Basements are a great feature for a home and one that many people actively look for when shopping for a home in the Pacific Northwest. Even if it is unfinished, a basement is always loaded with possibilities: storage space, a rec room for the kids, a teen space, a man cave, or a guest room are some of the potential uses that basements suggest. However, if you have a non-conforming bedroom in your basement, it can create a significant barrier to using your basement as you would wish.
What is a Non-Conforming Bedroom?
A non-conforming basement bedroom is a bedroom located in the basement of a home that does not meet the legal building code requirements regarding safety and health. Even if you intend to use the room only occasionally for guests, it must meet building code requirements for all rooms where someone will sleep.
Common reasons a basement bedroom might be non-conforming include lack of proper egress windows, insufficient ceiling height, inadequate ventilation, or improper heating and cooling. Building codes require that any room in which people sleep must meet minimum requirements.
Depending upon the problem, however, you may be able to transform your non-conforming room into a conforming room easily. Here are some challenges you may face and what you can do to convert the space.
Converting a Non-Conforming Bedroom
It’s important to note that making a non-conforming basement bedroom meet legal requirements can be a complex process, and it’s generally a good idea to work with a professional contractor who has experience with basement renovations. Additionally, obtaining the necessary permits and inspections from the local building department is essential to ensure the upgrades are legal and safe. Here are some tips.
Check local building codes and regulations: The first step is to check with the local building department to determine the specific requirements for basement bedrooms in your area.
Ensure proper ceiling height: This problem can be a deal-breaker. In most areas, the ceiling height in a basement bedroom must meet the minimum requirement specified by local building codes, usually around 7 feet. If your basement ceiling is too low, there are only two options: lower the floor or raise the ceiling. But how do you do that without significant structural changes? Sometimes, it cannot be done. However, if this is your problem, have a builder inspect your basement ceiling. If you have a drop ceiling, or the beams can be raised, the problem may not be as intractable as you imagine.
Provide adequate heating and cooling: Basements can be chilly in the winter and hot in the summer, so it’s essential to ensure that the bedroom has a heating and cooling system capable of maintaining a comfortable temperature. Your local building department will be able to provide the details about what is required. Expanding your central HVAC system may not be necessary; instead, a small, independent system is likely sufficient.
Install proper ventilation: Basements can be damp and humid, so adequate ventilation is essential for maintaining a healthy living environment. This might involve installing a ventilation system, but sometimes can be remedied simply by opening or installing windows to promote air circulation. You may be able to fix this issue by installing an egress window.
Install egress windows: Egress windows (or doors) are an absolute requirement. Egress windows provide a safe escape route in an emergency, such as a fire or other disaster. Without an egress window, people in a basement only have one escape route: the stairs. If the stairs are blocked or damaged, however, the lack of an egress window can trap a person, which is dangerous and sometimes deadly. Egress windows or doors must meet specific size and accessibility requirements to ensure that they are large enough to allow a person to pass through. They also must be easy to open.
509 Concrete Cutting and Egress Window Can Help
If you have a non-conforming basement bedroom, installing an egress window or door is crucial to bring it up to code. This is essential for the safety and well-being of you and anyone who uses your basement to sleep.
