So You Want to Live in a Closet? Not Quite: The Lowdown on Pennsylvania Bedrooms (That Won't Leave You Sleeping in the Bathtub)
Ah, Pennsylvania. Land of cheesesteaks, liberty bells, and...confusing bedroom regulations? Fear not, intrepid renter or curious homeowner, for this post will be your guide through the sometimes-bizarre world of what qualifies as a bedroom in the Keystone State.
Size Does Matter (But Not Like That)
Forget the walk-in closets of your dreams. In Pennsylvania, a bedroom needs some serious elbow room. We're talking a minimum of 80 square feet, with at least one dimension stretching 7 feet wide (think: enough space to do jumping jacks without knocking over your furniture...unless your furniture collection is particularly impressive).
Pro Tip: Don't try to squeeze a bed into a broom closet and call it a day. The housing inspectors might not be amused.
Two Ways Out, or You're Sleeping with the Fishes (Not Literally)
Safety first, friends! Every Pennsylvania bedroom needs two exits. This usually means a door and a window, but hey, if you're feeling fancy and have two doors, that works too. The key thing is, in case of fire (or a particularly enthusiastic game of dodgeball), you have a quick escape route.
Bonus points: If your window is a bit on the small side, don't worry. As long as it opens wide enough for a firefighter-sized person to shimmy through (think: minimum 20x24 inches), you're good to go.
Farewell, Space Heater, Hello Snuggles (Because Fire Safety)
Here's where things get interesting. Pennsylvania requires a permanent heat source in every bedroom. So, ditch the space heater and befriend your furnace (or landlord, if they control the heat). This regulation ensures toasty toes during those chilly Pennsylvania nights.
Air conditioning not required? Apparently, fresh air from an open window is enough to keep things cool in the summer.
Furnishing Your Dream (or Not-So-Dream) Bedroom
Now that you have the basics covered, let's talk about making your bedroom a livable space. Pennsylvania law requires each occupant to have access to some essentials:
- A Bed (Shocking, Right?) No inflatable pool toys or beanbag chairs here. A proper bed for a good night's sleep is a must.
- Storage Solutions Whether it's a dresser or a closet, you gotta have somewhere to stash your clothes (unless you fancy the "living-out-of-a-suitcase" look).
- A Place to Admire Yourself (Maybe) A mirror is required in every bedroom. Perfect for checking your outfit or practicing your fierce morning face.
Basically: Don't turn your bedroom into a glorified storage unit.
FAQ: Pennsylvania Bedroom Edition
How to measure a room for Pennsylvania bedroom requirements?
Grab a tape measure and get calculating! Measure the length, width, and height of the room. As long as the square footage is at least 80 and at least one dimension is 7 feet long, you're golden.
How many people can share a bedroom in Pennsylvania?
It depends on the size! For one person, the minimum is 80 square feet. If you're planning on co-sleeping with your bestie, the room needs to be at least 50 square feet per person.
How can I tell if a window is big enough to be a bedroom exit?
Measure it! An egress window needs to be at least 20 inches wide and 24 inches tall, with a total opening of 5.7 square feet.
Does a basement bedroom count in Pennsylvania?
Yes, it can! But make sure it meets all the other requirements, especially having a safe and easy way to get out in case of a fire.
Can I use a Murphy bed to meet the bedroom requirements?
Yes! As long as the bed folds out to a standard size and provides enough sleeping space, you're good to go.
