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Does a room have to have a closet to be considered a bedroom?

Antique home, many bedrooms are built without closets?
Asked By Betty E. | Augusta, ME | 747 views | | 3 years ago
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Rising Star
11 Answers
Jeannie Ricke-Finley

CENTURY 21 Arizona West

In my area you need to have a closet and a window for escape in case of emergency. A definition of a closet can vary. Check with your local codes.
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Novice
1 Answer
Cara Mattingly

Florida Homes Realty & Mortgage

(35)

It really varies from my understanding for different areas. In Brevard county our board of Realtors have ruled that a room does not have to have a closet to be considered a bedroom but it must have egress ( a window) and a door to make the room a private room.

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Novice
7 Answers
Marjorie Turner

RE/MAX Collaborative

(7)

In Maine you do not need a closet to consider a room a bedroom.
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Novice
1 Answer
Damon Nicholas

EXP Realty

(120)

It depends on your local county building codes. In my area, most people THINK you need a closet, but one is NOT required for a room to be a bedroom. In my county, the room has to be a minimum of 70 square feet, have egress back to the main part of the house (without having to go through another bedroom) and outside (if a window, the window has to be at least 5.7 sqft and no more than 44" off the ground). No closet requirement.

More Information

  • Does a Bedroom Need a Closet to Be Legally Considered a Bedroom?

    Bedroom parameters vary from state to state.  Some require a built in closet, others allow a wardrobe to be considered a closet, and still others don’t require a closet in a bedroom. If you’re remodeling or trying to sell your home, it’s essential to know your local requirements for what is considered a bedroom. 

    That said, let’s dive into some basic criteria for bedrooms that are standard, no matter where you are located.  Most bedrooms are required to have: 

    • Minimum square footage (usually at least 70-80 square feet).

    • Means of egress, such as a window or door that allows for escape in case of emergency.

    • Ceiling height, typically around 7 feet in most areas.

    • Heating and cooling access to maintain comfortable temperatures.

    In many parts of the U.S., building codes focus on safety rather than storage.

    In some regions, closets are not part of the legal definition of a bedroom. Historically, homes—especially older ones—were designed without built-in closets, but typically, these homes have a wardrobe or armoire.  Today, closets are more of a modern expectation.  

    If you’re buying or selling a home, check your local building codes to clarify what constitutes a bedroom in your area. While a closet may not be mandatory, meeting safety standards and other local regulations is essential for classifying the space as a bedroom.

Related Questions

  • Does a room have to have a closet to be considered a bedroom?

    Antique home, many bedrooms are built without closets?

    • Asked by Betty E.
    • Augusta, ME
    • 747 views
    • Real Estate Facts
    • 3 years ago
    4 Answers
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