Must a bedroom have a built-in closet?

3/25/2015 at 10:21:42 AM

That would be a question for a realtor in your area. In a few of our projects, we have added a stand alone wardrobe to the bedroom which did not hinder the price of the home. This way, the wardrobe can be removed if the homeowner wanted an office space instead of an extra bedroom.

3/25/2015 at 10:41:36 AM

Hi Christine,

If when selling a house, a room is defined as a bedroom, most potential buyers will be expecting to have some closet space within the bedroom. However, there is those buyers which will not have an issue if a room does not have a built in closet, providing that the room is big enough to allow an area for an armoire. I agree with the first comment that you should consult a Realtor in your area for advice.

Good Luck!

3/25/2015 at 11:24:14 AM

Christine,

The short answer is no, the house (bedrooms) do not require built-in closets. Many houses were constructed without such added features and if yours is ne of them, it would just be "grandfathered" with the entire building. (Meaning it is part of the original construction). If there is a concern, a wardrobe (portable closet) would be the answer.

Regards,

Mark

3/25/2015 at 11:56:50 AM

To classify a room as a bedroom it has to have a closet and a window that is big enough to escape through in case of a fire. If it does not have a closet then it is classified as a den, office space or bonus room not a bedroom. But consult with your realtor to find out what method is best to describe this room when advertising this place.

3/25/2015 at 12:09:08 PM

No it doesn't! However the opinion of the realtor in your area would be helpful.

3/25/2015 at 1:19:06 PM

I agree with Dan. A bedroom is defined as having a window and a closet. If you get a realtor to say it's a bedroom because it has an armoire, that's really blurring the lines. No closet = no bedroom.

Every realtor I've spoken with about this is pretty strict about a bedroom having a closet and window. Unless they're desperate to sell a house, then I can see the realtor bending the definition. I add closets to people's homes all the time so their home can be marketed as having the proper amount of bedrooms.

My recommendation, put a real closet in.

3/25/2015 at 5:33:58 PM

Hi Christine,

Bedrooms should have closets or they are more like a den.

A master bedroom should most definitely have a closet. Unless you are in a home built in 1940 or older. Check with realtors in your area, but I will bet they will say exactly what I suggest to you.

The cost to add a closet is not high. So don't let the idea scare you.

Hope that helps.

Regards,

James Fram