I'm closing on a house that has a semi-finished basement. It's got some tile and paint but lacks interior walls apart from around a toilet and a small workshop under an addition. The current owners have set it up with a few seats and a TV, so it's kind of a living space. My goal is to fully finish it, adding walls and a full bathroom, but there's a problem: the ceiling height is between 6'6" and 7', while Illinois code requires at least 7'6" for living spaces. I know I need a permit for this kind of work, but I'm not familiar with how the permitting process works in relation to code violations. Essentially, can I build walls and put in flooring without crossing the line into creating a 'living space' that violates ceiling height regulations? Alternatively, can I do this work as long as I don't rent out any rooms? Additionally, how deep would I need to dig for underpinning to raise the ceiling height?
2 Answers
Just so you know, putting up interior walls and adding flooring will classify that space as a living area. It's best to check with your local building department, but if they don't grant a variance, legally finishing the basement with 7' ceilings might not be possible.
You should definitely reach out to your local building department. They might allow a variance for a fee. Generally, you would also need to consult a structural engineer if you want to make significant changes like removing floor materials. I know someone who raised their house by 4 feet to create a basement; it turned out really nice!
Good point! You'll definitely want to confirm that with them.