The following discussion relates to what is or is not considered a bedroom in Texas.
There is not a legal definition of what constitutes a bedroom, but there are some minimum requirements. The International Code Council publishes a set of standards for public safety and welfare and this code, the International Residential Code (IRC), was adopted in Texas in 2001. Local jurisdictions in the state can adopt amendments to add to the requirements.
The IRC requirements include:
- a floor area of at least 70 square feet, with not less than 7' in any one dimension
- a minimum ceiling height of 7'
- if there is a sloped ceiling, at least 50% of the ceiling must have a minimum height of 7'
- a means of egress for emergency escapes and rescues (window or door to exterior), which is at least 20" wide, 24" high, and the bottom of the sill no more than 44" off the floor
Whether a room needs a closet to be considered a bedroom isn't spelled out by the IRC or the Texas property code. Think back to the days when no rooms had closets - people used armoires and chifforobes to hold their clothing.
Homes built prior to 2001 are not required to comply with the IRC standards, but may be required to comply with the International Property Maintenance Code, the International Fire Code, or with local building codes. Some jurisdictions may require a heating source. FHA and VA appraisers may have their own definitions for what constitutes a bedroom.
In just the past few days, I have run into this question twice.
- In the first instance, one home has a bedroom that is only accessible by walking through another bedroom, then through a jack-and-jill bath, through a shared closet, and finally entering a room currently used for storage. It's large enough to be a bedroom, the ceiling is tall enough, there is a window for egress. Is it a bedroom?
- In the second instance, in another home, what was once a bedroom now has no door. The current owners use it as another living area and do not have the door that was removed. Is it a bedroom?
I'd like to hear your thoughts!
Comments(15)