A Bedroom is a room that serves as a private space where you can sleep, dress, and have sexual activities. A typical western bedroom will have one or two beds, a clothes closet, bedside tables, and drawers. It is also required to have an arc-fault circuit interrupter (ACI) and a window.
Rooms must have at least 70 square feet of floor space
The minimum area for a sleeping room is 70 square feet, and this number increases by fifty square feet for every additional person residing in the room. This minimum area does not include areas less than five feet high from finished floor to finished ceiling. This area also applies to a room that has two or more sleeping rooms.
Depending on the city you live in, a bedroom’s minimum square footage requirement may vary. Some cities measure square footage based on the number of people in the room. For example, a bedroom in Michigan must be at least seven feet by 10 feet in size. This minimum area is important because it is one of the primary determining factors in what constitutes a legal bedroom.
A bedroom must include a means of egress. This means it must have an escape route, such as a window or door to the outside. The window must be at least twenty-four inches high and twenty inches wide. It must also have at least 70 square feet of floor space and a ceiling height of seven feet.
They must have a closet
Many real estate agents have started pedaling the idea that the bedroom must have a closet. While this may be true in some cases, it is important to remember that most states do not mandate the presence of a closet in a bedroom. Some real estate agents are simply trying to get the best possible deal for their clients, but in reality, they have little idea what a legal bedroom is.
Though the International Residential Code does not stipulate a requirement, most buyers expect a closet in a bedroom. However, the requirements will vary depending on the real estate market in your city or county. Some newer homes do not require a closet in the bedroom, while older classic homes may not require one at all.
In Texas, a bedroom does not have to have a closet, but it is highly recommended. Adding a closet is a great way to add space and storage without increasing your property’s cost. Besides allowing more room for storage, adding a closet can also improve the look of your furniture. However, it is important to consider the size and construction of the closet before deciding on its design.
They must have an arc-fault circuit interrupter
According to the National Electrical Code, bedrooms must be equipped with an arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI). An AFCI prevents an electrical circuit from overheating and causing a fire. According to a CPSC study, many home fires are related to the bedroom circuit.
AFCIs are devices that use electronic circuitry to detect arc faults. They must protect the entire branch circuit. The device is a good choice for bedrooms since it is much more affordable than replacing a broken circuit breaker. AFCIs are similar to regular circuit breakers. You can buy one for about $25-50 and install it in minutes. You can do it yourself or hire an electrician to do the job safely.
The National Electrical Code (NEC) has expanded the use of AFCIs. They are now required for bedrooms and other habitable rooms. However, the NEC still requires that GFCIs be used in high-risk areas.
They must have a window
Adding a window to a bedroom is a smart choice because it serves two useful purposes. One, it provides effective egress in case of a fire. In addition to the window, a bedroom should be equipped with two doors, one to the outside and one to the inside. Using an exterior door in the bedroom is not practical. The minimum size of a window opening in a bedroom is 5.7 square feet and it should be installed high enough to allow a person to escape in case of emergency.
Another important consideration when choosing a window for a bedroom is the view. Having a beautiful view can be a real plus, but an excess of windows can also detract from the home’s appearance. A window in the wrong location can cause a home’s value to plummet.
A window in a bedroom is a requirement for fire safety and is necessary for proper ventilation. In addition to ventilation, the window should also have a lock or a key to prevent unauthorized entry or escape. Window sizes and types also depend on local fire codes.