Replies

1. 
   BillHartmann | Jul 29, 2004 05:22pm | #1

   That is a good question.

   Because you could acid stain the floor and stucco coat the walls and spray paint the ceiling and all mechanicals white and if it was a aloft it would be expensive finsihed space.

2. 
   PhillGiles | Jul 29, 2004 11:20pm | #2

   Where I live, "finished" is a tax by-law term, and a basement room is not finished until the ceiling goes in. Once apon a time, that could have a significant affect on your taxes: we're market value assessment now, so the effect of the ceiling on taxes is less. Now, what they want talk about is "changing the use of a room".

   .

   Phill Giles

   The Unionville Woodwright

   Unionville, Ontario

3. 
   RW | Jul 29, 2004 11:42pm | #3

   Interesting question. I think some of what Phil says applies here. Usage seems to matter most. I had a basement finish once where the HO was planning to do a drop ceiling - themselves - after I left. Building department grumbled a little. I couldn't call it a finished space (and the city couldn't tax) without the ceiling . . . they nosed around their books momentarily and asked if I'd be putting in carpet. When I said yes, everything got cheery again. Here's your permit. Have a nice day.

   "If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man." - Mark Twain

1. 
   EricS | Jul 30, 2004 01:50am | #4

   Maybe a little more helpful info.  This is, I believe a typical Cape Cod basement in the Wash DC area.  All basement walls are painted concrete block and there is no heat or AC to any part of the basement.

   One half of the basement is dedicated to a laundry area, AC air handler, boiler, HWH, dehumidifier, food storage, and workbench area.  This half would definitely be considered unfinished - at least IMO.

   The other half has asphalt tile floor, no ceiling, single bed, dresser, TV, a few desks, sewing machine, three "drop ceiling type" lights down the center, door to exterior stairs leading to rear yard.  This room WAS habited by someone (gratis rental) who helped a little around the house but no longer resides.

   Not that I'm bugging anyone for a specific answer but it SEEMS as though the presence of a ceiling (or lack thereof) defines the room from a code standpoint.  Yes?   

1. 
   maverick | Jul 30, 2004 03:58am | #5

   I would think the space would have to be conditioned, I.E; Heat,AC,fresh air supplied.

2. 
   BillHartmann | Jul 30, 2004 04:35am | #7

   What is the reason behind this question.

   Now the IRC2000 does define Habitable space. And a habitable basement needs a secondary escape, not just if it is used for sleeping.

   And it defines it as an area used for living, sleeping, cooking or eating. Bathrooms, halls, utility, and storage areas are not habitable space.

2. 
   stonefever | Jul 30, 2004 04:28am | #6

   As Phil says, the definition for tax purposes in my county is a finished ceiling and floor.