Mrs. Homebuyer, I am sorry to say that the four bedroom house you just purchased for your large family only is considered to be a two bedroom dwelling.
You see those two extra rooms in the basement that have been covered with drywall cannot meet the definitions of a bedroom. Apparently, the seller, the sales agents and you have overlooked the lack of any windows, missing electrical outlets and no heat source. In addition, closets are not present.
Please be aware that industry standards require the first three as noted above for a bedroom. Just because a bed and dresser can physically fit into a room does not allow it to meet the standards for a bedroom. Nor should it be marketed and utilized as such.
For reasons of safety, all bedrooms should have two exits in case of fire - usually a door and a large window that meets egress requirements. Electrical outlets are also required for lighting and other needs.
While the room may be comfortable during the warmer months, a heat source (not a space heater that the seller will be leaving) would come in handy for those cold nights. Lastly, a closet will be desired.
There are additional requirements for bedrooms with the final authority for a legal bedroom the local municipality or city. If the home is recorded as two bedrooms per the tax records it shall be a two bedroom. If a room has been converted into a bedroom, a permit is generally necessary, followed by the appropriate inspections and approval.
Some of us never think about safe bedrooms. However, meeting the requirements for a legal bedroom is the beginning of a restful nights sleep.
Glen Fisher southjerseynpi@aol.com
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