What Is a Bonus Room? A Real Estate Prize (and Property Tax Loophole)

Unless you grew up in a cave (no judgments!), odds are you know what most rooms in a house are called. For instance, you know full well what a bedroom is, and a bathroom is also self-explanatory (but half-bath or quarter-bath, not so much). Yet homes do have a few rooms that could be head-scratchers, and one of those is what's called a "bonus room." So what is a bonus room?

While it might sound like some game show feature where you pick the correct door to open to win an exciting prize, a bonus room is actually best defined by what it is not: It typically does not have a closet. It might not even have a door, windows, or all four walls. The ceiling might be lower than standard in places, so you have to watch your head.
​
In other words, a bonus room might lack the comforts of a traditional room. It is typically found in attics, above garages, or in other forgotten spaces. Nonetheless, bonus rooms have their benefits. First and foremost, it's extra space, even it it doesn't count as a bedroom because it lacks those roomlike features. Plus, it doesn't count as a room on your property taxes , which are lower as a result. So, a bonus room can offer a "Bonus" in square footage without the financial costs.

​What can you do with a bonus room?

While a bonus room might not work well for roommates or guests who crave closets, privacy, and other comforts afforded by traditional rooms, there are plenty of other options for the space.

Depending on the size, shape, and location of a bonus room, it could be used as a crafts room, office, playroom, library, exercise room, teen/tween escape pod, or a combination of these.
​
Another term for this versatile space is a "flex room." Add a TV, some shelves, and a sofa, and this narrow space with a sloped ceiling becomes a media room.

Bonus room turned into a media room. With some custom built-ins, a similarly odd-shaped space becomes a reading nook that also works as a guest room and an office.

Reading nook, guest room, and office.

The ceiling in this attic room is too awkward for adults, but it works for a children's bedroom.

Bonus room questions and concerns;

Read More