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Updated about 4 years ago on . Most recent reply

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Jeff G.
  • Investor
  • Wethersfield, CT
191
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371
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How do I Get a Basment to Count Towards Square Footage in CT?

Jeff G.
  • Investor
  • Wethersfield, CT
Posted
I'm looking at a house right now that has a partially finished basement but it's clear that the square footage in the basement isn't counted towards the total square footage of the house. If I buy it, how do I change that? 

I realize an hatch or an egress window is the first answer. But what else has to happen? What if the work in the basement isn't permitted? If I have an (ugly) hatchway, how expensive is it to convert it to a modern egress window? Is that change a cost effective value add or no?
  • Jeff G.
  • Most Popular Reply

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    4,471
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    Jaron Walling
    • Rental Property Investor
    • Indianapolis, IN
    4,142
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    Jaron Walling
    • Rental Property Investor
    • Indianapolis, IN
    Replied

    Found a simple article showcasing the residential codes for Indiana. Every state is different but one thing that caught my eye is the sill height for a permitted basement window. If a regular window installed costs $385 it's probably 4X that for a basement. 

    "shall have a sill height of not more than 44" above the floor; where the sill height is below grade" - Those details matter if you want a legal bedroom added to the property. Best of luck man. 

    https://www.thegreategressco.c....

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