Don,

If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck ... it's duck ... regardless of what the IRC says about it.

What happens when the next owner uses that for what it is ... a bedroom ... and someone dies in there? *I* would not want to get that phone call.

"In the discussion I had with IRC, I was told that a person could sleep in any room."

Yes, you can even sleep in the kitchen, but that does not make it a "bedroom" - heck, you can even sleep in the attic or garage, but that does not make them "bedrooms".

The critical factors should be: a) does it have a smoke detector; b) does it have a closet suitable for clothes - not just a small storage closet for the equipment; c) does it have a window for natural light and ventilation?

Many media rooms I've seen have been able to get by without the required "natural light and ventilation" because ... the window would be kept closed and the black out shades kept drawn. I don't necessarily agree with those allowances, but, if the AHJ allows them, then that room does not meet the requirements of a "bedroom". Put in a window and that room does become "a bedroom" and that window should meet the EERO requirements.

"Bedrooms" are not 'rooms where one can sleep', they are intended for use as 'sleeping rooms', and, if the room meets the requirements of a 'sleeping room' and can be used for that purpose, then it "likely will become a sleeping room (i.e., "bedroom) at some point in time".

I know the ICC people are making 'allowances' for new rooms, but to me (old fashioned me) thinks "If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck ... it's duck.", I don't care if the builder does call it a "dog" room on the plans ... when the Aflack duck waddles in and makes it it's room, it's a "duck" room.

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Jerry Peck, Construction / Litigation Consultant
Construction Litigation Consultants, LLC ( www.ConstructionLitigationConsultants.com )