Decorating and Design - Bedroom with no windows
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lmk1707
05-08-09, 09:39 AM
I'm getting ready to put an offer on a condo that has a nice-sized light & airy living area, at the cost of a teeny bedroom with no windows. Traditionally I like a lot of light in my bedroom. Generally speaking (I don't have pics at the moment), are there wall colors/light fixtures that can help brighten up a windowless bedroom? The only light comes from the door, and a 1.5' x 4' cutout in the wall by the ceiling. Another problem is there is no electrical connection in the ceiling, so anything installed would have to be connected to an outlet. Thanks!
pmgca
05-08-09, 10:49 AM
Hi lmk1707, welcome to DIY,
Independent of other design considerations, a sleeping room without (at least) an emergency-egress window is a code violation
An egress window must satisfy the conditions stated in the International Residential Code (IRC):
Minimum opening area. All emergency escape and rescue opening shall have a minimum net clear opening of 5.7
square feet (0.530 mē).
Exception: Grade floor openings shall have a minimum net clear opening of 5 square feet (0.465 mē).
Where an emergency escape and rescue window is located at grade level, the opening size requirement is reduced to be 5 square feet (0.46 mē). This results from the increased ease of access from the exterior and the probability that a ladder will not be needed.
Minimum opening height. The minimum net clear opening height shall be 24 inches (610 mm).
The minimum opening height for emergency space and rescue opening is 24 inches (610 mm), based on the minimum
dimension of a fire fighter with full rescue equipment.
Minimum opening width. The minimum net clear opening width shall be 20 inches (508 mm).
This section establishes a minimum width of 20 inches (508 mm) for emergency space and rescue openings, based on the minimum dimension of a fire fighter with full rescue equipment.
Ask for the approved building plans and verify if the room is cleared as "bedroom". If the plans read "storage" or "study", etc, so you can't legally use that room as a sleeping room
Also, what about air ventilation?
Independent of other design considerations, a sleeping room without (at least) an emergency-egress window is a code violation
An egress window must satisfy the conditions stated in the International Residential Code (IRC):
Minimum opening area. All emergency escape and rescue opening shall have a minimum net clear opening of 5.7
square feet (0.530 mē).
Exception: Grade floor openings shall have a minimum net clear opening of 5 square feet (0.465 mē).
Where an emergency escape and rescue window is located at grade level, the opening size requirement is reduced to be 5 square feet (0.46 mē). This results from the increased ease of access from the exterior and the probability that a ladder will not be needed.
Minimum opening height. The minimum net clear opening height shall be 24 inches (610 mm).
The minimum opening height for emergency space and rescue opening is 24 inches (610 mm), based on the minimum
dimension of a fire fighter with full rescue equipment.
Minimum opening width. The minimum net clear opening width shall be 20 inches (508 mm).
This section establishes a minimum width of 20 inches (508 mm) for emergency space and rescue openings, based on the minimum dimension of a fire fighter with full rescue equipment.
Ask for the approved building plans and verify if the room is cleared as "bedroom". If the plans read "storage" or "study", etc, so you can't legally use that room as a sleeping room
Also, what about air ventilation?
lmk1707
05-08-09, 11:19 AM
That is an excellent (and sobering) point. Maybe it was converted from a studio? The listing agent calls it a one bedroom, though I suppose they could put whatever they want in there and hope you don't read the fine print...
Thank you SO much for bringing this up. I wouldn't have even thought of it.
Thank you SO much for bringing this up. I wouldn't have even thought of it.
pmgca
05-08-09, 01:59 PM
Hi lmk1707
Glad to know I helped! :D
The real state agent is supposed to know this issue. Probably it is a converted study or office :rolleyes:
Glad to know I helped! :D
The real state agent is supposed to know this issue. Probably it is a converted study or office :rolleyes: