Will you lower the value of a home by converting a 3BR to a 2BR (making one BR bigger)? Also removing the DR?

Question

I have a condo. It is built like a town house (end unit). It is 3BR, 1FB 1HB, 1,400 SF. The bedrooms upstairs are kind of small. I was thinking of knocking out the wall of one of the largest rooms to merge two rooms. It would almost make a master br. Is this acceptable. I was told this would lower the value of the house. Also we have a Dinning Room that is between the living rom and Kitchen. I was thinking of getting rid of the DR and making the Living room bigger and making a eat in kitchen?

Answer 1

First- there is a good chance that the wall you wish to knock down is a supporting wall and can not be removed, as your roof might cave in.

Second- the staple of American housing is a 3/2. This is because most home owners are families with 1-2 kids. If you reduce the number of bedrooms you reduce the appeal to the lagest percentage of potential buyers. Because of this you will most likely lower the value of the home.

Answer 2

I would not recommend removing a bedroom. If you knock down a wall to connect 2 bedrooms you are essentially losing a bunch of potential buyers because most families search for 3+ bedrooms. I would suggest removing the dining room to make your kitchen and your living room larger. The biggest selling point in a home is the kitchen so whatever you can do to make that better, will benefit you in the end. Good luck!

Answer 3

I'm not crazy about the idea of loosing a bedroom especially if you will sell in the near future.

But I love the idea of opening up the living/dining/kitchen space for more of a "great room" look. You will have to be careful to allow enough eating space for the size of the house.

I always tell my students that "the space we don't use is just as important as the space that we do use". Meaning leave room for possible guest seating, or a leaf or extra table at times.

Answer 4

I don't think it will lower the value, in fact I think that's a smart idea. And yes get rid of the dining room. A larger living room and kitchen are better selling factors.

Answer 5

two bedrooms dont sell well even if the other rooms are larger, the home has to be practical and a two bedroom wont cut it, unless you are in an area that has a lot of empty nesters.
real estate investor

Answer 6

having a bathroom on both floors would increase the value.anything other will decrease value.you might want to find a 5br house then do it.

Answer 7

Interesting thread!

Answer 8

No this will not lower the value.

Answer 9

thank you! informative and this gives me better knowledge

Answer 10

I would not recommend this idea