Basement finishing height minimums for meeting building codes?

9 months ago

We bought a 1920 home and the basement is unfinished. We want to finish the basement for personal use, but are not 100% clear on the codes. We found that for Rhode Island the minimum height is 6’8” for existing basements. Our basement is exactly 6’8”.

Is that 6’8” the current unfinished clearance to obtain a permit, or must it be 6’8” after finsihing (with flooring/ceiling)?

We’d anticipate no losing more than a half inch, but would put us below that threshold if the latter. Basically want to know if we’re able to legally finish it or not…

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

HU-867564120
9 months ago
Finished height.
PRO
DeWayne
9 months ago
After finishing, with all the flooring, ceiling cladding, etc. And you must have a finished ceiling. Either a drop ceiling, or drywall.
Related Professionals
Portage Architects & Building Designers · Brownsville General Contractors · Centereach General Contractors · Chatsworth General Contractors · Alhambra General Contractors · Dunedin General Contractors · Grand Junction General Contractors · Norwell General Contractors · San Bruno General Contractors · Charleston Interior Designers & Decorators · Charleston Architects & Building Designers · Brandon Flooring Contractors · Tewksbury Flooring Contractors · Van Nuys Furniture & Accessories · Edmond Window Treatments
PRO
GN Builders L.L.C
9 months ago
You should be fine, we deal with this all the time in older neighborhoods where houses dated back to the 1900s and never had an issue with the basement ceiling height when applying for a building permit.

Your best bet is to talk to a local building department and tell them you have a 19020's home with a ceiling height of such n such and if you're ok with finishing your basement.
Emily Homeowner thanked GN Builders L.L.C
PRO
HALLETT & Co.
9 months ago
Put in lvp and paint the exposed ceiling rafters. You will still have 6-8 ceilings…
Emily Homeowner thanked HALLETT & Co.