What Qualifies as a bathroom

Question

I have a tub, toilet, sink, and vented fan in a basement area that is closed off from the rest of basement.  It is open to the storage area, utilities, washer and dryer.  This space takes up half the basement and has doors to it, but with our last appraisal, they listed the house as only having 1 bathroom; not two.  We live in Minnesota.  I am trying to figure out what I need to do; do I need to close off the bathroom to the furnace and storage room, but is it ok to keep it open to the washer and dryer?  Thank you!

James Mc Ree · Answer

Try calling the appraisal company and ask why it wasn't counted.  Check with your municipality on their definition of a bathroom and ensure yours meets that definition.

Frank Mumford · Answer

Thank you everyone!

Chris Mason · Answer

Below grade v above grade.

https://saintlouisappraiser.net/2014/03/23/why-arent-my-bedrooms-and-bathrooms-in-the-basement-counted-on-my-appraisal/

Frank Mumford · Answer

My appraisal was from a while ago, and we had a 2nd assessment by a realtor sent out by our mortgage company so we could get PMI removed; and she only counted one bathroom, also.  We are trying to determine what makes it a half bath so we can make the changes and get some equity out for a kitchen project.  I want the next appraisal to count the bath.

Theresa Harris · Answer

It should count as a half bath.  Did you ask the person who did the appraisal?

Aaron K. · Answer

Is it permitted? that could be the problem.  It could also be that if the basement qualifies as unfinished nothing down there would count in the sqft.  I also think that in some cases anything in the basement is in it's own category.