Is a bedroom a bedroom?

[Jim Kaufman]

I am working on my first flip :-). I am trying to find out if I need a closet in a bedroom to call it a bedroom for mls listing or if there would be FHA or other lending or appraisal obstacles. I am buying a 3/2.5 in PA and one of the bedrooms is a small 9x9 room without a closet, without an easy way to expand outside of the room. I have read posts outside of BP that discuss this need as a "myth", referencing the HUD/FHA. I have read elsewhere that this is a state and local code requirement. I understand the window egress requirements and I do see that discussed in the local municipal code. If anyone can point me in the right direction, that would be helpful and appreciated. Thanks, Jim

[Bill Gulley]

For a bedroom, it must have an above grade window 2 sq ft opening I think but there is a " width/height for ingress/egress. A bedroom must have a closet, 6 sqft as I recall, 2' deep, 3' wide, room must have an average of 7' ceiling over the floor space, 70sq ft rings a bell, must be 7' wide to fit a bed. From memory, that's HUD, meaning at least a 7X10, 7+ ceiling over that space (as attics are converted) and a window and closet.

Might check on appraisal guidelines, same as HUD, but what is given value for a bedroom may vary in the eye of the appraiser.

9X9 is a common small bedroom, but it must have a closet and the window. :)