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Is That Really A Bedroom?

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty
It seems kind of silly to have to ask the question, "is that a bedroom?" when you see what obviously looks like one. Our friend, you might just be surprised that what you see might NOT be a bedroom according to legal description. Perhaps you've used a room in your house, deemed "the extra bedroom" as an office, or playroom for the kids, but it eventually morphs back to being a bedroom. But is it a 'legal' bedroom? Could you really list it as a bedroom if you're selling your home?

As a quick reference point, below are some of the items that may be required by your state to meet the requirement of a 'legal' bedroom: 
  • Minimum square footage. This can vary state to state, but 70 to 80 sqare feet is generally an   acceptable minimum square footage for bedroom.
  • Minimum horizontal footage: A bedroom must measure at least 7 feet in any horizontal direction.
  • Two means of egress: There have to be two ways out of a bedroom. Traditionally, these would be a door and a window. Ekroth adds that in most markets, a skylight would also qualify as that means of egress.
  • Minimum ceiling height: At least half of the bedroom ceiling has to be at least 7 feet tall.
  • Minimum window size: The window opening must be a minimum size, usually 5.7 square feet.
  • A heating and cooling element: We’re talking a heater (a space heater won’t qualify) as well as a way to cool it down, whether that’s by opening a window or good old AC.
Oh, and contrary to popular belief, a bedroom doesn't have to have a closet. 

If the room you're calling a bedroom doesn't meet these requirements, then it's better purposed as that home office or playroom. 
 
Want to know what the state of Tennessee requires in the way of a legal bedroom? Give us a call and let us sit down and share some of our expertise with you. We're in the office at (423) 433-6517, and are in The Shields Team office inside Keller Williams Realty, 1033 Hamilton Place in Johnson City. Let us give you peace of mind!
Posted by
Wes Shields
The Shields Team
Your life. Your goals. Our priority.
 
Keller Williams Realty
1033 Hamilton Place
Johnson City, TN 37604

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