I own a 4-bedroom ranch house with a half bath in the master, and I'm thinking about combining two of the bedrooms (the current master and the second largest one). The plan is to convert the half bath into a full bath and create a larger master with an en-suite. While I realize that reducing the number of bedrooms might lower the value, I believe adding a full bathroom and more closet space is a smart move given the typical buyers of ranch houses—young families and older couples—who might not prioritize a 4-bedroom layout. What do you all think?
3 Answers
If you’re thinking about selling in the next couple of years, it might be risky to reduce from 4 bedrooms to 3. Families usually need those extra rooms, especially if they have kids and a parent working from home. But hey, who knows? You might find that perfect buyer who loves your new layout—it’s definitely a gamble.
If you don't plan to sell anytime soon (like in the next 6-10 years), go ahead and make the changes you want! After all, it’s your home, and having a full bathroom sounds great. However, keep in mind that some buyers look for that extra bedroom, especially in today’s work-from-home environment.
Three bedrooms can work just fine for many families, especially if they’re designed well. Switching from 4 to 3 isn’t uncommon and the impact on value could be minimal. Just keep in mind emerging trends that prioritize home offices—those are in high demand right now!