Bedroom Building Code Requirements: Basics to Know

Considering home renovations? How about converting that spare room into a bedroom or updating a bedroom you currently have? Bedrooms will always be useful so they are practical to invest in. What makes a bedroom a bedroom, however? Here’s what the International Residential Code has to say.

Size

Just because it can fit a bed doesn’t make a room a bedroom. Single-occupancy bedrooms should have 70 square feet of floor space, with one direction measuring at least seven feet. Additionally, at least half of the ceiling must be at least 7 feet tall. Again, these figures are for bedrooms for one. For every person over age one to be accommodated, 50 more square feet should be added.

Access

Every bedroom in the house must be accessible on its own via a communal space or hallway. It should not be accessible only by passing through another bedroom.

Exits

In the event of an emergency, occupants should be able to exit bedrooms in two ways: through the main access door or an egress window that can be opened from the inside. The window should be at least 24 inches tall and 20 inches wide, with an opening that is 5.7 square feet in size.

Closets

The IRC doesn’t mandate the installation of closets, so it can still be a bedroom even if you don’t have one. However, many real estate agents define a bedroom as having at least one window, door and closet.

Keep in mind that building codes can vary from city to city and state to state. The ones mentioned above are just guidelines from the IRC. To make sure your home improvement project is up to code, make sure your contractor follows the regulations that are relevant to your area.

Work With the Pros

Codes aren’t a problem when you work with a local expert like DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Wilmington. To learn more about what we can do for you as trusted home and bathroom renovation experts, simply give us a call at (910) 212-5889. We’re ready to start a conversation today!

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