Where to insulate basement walls

I am in the process of finishing my basement and have successfully got through the framing and fire block inspections. After framing the inspector asked me to install insulation and there has to be an insulation inspection. He said that I need to insulate the perimeter walls.

I looked up online and cannot find the code specific to New Jersey for which walls in a basement require insulation. I live in a townhouse so I have neighbors on the east side and west side. I have insulated the walls on the North and South side that is exposed to the outside elements. Is this enough? The basement does not have any temperature issues and I was not planning to install any insulation, but somewhere in the NJ building code this is a requirement.

The basement does not have any moisture problems. It has been dry since I bought the place for 2 years now. Please advise.

Thanks in advance.

 

what county ? ? ? 2 yrs doesn't mean much - how old is the structure ?

i'd call him & ask for the code reference - those guys love to be treated as gawds & its rare to find a good guy - we're been lucky !

 

If the basement is below grade, it is geothermally correct to begin with. Insulation would be optional. Not sure of his code reference, but how much money are you talking. Remember, even though you are right, he is "righter", in that he will be the one to pass the electrical, plumbing and do the final inspection, and make your project unbearable. If you can bet the code reference from him without ruffling feathers, that would be a plus.

 

Chandler,

Just call the inspector & ask what needs to be done to meet the code requirement. Ask the questions you need to be sure you do what he wants completed.

For the other replies, you guys are making this inspector out to be a Monster. That may not be the case here. My experience has always been good regarding City inspectors (3 houses, 3 different cities, multiple projects requiring inspection). While yes my experience may be limited, each & every inspector that I have worked with were helpful in answering questions and nice to talk with regarding my projects. Yes the inspector can make your life miserable, but be nice to them, treat them with respect & expect the same in return.

 

I wasn't making the inspector to be an ogre. He has the final say. You go up against him with an attitude, and he'll shut you down. Period. My point was to be NICE. I am glad you had good experiences with your inspectors. I have had a mix in 20 years. One came to my site wearing black and blue marks. I didn't ask him where he got them, but I know why. The one we have here, now, is a gentleman, pure and simple. He is willing to discuss procedures all day long.

 

most of them are wanna-be contractors who have limited vocabularies,,, we've seen both sides of the aisle,,, ALWAYS be pleasant even if he's a prick,,, ' the final say ' is his as posted previously,,, the guy we've got now issued a stop work order on our job but pulled it the following monday,,, can you believe - he went to bat for US ?

he's rare ! we're in a condo doing our kitchen's remodel - turns out condo's are ' commercial contractor's ' work even if i'm a licensed gc in another state - YIKES ! ! !

 

The definitions of "commercial contractor" and "G.C." vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. What counts is the definition and law for the jurisdiction where the work is being done.

In any case you have to deall with the person that has the authority. Confronting him is the worst thing you can do, because they have probably seen others trying the same thing, which means you do not went to tell him he is wrong.

Give him a coffee and a doughnut and ask him "if it was your home what is the most practical solution or method based on what was previously approved".

Too bad you got so far into the finishing before your started.

Dick

 

Thanks everyone for your advise.

The basement is below grade and the structure is about 9 years old. I insulated the outer facing walls with R-13 faced insulation and did not insulate the walls on the east and west side as there are neighboring units. The inspector came round and passed the insulation. He said if I wanted to also insulate the east and west side that was fine as it will also help as a sound barrier. So all is good and thanks again all for your help.