Well, much like any bonus, a bonus room is a little something extra (or sometimes a big something extra). It’s extra space in a home that has not been given a specific designation such as dining room or bedroom. A bonus room may be used for many different functions. Frequently, a bonus room becomes a multipurpose room or a family room. Sometimes, a bonus room is made specific, such as being turned into a home office, den, family room, home gym, home theater, playroom, or a craft and hobby center.
How a bonus room can be used depends a great deal upon its size, design, and location. In some cases, it may be a large area of extra square footage with open doorways that connects two other rooms. Such a design may not lend itself to creating an office, guest room, another permanent bedroom, or any type of space that requires privacy.
If the room is separate enough to maintain privacy, it can basically be used for anything, although some improvements may be necessary, such as adding closets or doors. While a bonus room that is built into the original home design is often built without a closet (a closet usually designates a room as being listed officially as another bedroom), bonus rooms built as additions may in fact be complete with closets. Or, if you decide the space needs to be made into another bedroom, you can add a closet if space is sufficient.
When looking at homes, examine bonus rooms carefully, not only for usability but also for quality of construction. People sometimes enclose sun porches or attached garages to acquire extra living space. Make sure that permanent heating, cooling, and electrical (plumbing if applicable) systems are in place. If not, see that such things are addressed before closing or agree on an arrangement that will help you pay for the necessary improvements.