Bedroom regulations?

[mlfrye]

Hi – Does anyone have a good handle on what makes a bedroom legally a bedroom? Is it window size, closets, doorways, smoke detector? All or some of those? Thanks!

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[Homer]

mostly window size and it needs to be an egress (sp?) window (big enough for someone to get through in case of emergency. Oh, a closet would be good there too…

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[busser]

I believe it has to have a window that opens and a closet, and a door/way (for fire reasons).

This is completely offhand info, I think even maybe TenantsUnion.org has this info if you want to look.

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[PDieter]

Legally:

an “egress window” or two doors. [“Egress” is really designed to allow a fully suited fireman to come in through said window. i.e. big enough and close enough to the floor; I forget the details but roughly 30 x 36 (wxh) and within 40″ of the floor.]

And a closet.

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[inactive]

Pdieter-

Just saw this – If you don’t know offhand, would you have a site to refer me too?

Would it meet code if a second door was located inside a walkin closet? Nevermind the goofy aesthetics. Are there specs req’d on minimum door sizes?

Thx-

BTW, I ended up contracting with Valley Line Cabinets for my kitchen remodel, based on a recommendation you made here!

Not quite finished with that project, but kind of planning ahead for basement.

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[Sue]

This references an older version of the Seattle Building Code, but might be helpful anyway for generalities:

http://blog.redfin.com/seattle/2007/04/house_hunting_tips_whats_a_bedroom.html

I believe this is the most recent version of the SBC if you want to browse it as well:

http://www2.iccsafe.org/states/Seattle2006/seattle_building/building_frameset.htm

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[VentanaConstruction]

I think you may find this publication from the DPD most helpful. It outlines the requirements for egress in section 5.

http://www.seattle.gov/DPD/Publications/CAM/cam303A.pdf

A couple of additional thoughts: that 44″ off the ground is for the top of the finished sill. Also note the words “net clear opening” for the window. That means the opening that you climb through. Insist that your supplier verifies that the window you purchase will meet egress. One other window requirement: if it’s less than 18″ off grade, it needs to be tempered. It’s likely less than that on the outside of the house.

My understanding is that the door has to be in the room to make it an egress. Having to go through another door to get to it isn’t good enough.

If you’re doing more than $4000 worth of work, the city will want you to have a permit for the work you’re doing. The good thing about that is that the inspector will make sure everything meets code.

If you have lingering questions, just call the help desk at the DPD. They are very nice to homeowners and should be able to get you the answers you’re looking for.

Good luck with your project!

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[inactive]

Hey Ventana –

thanks so VERY much. I thought a door in a closet wasn’t gonna’ work, but had to ask. I will be following up on the info with DPD, but I wanted you to know that the seminar I attended last winter at Ventana was so valuable to me for my kitchen remodel. I would not have known how to proceed without it.

I acted as my own general and luckily found a few good people to help me. I have learned SO much. The kitchen is to code AND I will end at only 7% or so over budget. I will recommend your seminar to anyone I can to help them get

their ducks in a row before beginning a project.

Thank you again!!!

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