Do rooms require a closet to be considered a bedroom?
Can a sunporch be considered a bedroom?
There are a lot of bedroom myths floating around out there, so let’s break down the requirements for the legal definition of a bedroom in Virginia.
Now, the legal definition of a bedroom can vary by local municipal zoning laws. However, most municipalities or counties in Northern Virginia adhere very closely or even identically to the zoning rules of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Bedroom requirements:
Square footage
Must have a minimum of 70 square feet, and an additional 50 square feet per additional occupant.
Ceiling height
Must not be lower than 7 feet.
Ventilation
Must have a window or door to the outside, which provides natural light and can be opened for ventilation.
Heating
Must have a permanent heat source, which cannot be a portable heater.
Interior access
Must be able to access the room without traveling through another bedroom.
Bathroom access
Must have access to a bathroom without traveling through another bedroom.
Egress to the outside
Must have a window or door to the outside with a minimum of 5.7 square feet. The bottom of the egress must be no higher than 44 inches from the ground unless a permanent step is installed. Also, the exit must be unobstructed and included adequate clearance on the exterior of the egress.
Closet
There is no requirement to have a closet. In fact, most homes did not include closets until the last half of the twentieth century. This is a myth that seems to perpetuate even within the real estate agent community.
So, now as you tour homes you’ll be better equipped and will know if that room in the basement set up with a made bed is a legal bedroom or not. Even if you would like to use it as a bedroom, be sure not to pay for an extra bedroom.
