What Makes It a Bedroom in Tennessee?
Real estate agents sometimes stretch the truth when evaluating if a room is a bedroom or if it isn't. Homeowners call rooms bedrooms simply because they hold a bed. This alone doesn't make it a legal bedroom.
What we shouldn't do is mislead the public and call rooms that do not qualify to be used as bedrooms, bedrooms. The inaccuracy can be disappointing when the truth and facts are discovered and it can waste a buyers' time in looking at homes that will not suit their purposes.
Agents should strive for accuracy when representing sellers. In checking with the Tennessee Association of Realtors Hotline Attorneys, there is no standard statewide rule determining what makes it a bedroom. Checking with your local city and county officials can be helpful in knowing how to define a bedroom. Then this information should be entered in MLS to accurately describe the property.
When a homeowner converts part of a basement or garage into an extra room this doesn't automatically make it a bedroom. It needs finished walls and a window large enough to meet local Life Safety Code to call it a bedroom. This means is large enough for an adult to pass through in case of emergency (at least 5.7 square feet). According to local building codes in Clarksville TN, they say it also needs a closet to qualify as a bedroom but it does not need a door. A fixed glass or painted shut windows do not qualify as an ingress/egress window and in violation with Life Safety Code.
What Qualifies As a Bedroom in Tennessee?
A bedroom also must have a smoke detector according to local codes and if the house has gas in it, a carbon monoxide detector close by is also a requirement.
What Do Appraisers Have to Say?
After talking with a couple of appraisers, they too said it needed a window for escape but it didn't have to have a closet. The appraisers want it to have a ceiling and permanent heat to call it a bedroom. The closet issue can be replaced with the residents using wardrobe or chifferobe piece of furniture. Apprasiers do want the room to have a door on the room for it to be considered a bedroom.
There Are Rules to Consider if You have a Septic Tank?
Septic permits are issued based on the number of bedrooms there are in a home. This determines the size of the system/field lines required for absorption and leeching. When you add a bedroom you should increase the septic system size to be in accordance with local authorities. Additionally, if you are selling your Clarksville home you should not advertise a home with more bedrooms than the septic system states. This would be misrepresentation.
What Qualifies As a Bedroom in Tennessee?
Check with local city and county codes authorities to find out what applies in your area.
For accurate information on Clarksville TN Real Estate contact Debbie Reynolds. Good representation doesn't have to cost more. 931-320-6730.
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