What Makes A Room A Bedroom? [Knoxville Homes For Sale FAQ]

Do you know what makes a room a bedroom?

The answer to this question may seem simple. But, legally, in order to call a room a bedroom in your Knoxville home for sale, a room must have certain features. When it comes to selling your home, the number of bedrooms can be an important selling feature.

In this post, we’ll outline exactly what features a room must have in order to be considered a bedroom in a Knoxville home for sale.

Two Methods Of Egress

In order for a room to be considered a bedroom in a Knoxville home for sale, a room must have two methods of egress. That is, there must be two ways out of a bedroom. Traditionally, that’s a doorway and a window.

But, there are other features that can be counted as a method of egress. For example, if there is a skylight, that is considered a method of egress. Without two methods of egress, a room cannot be considered a bedroom.

Ceiling Height

A Knoxville home for sale must also have a minimum ceiling height in order to be considered a bedroom. At a minimum, the ceiling height in a bedroom must be at least 7 feet high. It’s okay if some of the ceiling height is below that level, but at least 50% of the ceiling must be 7 feet or higher.

Size

In order for a room to be considered a bedroom, it must be a decent size. The requirement to be considered a bedroom is 7 feet in any horizontal direction. This requirement ensures that people don’t count a closet or small room as a bedroom. If a room doesn’t meet this requirement, it can’t be considered a bedroom.

Window Size

A room must also have a specific window size in order to be considered a bedroom. Generally, the requirement is that the window opening must be a minimum of 5.7 square feet.  If a window isn’t that large, the bedroom cannot be considered a room

Heated And Cooled

Finally, in order for a room to be considered a bedroom, the room must be properly heated and cooled. The room must have access to a heating unit as well as an air conditioning unit. Keep in mind, a space heater doesn’t count.

What A Room Doesn’t Need? A Closet

Contrary to popular belief, a bedroom doesn’t need to have a closet in order to be considered a bedroom. There are many older homes with bedrooms that don’t have closets and are still considered a bedroom.

What If A Room Doesn’t Meet These Requirements?

If a room doesn’t meet these requirements, it cannot be listed as a bedroom when you sell your Knoxville home. Oftentimes, these rooms are referred to as a bonus room or office.

Are you thinking about selling your Knoxville home this year? Please let us know if there is any way that Knoxville Home Team can assist you. Rick can be reached at 865-696-9002 or via email at [email protected]. Kati can be reached by phone at 865-696-1888 or via email at [email protected].