Minimum dimensions for a bedroom closet?

[I-Hate-Hulse]

I know there's a few Realtors on the board and was wondering if they might be able to help me. I'm adding a closet to the den down in the basement so that I can officially call it a "bedroom" on an MLS listing. I figure that'll help greatly in terms of optics and listing appeal.

Can anyone tell me what the minimum dimensions are for this room to be considered a "bedroom"? Yes, there are two 2x2' windows so I'm good for that issue.

Thanks!

[moncton golden flames]

I am a residential draftsperson, and I draw my closets at 25" deep, from stud to stud. Once you add in the drywall, you get a standard 24" deep closet.

[I-Hate-Hulse]

Thanks! How about a minimum width? 18" seems to be the smallest a door comes in.

[Dan02]

Originally Posted by I-Hate-Hulse

Thanks! How about a minimum width? 18" seems to be the smallest a door comes in.

not sure that would quite suffice for a bedroom closest. I'm thinking 48" wide.

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by Dan02

not sure that would quite suffice for a bedroom closest. I'm thinking 48" wide.

The closets in the smaller bedrooms of my house are 3 feet wide.

[MacDougalbry]

I think the only thing that matters is that it has an "egress" window that meets code requirements. (Opens to a minimum of 10 sqft to allow escape.) For new construction, the electrical oulets must have AFCI protection.

I am speaking of the bedroom, of course, not the closet.

[I-Hate-Hulse]

Originally Posted by Dan02

not sure that would quite suffice for a bedroom closest. I'm thinking 48" wide.

I know that something larger like 48" would be ideal, but unfortunately, the room itself is 8x10'. A bigger closet just won't work. I'm after the bare minimum to be legall described as a bedroom. I'm currently thinking 2' deep by 3' wide?

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by I-Hate-Hulse

Yes, there are two 2x2' windows so I'm good for that issue.

Originally Posted by MacDougalbry

I think the only thing that matters is that it has an "egress" window that meets code requirements. (Opens to a minimum of 10 sqft to allow escape.)

I think that MacD is right about needing the opeing. The opening must be 3.8 sq ft- which a 2X2 window will not provide unless the window opens right up.

and at least one window shall provide an unobstructed opening of not less than 380 mm (15 inches) in height and width and 0.35 m2 (3.8 sq. ft.) in area.

Funny thing, when I had my electrical the inspector told me to make the "den" in the basement arc fault, and I told him it wasn't a bedroom. He asked me why, and I told him the window wasn't big enough. He looked at me (and I'm not a small guy) and said "wouldn't you fit through there?" I told him yes, that I had already tried.

He then told me he really wanted me to make it arc fault, just in case "somebody" decides to use it as a bedroom.

[MacDougalbry]

EDIT: As per above, I was off on the opening area.


I found the following, though it is a US source.

I think so long as the closet is deep enough to hang clothing and has a door (which implies it is at least 24" wide) then it is a bedroom.

You could also probably buy one of those Ikea wardrobe units and "permanently attach" it to the wall and probably get away with it.

http://www.city-data.com/forum/ralei...oom-house.html

[Rhettzky]

Originally Posted by I-Hate-Hulse

I know that something larger like 48" would be ideal, but unfortunately, the room itself is 8x10'. A bigger closet just won't work. I'm after the bare minimum to be legall described as a bedroom. I'm currently thinking 2' deep by 3' wide?

Just call Building Development and Approvals at the City 3-1-1 line. They'll have an answer for you. In my opinion you do not need to have a closet to call it a bedroom. But you may want to double check with the City.

[You Need a Thneed]

To be a worthwhile closet, I'd build it 2 feet deep and 3' wide. The two square feet that you would leave as part of the main bedroom aren't worth it if the closet is too small.

The closets in my second and third bedroom are 3 feet wide.

[maverickeastwood]

Big enough to sleep in? A buddy of mine slept in a closet once, called it 512B