Is it safe to sleep in a basement bedroom? Find out here.
So, is your basement suitable for use as a bedroom? Simply said. You are allowed to use your basement as a bedroom as long as it conforms to all applicable construction regulations. Egress codes, often known as emergency escape and rescue opening requirements, are needed for basement living quarters. While placing your master bedroom in the basement may not make sense, having a separate sleeping area on the ground floor of your house can be a terrific idea. A basement bedroom has several perks, whether it’s for visitors or your teen. Let’s look at all you should know about a basement bedroom.
Make sure you have these things done before sleeping in your basement.
The Benefits
It might be labor-intensive to add a basement bedroom to your house, but the extra room can have a variety of advantages, such as expanding your living area and providing accommodations for visitors, that make the effort worthwhile.
Increased Living Space
Making the most of your living space is one of the main advantages of having a bedroom in the basement. Creating a cozy bedroom out of an unused basement gives you more space to unwind, which is especially useful for growing families or people who frequently host visitors.
Added Privacy
For visitors or teenagers who want a quiet refuge from the hubbub of the main living rooms, a lower-level bedroom provides a private, independent space. This can increase their level of comfort and privacy, enabling a more pleasurable and peaceful living situation for everyone in the home.
Increase Home’s Value
The value of your home can be greatly increased by adding a bedroom in the basement. Homes with extra living space are frequently sought after by buyers, making them a good investment with potential for profit. Your property can stand out from the competition on the market by having attractive and practical sleeping rooms. Consider that four concrete walls will not be as inviting as a walk-out basement with full-size windows. For basements that are saturated with natural light, buyers will be willing to spend extra. They have a sense more like the upper living rooms than a basement.
Considerations
There are several factors to take into account when planning to add a basement bedroom to your house, including safety, building codes and the design of your basement.
Safety Requirements
When redesigning, keep in mind that a basement bedroom will need to adhere to fundamental safety requirements. A basement bedroom should typically have a door and an emergency escape, which is typically a window that an adult may use to leave easily; this is referred to as an egress window. To keep a space cozy and secure, adequate ventilation and heating systems are required. These guarantee proper airflow and stop the growth of mold or dampness. It’s crucial to comprehend the legal bedroom requirements, especially if you’re adding one to your basement.
Building Codes and Regulations
Specific building laws and requirements must be followed while designing basement bedrooms. Here are some important things to think about:
- Observing the requirements of the International Residential Code (IRC): Residential buildings must adhere to the International Residential Code. Room size, lighting, ventilation, accessibility, heating, electrical systems and smoke/carbon monoxide alarms are all included in the egress (exiting) criteria. It is essential to follow these codes to protect the safety and welfare of the building’s residents.
- Variations in local building codes: It is crucial to review local building codes and regulations since they can have particular specifications that diverge from the IRC. These variances may be influenced by local government, topography, and climate.
- It’s important to note that if your home has a septic system, you cannot advertise that it has more bedrooms than the system can hold. For instance, you cannot market your house as having four bedrooms if the septic system was built for a home with three bedrooms and you added a bedroom to the basement. This error is frequently made by real estate agents and home sellers, who risk legal action for misrepresenting the number of bedrooms.
Basement Layout
To make the remodeling process as easy and painless as possible, it’s crucial to consider your basement’s plan and where you’ll place your basement bedroom. The greatest thing you can do is locate the bedroom in a location that complies with all relevant requirements of the building code. Consider where the bedroom will receive the most light as well as other aesthetic elements that the arrangement may affect.
Your Health
Since you use the majority of the other rooms in your home regularly, they are almost always in good condition. The situation is different in the basement, though. You might occasionally go days or even weeks without going down to the basement. Therefore, there is a chance that it might not be the best spot to stay for an extended period of time.
You’ll be able to identify the issues and make plans for how to fix them as a result. Start utilizing your basement more frequently once the problems are fixed, and keep it clean every day to keep the air quality up. You can sleep in your basement without experiencing any health problems as long as you have adequate ventilation and keep the space clean and well-maintained. A basement might contain a lot of things that can make living there challenging. Early detection will allow you to limit any harm and repair the problems more swiftly and affordably. Here are a few things you need to be on the lookout for.
Mold
The most common reason for poor indoor air quality is mold. Even the most common varieties of mold can cause sickness. One such type is the black stachybotrys, which can cause major respiratory issues. Basements are typically highly prone to mold growth since they thrive in moist, dark areas, especially when there are leakage problems or not much use for the space.
VOCs
Another factor contributing to poor basement air quality is VOCs, or volatile organic compounds. Adhesives, paint, upholstery, appliances, flooring, and even personal care products include these substances. Therefore, frequently inspect any product that contains VOCs for leaks and discard those that are damaged. Additionally, always have low-VOC goods in your basement.
Ventilation
In a basement, ventilation is crucial, especially given that it is not connected to the outside like your other rooms are. Make sure you constantly use the same HVAC system in your basement as you do in your home if you plan to turn it into a livable space. Install windows as well, and be sure to open them frequently to let fresh air in.
Home Gym
You need to wash and clean them at least twice a week if you have a home gym in your basement. If you solely use your basement for your home gym, it is likely that you don’t vacuum or dust it as frequently as you do other rooms. You could breathe in dust, lint, mites, and other dangerous particles if the equipment isn’t properly maintained.
Carpet
Since carpet is far less expensive than hardwood or tiles, many people choose to install it as the floor covering in their basements. Make sure to vacuum and dust any carpet in your basement regularly, if not more frequently. Over time, dust, filth, and mold spores can gather in the carpet, which can become a breeding ground for bacteria.
