Genearl code question regardling finishing basement

So I know codes vary by town, but I have really just a general question I'm hoping I can find an answer to without having to bug the permit office.

I have a full basement, none of it is finished. I know for certain I can't make it fully finished because it is impossible for my stairs to meet code (head room/landing space).

My question is though, would I be allowed to just make a single room finished? Not a bedroom, just a general use room. Possibly in addition a bathroom.

There are two methods of egress, a bulkhead and the stairs. As I understand it, only a bedroom would need a window egress.

Thank you!

 

If you walk in with that story, they will obviously see through the intentions, but probably be willing to give you suggestions if you are cooperative. Confrontation does not work and makes their job tougher, which no one wants.

A new room (unknown actual use) and a bathroom screams bedroom!

You can take a chance and if you expect not sell it at any time, you can get away with it unless you have some neighbors that might object and report the construction.

If you want to maximize the saleability and value, you should have a permit and there are always variances and ways to do it legally if you are open. Many building officials are also DIYers and like to find ways to do it right within a budget.

Dick

 

Humm, no, not a bedroom

Actually, I want an entertainment room, the whole home theater thing. A bathroom would be just to have a second bathroom in the house. It's a 3 bedroom/1 bath house, and I really ... really... really hate the bathroom. Can't remodel it though... as it would not leave us with anywhere to use a bathroom or shower.

I wasn't clear on it, as I keep going back and forth on a purpose for the room. Home theater, or fill it with aquariums. I keep fish as a hobby, and concrete floors offer fantastic advantages for not having to worry about multi-ton fish tanks on your floors. They need a heated space though, so just using the open basement is not an option (too cold).

I just want to know if I can build a room and be up to code, I won't skip a permit, I don't want to suffer the misfortune of a loss (fire/weather) and the insurance company go "Sorry, no permit, claim denied". Resell ability really isn't a priority for me at all. If because of the stairs the finished space can not be claimed as 'livable area' on real estate so be it, I really don't care.

I just want to know if because of the stairs, there is no possible way to build anything at all in the basement to code.

 

IMO finishing this for an entertainment room and a bathroom would likely be fine. As you mention there will be no bedroom. Bedroom is defined as a room with a closet. No closet, no bedroom. Draw up a plan and summit it to the local. They will approve or deny it for the permit. See what they say.

 

Thanks, hopefully they don't have an issue with the stairs.

 

And if there does happen to be a stairway clearance issue, just think outside of the box to correct it.

Never forget the DIY motto--T.O.C. (Thrive On Challenge)!

 

Most cities have a list of exceptioins that may be allowed for a basement finish, headroom, stair width, etc. My permit for a room addition , at grade, required an egress window for the basement, and no inspector even went to the basement. If you have a standard 32 by 18 window up high in the basement, it's fairly easy to saw it down to a level that would allow a casement window to meet the egress specs. Let me know if you need more help on this. As for the codes, I would just write up what you want to do, a couple drawings, a few pics and go see the permit tech or plan reviewer, and just ask, What am I up against?

 

Check with the local Building Department, as said. The existing space would be changed, so it may fall under: ALTERATION. The reconfiguration of any space, the addition or elimination of any door or window, the reconfiguration or extension of any system, or the installation of any additional equipment. From: Appendix J - Existing Buildings And Structures


If no existing egress from the space, it may be under: RECONSTRUCTION. The reconfiguration of a space that affects an exit, a renovation and/or alteration when the work area is not permitted to be occupied because existing means of egress and fire protection systems, or their equivalent, are not in place or continuously maintained; and/or there are extensive alterations as defined in Section AJ501.3.

If under “Alteration”----- the stairs would be alright: AJ501.8.2 Stair headroom. Headroom height on existing basement stairs being altered or modified shall not be reduced below the existing stairway finished headroom. Existing basement stairs not otherwise being altered shall be permitted to maintain the current finished headroom.

AJ501.8.3 Stair landing. Landings serving existing basement stairs being altered or modified shall not be reduced below the existing stairway landing depth and width. Existing basement stairs not otherwise being altered shall be permitted to maintain the current landing depth and width. From: Appendix J - Existing Buildings And Structures

Work with the Building Inspector on this, they may surprise you. Local jurisdiction may add requirements to the IRC, if you are even under this Code.

BTW- A sleeping room does not require a closet per code, though if it has one…..: Sleeping Room Definition

Gary