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Should I convert the loft to a bedroom?
We have a loft that could also be a bedroom. We're thinking of closing it up and making it a bedroom. Would this increase the value of our home to have the additional bedroom vs the loft?
Asked By Serenity | Memphis, TN | 1326 views | Remodeling | Created 3 months ago
Answer(20)
Anna Wiseman
RE/MAX Lifestyle
In NC if you're on a septic you have to go by how many bedrooms your septic is permitted. Make sure you check on this if you're on a septic
- 2 months ago
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Tyler Tapley
Crye-Leike
Yes it could easily increase the value. You can put a small closet in. Really good question and I would definitely tell you to consider it. It doesn't have to be a huge room or anything like that.
- 2 months ago
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Tatevik Hovhannisyan
RE/MAX Optima
Converting a loft into a bedroom can absolutely increase your home’s value — especially if it turns a 2-bedroom into a 3-bedroom, or a 3 into a 4. In Memphis, where family living and affordability are important, the extra bedroom can appeal to a wider range of buyers, including families and investors.
Just make sure the conversion meets local building codes (proper egress, heating/cooling, and privacy). If done correctly, it can boost both your market value and the speed at which your home sells. I’d recommend consulting a local appraiser or agent to estimate the potential ROI based on your specific layout.
Just make sure the conversion meets local building codes (proper egress, heating/cooling, and privacy). If done correctly, it can boost both your market value and the speed at which your home sells. I’d recommend consulting a local appraiser or agent to estimate the potential ROI based on your specific layout.
- 3 months ago
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Johnny Sarkis
Keller Williams Solutions
Before you spend the money, Ask a local Realtor to pull the comps. If 4BR homes are consistently selling for $25K–$40K more than 3BRs in your neighborhood, the math may favor converting. If not, you might market the loft as a “flex space / potential 4th bedroom
- 2 months ago
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Andrew Test
Avyatech Fastexpert Company1
Converting your loft to a bedroom can definitely add value to your home, especially if it adds to the total bedroom count (for example, going from 2 to 3 bedrooms). Just ensure you follow local building codes and get proper permits for the conversion. This is AutomationTest123 response.
- 2 months ago
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Laura Coffey
Real Brokerage
Appraisal Value: Appraisers often give more weight to the number of legal bedrooms. If the loft meets bedroom requirements (closet, window, egress, privacy), converting it can bump your home from, say, a 3-bed to a 4-bed which can change your comp set and increase value.
Buyer Perception: More bedrooms generally attract a wider pool of buyers, especially families.
A 4-bedroom home typically sells for more and faster than a 3-bedroom with a loft.
Neighborhood Norms: If your area has a high demand for 4-bed homes and most comps are 4-bed, you’re likely to see a better ROI. But if most nearby homes are 3-bed, the lift may be more modest.
Buyer Perception: More bedrooms generally attract a wider pool of buyers, especially families.
A 4-bedroom home typically sells for more and faster than a 3-bedroom with a loft.
Neighborhood Norms: If your area has a high demand for 4-bed homes and most comps are 4-bed, you’re likely to see a better ROI. But if most nearby homes are 3-bed, the lift may be more modest.
- 3 months ago
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Chris Robertson
Chris Robertson Group x Real Brokerage
You should convert the loft :)
- 3 months ago
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Mary Ann Azzolina
Coldwell Banker Realty
Yes. Converting a loft into a legal, enclosed bedroom typically raises value and buyer appeal, provided it meets egress, ventilation/heat, and other local “bedroom” requirements.
- 2 months ago
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Devin Kroner
EXP, Northern Kentucky
That’s a great question, and the answer really depends on your goals. If you’re planning to stay in the home for a while and you truly need the extra bedroom—say, for family or guests—then converting the loft could be worth it simply for your lifestyle and comfort.
From a resale perspective, it’s important to ask: Would this conversion feel like a true value-add in your local market, or would it look like a quick “add-on” just to sell? Buyers are savvy, and they can tell when a space was thoughtfully designed versus hastily closed off.
The impact on value also depends on your area’s buyer trends. For example, if homes in your neighborhood with an extra bedroom are consistently selling faster or for a premium, then a conversion might help you compete. But if most buyers value that open loft space—maybe as a home office, playroom, or flex area—you could risk losing that appeal.
Before you decide, I’d recommend:
Looking at recent sales in your area—how do loft vs. extra bedroom homes compare?
Considering the cost of the conversion versus the realistic return.
Thinking about how buyers will feel when they walk into that space. Will they see it as a natural, useful bedroom, or as a compromised layout?
Sometimes just staging the loft with intention (as an office or guest area) can create that same perceived value without the expense.
From a resale perspective, it’s important to ask: Would this conversion feel like a true value-add in your local market, or would it look like a quick “add-on” just to sell? Buyers are savvy, and they can tell when a space was thoughtfully designed versus hastily closed off.
