Room in basement with no window

10 years ago

Down in the lower ground floor we are altering the layout slightly to add a new bathroom and have worked out that we could add a small 8' x 9' bedroom down there if we reduce the bathroom down to 8' x 6' - the problem is because of it's location, light and ventilation could be an issue? Could we put a window into the landing for borrowed light - and would that suffice?

If not should I still make it into a habitable room such as a study? Would it be more important in a rental to have a large bathroom that would otherwise be 8'10'' and a very small utility room or a smaller bathroom and study?

Thank you for your time and kind regards,

Oliver

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Comments (5)

rinked
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
8x6' sounds ok for a bathroom and 8x8' is really a minimum for a bedroom, so 8x7' for the bathroom would be a lovely space. And a dark bedroom seems better than a dark study, but in both cases a transom window would be a major plus and proper ventilation a must. What are your plans, rent it out?
PRO
OnePlan
10 years ago
Hi you will also need either a fire escape window of a minimum of 450mmx 450mm or fire treated stair option for escape in the event of a fire, and drains for bathrooms can be especially difficult in a basement and may require a pump
Here's a link to a UK website with a lot of interesting reading !
http://www.homebuilding.co.uk/advice/existing-homes/converting-basement/design-guide
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It is not the only route. An alternative route is via the ground floor main door, but has to make a big detour around the house and down a flight of stairs. My initial thought was also to turn it into a basement reception room instead. Indeed... hence I'm quite hesitant to build a separate utility room next to the kitchen. But if the majority thinks it's wise, I'll have to make a rethink about it (as the current kitchen space is quite spacious as well, just the layout I need to rework) Also I have a hunch that a toilet/shower room might come in handy for this basement, so that anyone in the basement need not walk up and down the stairway whenever they need to use the washroom. But not sure if to stay with a simple toilet OR to add a shower room in there as well (OR to include dryer/washer instead).
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Oliver Rees
Original Author
10 years ago
@rinqreation Yes we plan to rent it out, just would prefer to use the space more wisely than have a pretty huge bathroom in a one bed flat. @OnePlan If a openable transom window was put in the room would that be a suitable method of escape? The bathroom is not an issue as it's actually lower ground and the drains are already there with a toilet in place.
PRO
OnePlan
10 years ago
Hi - best to speak with your local building control office - they are usually helpful - although some can be a bit fickle - on the whole most are happy to advise !!
lefty47
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
HI -- If the bedroom is going to be closed off with a door , then for code and safety - you have to have a point of egress , a window that you can get out of in case of an emergency . Check with your city building by-law office and they will help you -- You may also need to apply for permits before you build anything.

Room in basement with no window

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rinked

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Room in basement with no window

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rinked

OnePlan

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Oliver ReesOriginal Author

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Oliver Rees
Original Author