How to add a bedroom for house hacking
So, you want to know how to add a bedroom for house hacking.
Doing so can bring you additional income and take your house hack game to the next level. But there are several things to be aware of before taking on this endeavor on your own. These include zoning and building code restrictions and lots more.
Let’s dive right into it.
How to Add a Bedroom for House Hacking
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t have an extra bedroom just lying around.
But what if you could add an extra bedroom to your existing blueprint?
Well, you’re in luck because most likely you can.
With a little bit of creativity (and a lot of research!) you can easily turn one of the rooms in your house into a bedroom. That means more opportunities for you to house hack and get the most out of your investment.
Here’s how to do it: First, determine which room you want to use as a bedroom. The best candidates are usually rooms that are underutilized, such as a guest room or home office. But don’t limit yourself. You can also consider dividing an existing room, building an addition, or converting a garage. We’ll get into each of these later on.
Once you’ve selected your room, it’s time to start thinking about how to make it work as a bedroom.
If you have the funds, a great place to start is by hiring an architect. But, even if you skip this step, a qualified general contractor should be able to help you strategize for your new bedroom.
Before Your Start: Zoning and Building Code Restrictions
Before you even start researching how to add a bedroom for house hacking, it’s important to understand the zoning and building code restrictions that affect your home.
Therefore, you’ll need to make sure that your property is zoned for the additional bedroom. You’ll also need to check your local building code restrictions to see if there are any limits on the number of bedrooms that can be added to a single-family home.
Once you’ve taken care of the zoning and building code issues, you can start planning for your new bedroom addition.
Keep in mind that the size and location of the new bedroom will impact the overall value of your home, so be sure to consult with a real estate professional before making any final decisions.
Additionally, I strongly advise that you hire an experienced contractor rather than doing the rehab yourself. General contractors are well-versed in local zoning and building codes. And they can help you to avoid sticky situations.
Dividing a Room
Let’s say you’ve checked the local zoning and building code restrictions and you’ve hired a GC. Now it’s time to figure out how to add a bedroom for house hacking.
One of the simplest and best ways to do this is by dividing an existing room.
But before you start hacking away at walls (no pun intended) it’s important to know a few things.
You need to be sure that you have enough closets, windows, and doors to legally make it a bedroom. The room also should be big enough to fit a bed and dresser: 60 square feet is the minimum in most states.
How many windows a room needs — or whether it needs them at all — also depends on local codes in the United States. But, according to the International Residential Code (IRC), a bedroom must have at least one window that is at least 8% of the floor area of the room. That means that a 10’x10′ bedroom would need an 8’x8′ window.
While you’re not necessarily bound by the IRC’s rules, they’re good to know when designing a space.
Windows are important for emergency egress. And they’ll also just make your room more appealing to prospective renters.
Building an Addition
Building an addition, or an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), means that you’ll be constructing an addition to your existing property. Needless to say, this will first require checking your zoning and building code restrictions.
The next step is to decide where to build the addition. Adding a room onto an existing structure will be less expensive than if you’re starting from scratch. But you’ll still need to factor in the cost of foundation work, framing, and exterior finishes.
Once you’ve settled on a location and budget for your project, it’s time to start construction.
As I stated earlier, if you’re not experienced in home improvement projects, it’s best to hire a contractor to handle the work. This is especially true for building new additions, as doing so can be significant construction work.
Converting a Garage
If there’s no space to spare in your house, and you’re still keen to figure out how to add a bedroom for house hacking, consider your garage!
By converting the garage into a bedroom, you can create an affordable and convenient space for guests or tenants.
Before you start your conversion, however, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you’ll need to insulate the space in order to make it comfortable year-round. Second, you may need to install additional windows in order to meet egress requirements. And finally, be sure to soundproof the room so that your tenants can enjoy some peace and quiet.
With a little bit of work, and the help of a general contractor, you can easily turn your garage into a cozy and comfortable bedroom.
Adding a Bedroom for House Hacking
In conclusion, adding a bedroom for house hacking is very achievable in most circumstances. And it’s a great way to maximize profits from your house hacking investment.
Regardless of the approach you take to reach this end, there are two important things to keep in mind:
- Always research your local building codes and zoning laws before you start any construction work.
- Hiring a general contractor can save you time and hassle. It’s often one of those expenses that ends up saving you money in the long run.
FAQs
Still unsure about how to add a bedroom for house hacking? Here are some FAQs that might clear things up:
How do I add a bedroom to my house?
There are a few ways to go about this, depending on the layout of your home. If you have an unused room or space that could be converted into a bedroom, then you’re in luck — all you’ll need to do is add a door and some basic furnishings. If you don’t have an extra room, you’ll need to get creative and consider things like loft conversions or building an addition. Either way, it’s best to consult with a professional before undertaking any major renovation project.
How much will it cost to add a bedroom?
Again, this will vary depending on the extent of the work required. A simple conversion may only cost a few hundred dollars, whereas a more complex project like building an addition can easily run into the thousands. Be sure to get quotes from multiple contractors before making any decisions.
Do I need local planning/zoning permission to add a bedroom?
This will depend on your local regulations, so it’s best to check with your municipality before starting any work. In some cases, you may be able to proceed without permission if the work is considered minor in nature.
