Comments on: Bedrooms Don’t Need Closets

By: Reuben Saltzman

Reuben Saltzman — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 10:13:38 +0000

Hi Darin – I have no problem citing code; I’m a licensed Truth in Sale of Housing Evaluator in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and several other larger cities here in the metro area, so it’s my job to know the codes. I’m “intimately familiar” with ‘em .

Also, our codes here in Minnesota are fairly uniform. I’ve heard that in some states the codes vary from city to city, but not so around here.

By: Darin Redding

Darin Redding — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:53:01 +0000

I agree with you Reuben, installing or placing a freestanding piece of furniture such as a wardrobe satisfies the requirement of having a closet within a bedroom. At least down here in San Diego.

Kristin – I often find that a Realtor, appraiser and bank have very different opinions on what constitutes a legal sleeping room. So best of luck with that one

On a professional level Ruben, you might want to be a little careful citing code as a home inspector. There’s a lot of variables here, and unless you are intimately familiar with all the code requirements in the incorporated cities within your area you could find yourself in hot water. Your mileage may vary, but you might want to run this by an attorney who has knowledge in this area.

By: Antonio Mccelland

Antonio Mccelland — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 18:50:59 +0000

Most people prefer to have closets in their own homes, but their are quite a few who appreciate bedrooms without closets more. I guess it’s all about preference.

By: Reuben Saltzman

Reuben Saltzman — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 20:58:18 +0000

Hi Frank,

What city is this? I’m not aware of any city in the country that would require a permit to build a closet. I don’t think you’re getting the whole story.

- Reuben

By: frank

frank — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 20:53:50 +0000

What if the city code require or defines a bedroom to have a closet? And no bolting a closet from IKEA will not do. They want a built in closet so that the owner has to get a permit.

According to city employees, they do not grandfather things in. Which I think is total BS!

By: Reuben Saltzman

Reuben Saltzman — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:04:42 +0000

Kristin – If you’re concerned that an appraiser might want to see a closet, pick up a cheap wardrobe and screw it to the wall. Easy fix!

By: Kristin

Kristin — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:37:23 +0000

I am doing a some research on this topic and a fellow Edina Realty agent recommended I check your post out.I have a property that has an office on the main level.No closet. In the original home plans this room was a bedroom option with an opening into an adjoining 3/4 bath.We are posting it as a 4th bedroom and disclosing that it doesn’t have a closet. I think what this comes down to is that you can call a room a bedroom, but what will a bank appraiser call the room? I believe the house would appraise for more if it has an additional bedroom vs. an office. Not sure. With appraisals being a bit volatile in this market the appraisal may be the problem if the appraiser has a differnet opinion on closets and bedrooms.

By: Chad

Chad — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 03:42:27 +0000

The IBC and IRC, which is the root codes for the MN State Building Codes, is non specific on this matter. I believe owing to past eras of housing not having closets. Instead relying upon furniture (wardrobes) for this function.

That stated, where the structure isn’t affected by HUD or FHA rules, it is often the city ordinances that amend the codes to include closet requirements.

Oddly enough, this may arise as a means to define what a sleeping area (bedroom) is in order to enforce egress window requirements.

By: "Non-Conforming Bedroom?" How About "Not A Bedroom" | Reuben's Home Inspection Blog

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:52:16 +0000

[...] Posted on July 14th, 2009 Reuben Saltzman No comments Last week I wrote about how bedrooms don’t need closets to legally be called bedrooms. That post got me thinking about this similar but opposite topic. [...]