Is it legal(compliant to building code)to have a washer in BR closet (Chapel Hill: real estate, rent)

[sourdate]

Hello,
I just saw a property on the market that the previous own did something really quite unusual. One of the two bedrooms has a closet that has been converted to a laundry area which has the water hookup and the vent on the wall. Since this is the only closet for that bedroom, I am wondering if it's legal or comply to the Chapel Hill city building code to have this kind of modification by the owner. If I am going to buy it, will I be obliged to convert it back to a regular closet for clothing.

Thanks

[zthatzmanz28]

I would think if it was not code, the seller would have to convert it? Ask your BUYER'S AGENT...

[twingles]

I thought a room had to have a closet to be considered a BR. If he's converted it to a laundry room, it's not really a BR then.

[benthephysicist]

At least if its large enough for laundry equipment, its a decent closet.

[suzy_q2010]

What would you use the room for?

Would it be a bedroom used every day? Guest room? Study or hobby room?

Does having the laundry in that area make it more convenient for hauling sheets, towels, and dirty clothes from the bedrooms and baths?

If having the washer and dryer in that location simplifies the laundry, it would make sense to leave it there, especially if the alternative is to put the washer and dryer in the basement.

If you do not need to use the room as a bedroom for a family member, you could add an armoire for storage if it is used as a guest room and there are any number of options if it is used as a home office or hobby area.

If you need it for a family member's bedroom and really need a closet, you could leave the hook ups and just not put the appliances in there. It would be awkward to have a child asleep in the room when you wanted to do laundry.

[sourdate]

Originally Posted by suzy_q2010

What would you use the room for?

Would it be a bedroom used every day? Guest room? Study or hobby room?

Does having the laundry in that area make it more convenient for hauling sheets, towels, and dirty clothes from the bedrooms and baths?

If having the washer and dryer in that location simplifies the laundry, it would make sense to leave it there, especially if the alternative is to put the washer and dryer in the basement.

If you do not need to use the room as a bedroom for a family member, you could add an armoire for storage if it is used as a guest room and there are any number of options if it is used as a home office or hobby area.

If you need it for a family member's bedroom and really need a closet, you could leave the hook ups and just not put the appliances in there. It would be awkward to have a child asleep in the room when you wanted to do laundry.

It will be a bedroom used everyday. Without closet, I don't know if it still can be called a bedroom and rent out to someone

[benthephysicist]

If its just a room, add a closet by adding two small walls and a door frame. Should have it done with materials and some sweat for about $150-$250? Voila, instant closet!

[Sherifftruman]

It's not the building code that would be a problem, assuming that the actual work was done properly, it's whether it is still a bedroom or not per real estate conventions. It would be interesting to know as there is still room over the W/D to hang clothes. What of it were stackable and only half was taken up? Would it still be a closet then?

[Green Irish Eyes]

Is the space still being used for laundry? If not, just convert it back to a closet.

However, if the W/D are still in there, you might have trouble renting it as a bedroom, for two reasons. First, there's no closet and second, a tenant isn't likely to want you (the landlord) coming into his/her room to do laundry.

[JJingle]

We have an upstairs room with two closets; one contains the W&D. This was the original floorplan. We use it as a bonus room. The prior residents used it as a fourth bedroom.