FrancescaQuinn

Hello,
I want to add a bedroom to my basement. It's a walk out basement but the door would not be in the bedroom. Does the door have to be in the bedroom to meet code??
Thanks!

inspectorD

Ask your code official....
But if it was my family that was going to die in the fire...yes..I would put an egress in the bedroom. How much is someone worth to ya..

The egress is not so someone can get out..it is so the fireman can get in and save your smoke filled lungs. If they don't see an egress window in the basement, they won't always look down there first. And no hatchways are allowed because if something falls on them ,or snow and ice gets built up...you cannot get out.

Try not to save $$ on this one...you won't like yourself if something were to happen. You installed smoke detectors in your house right?

Welcome aboard, hope I didn't scare ya too much, just want folks to be safe.

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Made in the

Wuzzat?

http://codes.richmond.ky.us/Forms/Brochures/Emergency%20Escape.pdf

See R310.1 and R311.1; this matches what is in my 2000 IRC.

FrancescaQuinn

Thanks so much for your reply!
Not that this should matter but we are just in the process of fixing up our house to move. We are trying to add value to our house by adding a 3rd bedroom but don't want to spend a lot of $$$.
p.s. What's a nonconforming bedroom??

Wuzzat?

I thought it was where people did kinky things.

GBR

Yes, door or egress sized window in bedroom: Common Building-Code Violations: Emergency-Egress Windows Too Small - Fine Homebuilding Article

http://illowaicc.org/uploadedFiles/Illowa/Codes/Emergency%20Escape%20Rescue%20Openings.pdf

Be safe, Gary

mudmixer

If that is a non-conformingbedroom, the appraiser will not count it as a bedroom and the appraised value will be lower, which reduces the number of people that get a full value mortgage.

If a buyer or home inspector catches this after you have a signed agreement, he can walk away unless you cut the price to a lower level.

Do not try the excuse by saying "It is not used as a bedroom now". That is a classic, old way of trying to get around.

Make sure you talk to the building inspector.

Dick

rcnails

egress means to EXIT! firemen may be able to enter an egress window also, but the window is there for the occupant to exit if he is able.

handyguys

Yes, BUT - My understanding on the size of an opening for egress is to allow a fireman, with an airtank, to easily enter.

We talk about basement finishing and return on investment here
Episode #16 To DIY your basement or not… that is the question

also we talk about prepping your home for sale here (including what to upgrade and what not to)
Episode #27 – Prepare your home for sale

Good luck

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The Handyguys Podcast [url]http://www.handyguyspodcast.com[/url]

rcnails

no doubt that a fireman can use an egress window to help someone in need, but let's face it most occupants luckily get themselves out before firefighters are even on the scene (i speak from experience as i am a FF). the code calls for this window in a basement as a 2nd way out and not only must the window be large enough to egress but also the window well should have steps to facilitate an exit (or entrance by the FD). but as you have stated i am sure the codes may take the FD into consideration.