Adding Bedroom to increase value in appraisal

[BrianInRiverside]

The room was a empty room behind the garage on the bottom story when the home was built. It's not an addition nor is it the garage, it was it's own separate finished room with no carpet at that time. The house is currently a 3 bedroom and with this I hoped to make it a 4 bedroom. I will check with the county and see if a permit is required. I am trying to increase the square footage of the living area as well as add an additional bedroom. Thanks for the replies, they were helpful.

 

[Smokey Bear]

Is this room accessible from the house (not the garage) without going outside?

 

[AnonApprsr]

If, as smokey asks, it is connected (contiguously; without going from non-living area to get there) to the original GLA than it can be counted as a bedroom as long as it has a closet and the market would consider it a bedroom. I wouldn't worry about a permit. If it is finished in a similar manner to the remainder of the home, and the finish was completed in a professional and work-man like manner, than I think all would be well. I would not mention to the appraiser that it's a recent conversion, simple as that. If he specifically asks about it than it's up to you whether you want to lie or not. If there's no reason to check for a permit than the appraiser won't check. Why would he?

Oh, and don't count on it adding value as a bedroom. It may not, depending on the type of home and the market reaction. For instance in some market areas around me there is no difference between a 1200 SF GLA ranch with 4 bedrooms and one with 3 bedrooms. The only value will be as GLA. Which may be around $30 per SF (give or take 10 or so dollars perhaps.)

 

[Don Clark]

it doesn't really get very cold in Riverside.

Did when I was there in 1999 doing a course for McKissock on the then "new" FHA requirements when they changed the handbook. I stayed at the Holiday Inn across from the convention center, had early morning coffee at an old converted mission. They had portable heaters out front since it was so "cool" in the early AM. Loved that place and the mission had the best coffee every. Compared to them, Starbucks is second rate.

 

[BrianInRiverside]

The room is accessible to the house without going outside and it is totally professional. Thank you very much for all your information! I had looked at the recent sales in my area and in this area there did seem to be a jump in sales prices from 3 to 4 bedrooms for what ever reason. And it really is a 4 bedroom house now and I wanted to get suggestions on it's status. So thank you again.