FAQs: Basements

I am finishing my basement; what inspections are required and when?

Am I required to have an emergency exit directly to the outside?

If I am making alterations to an existing finished basement, what changes will force me to add emergency egress?

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I am finishing my basement; what inspections are required and when?
A close in inspection is required for all trades, such as building framing, electrical concealment, and plumbing concealment. If you are installing any gas appliances, a 1st gas inspection will also be required. Additionally, if you are required to move your plumbing ground works by breaking up the concrete slab, a plumbing ground work inspection will be required.

NOTE: There are 3 permits usually required when finishing a basement: building, plumbing, and electrical, and all three need to be requested for a concealment and when requesting a final inspection. Go to Finished Basements for more information.

 

Am I required to have an emergency exit directly to the outside?
Yes, a window or door is required to provide an emergency egress route from the basement to outside of the house. For more information, please refer to the Fairfax County Typical Finished Basement Detail (PDF)

 

If I am making alterations to an existing finished basement, what changes will force me to add emergency egress?
See below to determine if your changes will require emergency egress.

Alterations which require egress	Alterations which do not require egress
Finishing existing unfinished areas into habitable spaces such as a hobby room, computer room, recreation room or bedroom1. Converting an existing finished area into a bedroom1.	Changing or adding finishes such as paint, wallpaper, chair-rail or paneling. Adding a non-habitable space such as a laundry room, closet or bathroom. Adding a wet bar.

¹ In this case, the emergency egress must serve the bedroom.