The impact on value also depends on your area’s buyer trends. For example, if homes in your neighborhood with an extra bedroom are consistently selling faster or for a premium, then a conversion might help you compete. But if most buyers value that open loft space—maybe as a home office, playroom, or flex area—you could risk losing that appeal.
Before you decide, I’d recommend:
Looking at recent sales in your area—how do loft vs. extra bedroom homes compare?
Considering the cost of the conversion versus the realistic return.
Thinking about how buyers will feel when they walk into that space. Will they see it as a natural, useful bedroom, or as a compromised layout?
Sometimes just staging the loft with intention (as an office or guest area) can create that same perceived value without the expense.
- 3 months ago
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Chaimae Yaagoubi
Keller Williams Wellington
It depends on your goals. If you're thinking of selling, converting the loft to a bedroom can add value—especially if it increases your total bedroom count to four or more. This often attracts more buyers and boosts your resale potential. That said, all work must be properly permitted and meet local building code (closet, window, minimum square footage) to be considered a legal bedroom and add value on paper. If you're staying put, think about how you'll use the space—sometimes a loft works better as a home office, media room, or playroom. I hope this helps!
- 3 months ago
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Rhonda Buckner
Buckner Homes Realty Inc
It could all depending on the size of the loft/bedroom. It has to have a window to be a bedroom.
- 3 months ago
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Seychelle Van Poole
Van Poole Properties
Odds are, in your area, an extra bedroom will bring you more value than a loft will.
- 3 months ago
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Dusty Wells
1 Source Realty Pros
I want to add to Chaimae Yaagoubi's comment below of :
It depends on your goals. If you're thinking of selling, converting the loft to a bedroom can add value—especially if it increases your total bedroom count to four or more. This often attracts more buyers and boosts your resale potential. That said, all work must be properly permitted and meet local building code (closet, window, minimum square footage) to be considered a legal bedroom and add value on paper. If you're staying put, think about how you'll use the space—sometimes a loft works better as a home office, media room, or playroom.
Keep in mind that you need to check to see if your septic tank is rated for an additional room as well. If your septic permit states it's for a 2 bedroom and the loft will make the home a 3 bedroom you will want to reach out to your local septic inspector to see what permits and what actions it would take to make the septic permit show that it's rated for an additional bedroom. Otherwise you will have issues selling the home with an added bedroom. I do hope this helps!
It depends on your goals. If you're thinking of selling, converting the loft to a bedroom can add value—especially if it increases your total bedroom count to four or more. This often attracts more buyers and boosts your resale potential. That said, all work must be properly permitted and meet local building code (closet, window, minimum square footage) to be considered a legal bedroom and add value on paper. If you're staying put, think about how you'll use the space—sometimes a loft works better as a home office, media room, or playroom.
Keep in mind that you need to check to see if your septic tank is rated for an additional room as well. If your septic permit states it's for a 2 bedroom and the loft will make the home a 3 bedroom you will want to reach out to your local septic inspector to see what permits and what actions it would take to make the septic permit show that it's rated for an additional bedroom. Otherwise you will have issues selling the home with an added bedroom. I do hope this helps!
- 2 months ago
- Helpful (1)
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Jason Craig
Coldwell Banker
Converting an open loft into a fully enclosed bedroom can add value, but whether it’s worthwhile depends on how the space will be used and what buyers in your market want. Before closing up the loft you’ll want to make sure the finished room meets the definition of a bedroom in your municipality—in most areas that means it must have adequate square footage and ceiling height, a source of heat and ventilation, a window large enough to serve as an emergency egress, and a door for privacy. Some MLS boards also expect a closet; if there isn’t one, a built‑in wardrobe can suffice.
Because a loft is usually open to the living space below, enclosing it may require adding framing, drywall and sound insulation, extending the HVAC system, and possibly reconfiguring lighting. You’ll need a building permit and inspections so the work is safe and will count when you sell. All of that has a cost, and depending on the design you could lose some of the airy feel that made the loft appealing.
If most buyers in your area value an extra bedroom and your home is short on them, the conversion could improve resale value and broaden your pool of buyers. If buyers like the loft as a flexible office/playroom or den, you might not see a return on investment. A local agent or appraiser can compare sales to estimate what an additional bedroom is worth in your market and whether the upgrade makes sense for you.
Because a loft is usually open to the living space below, enclosing it may require adding framing, drywall and sound insulation, extending the HVAC system, and possibly reconfiguring lighting. You’ll need a building permit and inspections so the work is safe and will count when you sell. All of that has a cost, and depending on the design you could lose some of the airy feel that made the loft appealing.
If most buyers in your area value an extra bedroom and your home is short on them, the conversion could improve resale value and broaden your pool of buyers. If buyers like the loft as a flexible office/playroom or den, you might not see a return on investment. A local agent or appraiser can compare sales to estimate what an additional bedroom is worth in your market and whether the upgrade makes sense for you.
- 2 weeks ago
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