Living in a small apartment can be a real challenge when it comes to finding enough space for everything. And if you have a growing family, things can get even more cramped. But with a little bit of creativity and some elbow grease, you can have additional room in your apartment without having to move. Here we are going to discuss legislation, requirements, and different methods to add a new bedroom to an apartment.
What is a Legal Bedroom?
A legal bedroom must adhere to strict criteria regarding habitability and fire safety. you have to get a building permit to add a bedroom to an apartment. The following are rules as defined by New York City Building Code and Multiple Dwelling Law.
1. Dimensions/Room Size:
The average size of a bedroom in an apartment is around 10 x 12 feet. But if you are lucky enough to have a larger space, you can certainly make use of it. To add an extra bedroom, try to create a sleeping area that is at least 80 square feet. This will give you enough room for a bed, a dresser, and a nightstand.
The ceiling should also be at least eight feet tall. This may include closet space.
2. Natural Light and Air:
There must also be one operable window that is at least 12 square feet with glass which is 10 percent of the room’s total floor area. The window must also be seven feet from the floor.
3. Egress:
There must be two ways out for fire safety reasons. This is often easily resolved by including a window as well as a door that can be reached from the inside without the use of keys or tools.
5. Others:
The following are additional restrictions that must be followed: Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, a light switch, and one electrical outlet for every 12 feet of wall space are required by the building code.
Modern Ways to Add a Bedroom To an Apartment
1. Divide The Main Hall into Two, Three, or More Rooms
One of the easiest ways to add an extra bedroom is by simply dividing up the main hall. This can be done with the help of a contractor who can put up some walls to create smaller rooms. You can also use a screen or curtain to divide the space if you want to be able to open it up when you have guests over.
2. Divide the Existing Room into Two:
If you have a large living room, you can easily divide it into two separate spaces using a bookcase or a screen. This will create two distinct areas in your apartment, one for sleeping and one for living.
3. Convert your Closet:
If you have a large walk-in closet, you can easily turn it into a bedroom. Just add a mattress, some bedding, and some curtains or a screen to give you privacy.
4. Turn The Living Room into a Bedroom:
If you don’t have an extra room to spare, you can always turn your living room into a bedroom. Just add a Murphy bed or a daybed and voila! You’ve got yourself
5. Add a New Internal Wall:
The simplest and most affordable way to add another bedroom to your home is to construct a new internal wall to divide an existing room. This can be a real help if you have a large existing bedroom and is perfect for creating two smaller rooms for children.
6. Turn Your Kitchen Into a Bedroom
Another way to create an extra bedroom is by converting your kitchen into a bedroom. This option may be more suitable if you have a small kitchen that isn’t being used much or if you have a separate dining room.
7. Get Creative With Your Bedroom Layout
If you have a bit of extra space in your bedroom, you can use some creative thinking to add another bedroom. For example, you can put a divider between the sleeping and living areas to create two distinct rooms.
8. Add a Murphy Bed
A Murphy bed is a great way to add an extra bedroom without taking up too much space. When not in use, the bed can be folded up into the wall or closed off behind a door, leaving plenty of space for other activities.
9. Add a Loft:
If your ceilings are high enough, you can add a loft to create an extra bedroom. Just be sure to add stairs or a ladder for safe access
10. Enclosing a Porch or Balcony:
Enclosing porches and balconies is a great way to add extra living space to an apartment.
11. Use Furniture:
Use the furniture to create a bedroom in an apartment. For example, place a bed in an alcove or living room, and use a screen or curtain to separate it from the rest of the space.
12. Use Storage Containers
Storage containers can be used to create extra rooms in an apartment. By using storage containers, you can make a bedroom, a home office, or a play area for your children. Just be sure to measure the space before you purchase any containers, and be sure that the containers are secure and will not fall over. Storage containers in an apartment can also create extra security. By keeping your belongings in a storage container, you can prevent them from being stolen or damaged. Just be sure to select a storage container that is large enough to accommodate all of your belongings, and be sure to secure the container so it cannot be easily removed.
13. Use Sliding Doors
If you’re looking for a way to add an extra room to your apartment without taking up too much space, sliding doors are a great option. Sliding doors can be used to divide a room into two separate areas, or they can be used to close off an area when it’s not in use.
Adding a bedroom to an apartment can be a great way to create extra living space. By using one of the ideas listed above, you can easily add an extra bedroom without having to move. So if you’re starting to feel cramped, don’t wait any longer – put one of these ideas into action and enjoy the extra space.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Do I need permission to add a bedroom to an apartment?
Extension to your home is generally permitted development. You’ll need a license to add or increase the number of rooms in an apartment from building management.
2. What is the maximum size you can construct without getting permission?
You may raise your home or add a construction up to six meters in length, or eight meters if your property is detached, without requiring planning permission.
3. How much does it cost to add a bedroom to an apartment?
The cost of adding a bedroom to an apartment will vary depending on the method you choose. Creating a partition, for example, may only cost a few hundred dollars, while enclosing a porch or balcony could cost several thousand dollars. According to most homeowners, putting up a wall will cost you on average $2000.
4. Do I have to notify my neighbor of my construction?
Yes, you have to have to notify my neighbor about my construction.
6. How do I add a bedroom to an apartment?
There are several ways to add a bedroom to an apartment, including creating a partition, converting another room into a bedroom, using furniture to create a bedroom, enclosing a porch or balcony, or using a loft bed.
Need to add an extra bedroom to your apartment? Contact Valet Works!
It’s easy to add an extra bedroom to your apartment with the help of Valet Works. We can help you choose the right solution for your needs and provide you with everything you need to get the job done quickly and efficiently. So don’t wait, contact Valet Works today and let us help you add that extra bedroom to your apartment. So don’t wait any longer – contact us today!