Replies

1. 
   BobKovacs | Nov 24, 2003 03:00pm | #1

   There's no specific "habitable attic" section of BOCA that I'm familiar with (I'm in NJ also, BTW).   What was probably being referred to is Chapter 12 of BOCA- "Interior Environments".  Be sure to read this section in detail, as it covers minimum room dimensions, ceiling heights, daylight, etc.  The part that probably most concerns the inspector is the sloped ceiling created by the roof- area under a certain height (5', I believe) doesn't count toward your minimum required floor area.

   Are you sure you're using the right edition of BOCA?  Most of the municipalities around me have already started adopting the IBC, and those that haven't are using BOCA 1999- I don't know of anyone still allowing you to design to BOCA 1996.

   Bob

2. 
   Mongo | Nov 25, 2003 10:34pm | #2

   Same concern in my neck of the woods...overall ceiling heights and floor square footage due to kneewall/sloped ceiling height restrictions.

   Plus egress. How many stairs/how far to go to egress the attic should an emergency (read: fire) occur in the dewlling. Often from attics you need two egress doors. Not two from the attic per se, but two within reasonable distance once you get out of the attic and into the main body of the house.

   Also lighting and ventilation. Old code had to be...I think 8% of the attic floor's sq footage had to be windows? I'm fairly certain that 2000IRC allows mechanical ventilation.

   The ceiling height is kind of cut and dried with numbers that must be met. My inspector seems to be open to interpretation regarding egress routes and stairways when exiting the attic in an emergency. Still need windows with properly dimensioned openings/sill heights, etc.

   Also, the converted attic can only be above a second floor, thus becoming the third floor. In my area we can't finish off the attic above a third floor, thus making a fourth floor.

   Edit: I'd have a sit-down with the inspector and get a printed copy of all code issues that relate to this remodel. Much better to hash things out now than after framing has started. Also, come of the stuff I have written may just be local, but it may bring up points of conversation. Still, get the straight stuff from your inspector.

   
   

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   Edited 11/25/2003 2:56:53 PM ET by Mongo

1. 
   AndyEngel | Nov 25, 2003 10:47pm | #3

   Not sure about the IRC or BOCA, but CABO used to have fire code issues with habitable attics if they constituted a third floor. It changed the classification of the building, and you'd have to build fire walls and ceilings throughout, or install a sprinkler system.Andy Engel, The Former Accidental Moderator