Looking for opinions on a small remodeling project
Posts: 1960
In regards to my thread about our boys sharing a bedroom....we are also considering looking into a small remodeling project. There are pros and cons we would need to consider for resale value, because again, we don't plan on being in this house for more than another year or two. So I need your opinions on whether this would be a good move for resale value. Here's the situation:
Our current house: HUGE closet in our master bedroom. Lots of great storage space, but it's really more than we need or use as far as a closet goes. We also have a large linen closet in the hallway.
The new plan: By moving a couple of doorways around, we could convert our entire master closet into a decent size office (or could be called a 4th small bedroom for resale value but there won't be a closet) and it would be accessible through the main hallway. However, that small office/sitting room would now be the new entryway to our bedroom. Then we would take the hallway linen closet and the existing entryway into our bedroom and make a smaller walk in closet.
Basically with the remodel, we would gain a 4th small bedroom/office/playroom/sitting room, but we would lose the hallway linen closet. We do already have plenty of linen storage in both bathrooms, so to me, losing the linen closet isn't a big deal. The master closet will now be smaller, but still be an ok size walk in closet, but not near as big as the old one. This would function a whole lot better for our family, but I have to think about what someone else will see when we go to sell. So what's more important....a huge master close and a linen closet in the hallway, or a smaller master closet and a extra room for an office?
Resale
Posts: 314
I would think of re-sale more than anything on this one. It might be good to even ask a realtor for their opinion since they see the most houses. But here is mine... If there is enough room for towels, extra bedding, etc in the bathroom that is probably the biggest issue because you are losing the linen closet. You can always make your closet look more spacious when selling by removing out of season clothes and organizing really well. One thing that could be a real positive is that your neighborhood will attract such young families and you could always put a nusery spin on the small room too, and some families would love to have the baby close but not quite in the same room. The other thing is that since you will likely attract younger families they possibly aren't used to having a larger walk-in closet in their first house or apartment so they may still see the reduced size closet as a perfect size.
I will mention though that it sounds like a lot of re-painting because you might have to paint down the hall and into the rest of the house if you can't match up the paint exactly too... not to mention repainting the new room and your closet. Good luck!
I'm not positive on this
Posts: 32
I'm not positive on this (again, consult a realtor)... my understanding is that to be considered a "bedroom", it must have a closet.
Best wishes
bedroom
Posts: 1960
You may be exactly right on that, I'm not sure either. After more thinking, there would be space to fit a closet in the corner behind the door, and it wouldn't even look out of place. It would be a VERY small closet, but still a closet. The only big concern for resale would be that this "bedroom" would be the entryway to get to the master bedroom. But Julie also made a good point that it would be a fabulous setup for a "nursery." I personally wouldn't like it as a permanent bedroom for a child, but it would be a pretty versatile space...nursery for a baby, office, den, small playroom.
And on bathroom closet space, the master bathroom has a really big closet, so no space issue there. The kid's bathroom has a large counter with cabinet space underneath, but no official closet. I actually don't even use the linen closet for linens. I wouldn't even have enough linens to fill 1/2 of it. I use it for my vacuum and an extra pantry (since I tend to stockpile when I find good deals), but I have lots of kitchen cabinet space and an extra pantry set up in the basement, so no real loss to me. Actually that linen closet/hallway closet is so big, I don't really have alot of use for it. It's nice, but we do have enough storage space elsewhere that I wouldn't miss it if it wasn't there.
Jessica
~ Mommy to Luke and Shawn
window?
Posts: 263
I think every 'living space' has to have a window, for fire code especially a bedroom. again, I would check with a realtor. I would never suggest reducing any closet/storage space. Each individual uses space differently and the units they have now can be installed to make your closet an office with one simple desk and still have all your things in it. some projects are better left as an underdeveloped dream especially if you're not staying long. They don't always yield the value. Lynn
From what I understand...
Posts: 9
From what I understand in order to consider that room is a bedroom when you list your house it would infact have to include a closet. If the only to it would be from the master bedroom then I would just consider it a den/office place when you resale. You could also make it a sitting room/reading room off of your bedroom. Best of luck!
Extra Room
Posts: 27
The only thing I would have you consider is for re-sale people generally don't like the master to be cut-up. For example, people usually leave a negitive feedback if they have to walk through a room to get to a mater, same goes for houses that you have to walk through a closet to get to a bathroom. It's one of those things in real estate you have to be careful of. With staging it might be awesome, but that would depend greatly on the amount of turns, and how open it feels. Like, if there was enough room between the "sitting room" and the master for French doors,it would feel really big and would positively effect resale. And like you said if you don't plan on staying there long, don't put to much money into it. I watch designed to sell alot (on HGTV) you can get some good ides on that show.
jenny