Exit Doors in Basement

[jproffer]

What are the general exit requirements in a basement bedroom? And also, can an exit door open inward? The exact situation is this: Basement bedroom opens (or will open) to the outside. At the bottom of the steps will be one door, and at the top, obviously another. Can the door at the bottom open inward? The one at the top almost has to, but I'm just making sure about the bottom door. The bottom door ONLY leads to the top door, no confusion possible, so that's not really an issue. Only things I'm not sure about is the orientation options, I know in commercial app's it has to open out, but I assume thats due to the panic and number of people in public places.

[twelvepole]

Check with local building inspector regarding codes, permits, & inspections if finishing out basement area. Recent codes address egress issues.

[homebild]

Some general rules about basment bedrooms are that they have two means of egress and at least 1 be to the outside either via an approved door or window.

It would appear that your egress door up a dedicated door to the outside would meet residential requirements for egress, but you would also need to have at least one other means of escape and emergency access to the room, possibly up to the first floor via an interior set of stairs or an outside window.

Residential entry/exit doors are designed for inward opening. Your door at the bottom of the stairwell should pose no problem, but it is a code violation to open inward any door over a set of steps unless the door opens over a platform at the top of the stairs.

If there is no landing at the top of your stairs exiting the bedroom to the outside, the upper door must, by code, swing out.

As previously mentioned, you need to consult your local code office for local and specific details.

[jproffer]

Thanks guys. Yeah there are stairs to the upstair within 2 or 3 feet of the room in question, and at the top of those stairs is a door out to the back, not dedicated ONLY to that door (i.e-you COULD go into the kitchen after cresting the stairs), but I think it should satisfy requirements, dont you? The outside door out of the basement (the dedicated one) does open in, I'll have to look at how to put in a landing. :rolleyes: I guess rework the stairs to be out farther. Any requirements on the landing before I get to that? I would assume there is a size requirement, front to back. 3 ft. seems like it would do it (by common sense rules), but just wanna make sure.

[lefty]

jproffer,

We can give you GENERAL answers regarding codes and egress requirements, but you'll HAVE to ask your local building dept. -- the one which has jurisdiction where your home is located -- for SPECIFIC answers. It varies, from one jurisdiction to the next, exactly what's required. (And that's true, whether you are talking egress from a basement, how to build a deck, or whatever.)